BEAR LAKE STATE PARK MARINA | JARED RAGLAND
Additional Utah State University projects were funded by the Bear Lake research program. These projects are adding to our understanding of the lake, its ecosystem, and the surrounding community. Full reports will be released with the Bear Lake Needs Assessment in early 2025.
Bear Lake Needs Assessment Documentation and Visualization Project
Jared Ragland
Photos for this chapter were provided by Utah State University photography students, who worked to document the challenges facing Bear Lake. This initiative combines scientific research and visual storytelling to highlight issues related to Bear Lake’s natural resources, land use, and human impact. Jarend Ragland and his students conducted over 20 field visits, collaborating with local stakeholders and Utah State University researchers. Their work, reflecting Bear Lake’s agriculture, infrastructure, recreation, and ecology, will be shared and archived, creating a valuable resource of several hundred images for research and communication efforts.
Assessing Bear Lake Environmental Concerns of Scientists, Residents, & Community Organizations
Betsy Brunner, Jessica Schad and Stacia Ryder
Utah State University faculty and student researchers interviewed 28 Bear Lake area residents about wellbeing and future concerns. Participants valued their community’s close-knit nature, outdoor recreation, and environmental connections. Key concerns included rising housing costs, traffic, and ecological impacts from tourism and development.
Irrigation Practices Impact Bear Lake Water Quality
Sena Bildim, Burdette Barker, Matt Yost, and Reganne Briggs
Irrigation practices in the Bear Lake Valley, essential for agriculture, contribute to nutrient loading in local water bodies. Runoff from irrigated lands raises mineral content in nearby waters, which could potentially impact the growth of native and invasive plants, affect wildlife, and influence the ecosystem’s health.
Bear Lake’s History Informs the Region’s Future
Lawrence Culver
Historical records are valuable for understanding Bear Lake’s past and guiding future management decisions. Utah State University students made Bear Lake’s historical resource records more accessible and organized. By providing insights into past management and development, these records can support informed decision-making for the lake’s sustainable future.
Temperatures Affect Bear Lake Watershed’s Peak Runoff and Snowpack
Wei Zhang and Grace Affram
Warming temperatures in the Bear Lake watershed will lead to shifts from snow to rain, resulting in reduced peak runoff. Accurately assessing the watershed’s water budget is challenging, especially with climate-driven changes. The balance of precipitation and runoff impacts the region’s water availability and ecosystem health.
Aquatic Exploration with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles at Bear Lake
Mario Harper
Student and faculty utilized the advanced Blue ROV 2 autonomous submarine robotic system to study Bear Lake’s underwater environment. This project provided a holistic view of the lake’s conditions, offering insights for future conservation and management efforts.