The Utah Department of Natural Resources has made significant strides in enhancing the health of local reservoirs, as discussed during the Blue Ribbon/Habitat Council Joint Meeting on March 20, 2025. A key highlight was the successful implementation of solar aeration systems, known as SolarBees, which have shown promising results in maintaining oxygen levels in the water, crucial for fish survival.

During the meeting, Brian, a project presenter, shared data indicating that the Calder reservoir, equipped with SolarBees, has consistently maintained oxygen levels sufficient to support fish life, even during winter months. This contrasts sharply with other reservoirs, such as Kraus, which experienced critical oxygen depletion. The data suggests that the SolarBees are effectively preventing fish kills, a significant concern for local ecosystems.

The meeting also addressed the financial aspects of the project, with a proposed budget of $64,000 for the purchase and installation of additional SolarBees. This investment is seen as a cost-effective solution to a long-standing problem of low oxygen levels in the reservoirs, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and threaten aquatic life. The council discussed the importance of this funding, emphasizing that it would not only improve water quality but also enhance the overall health of the fish populations, potentially allowing them to meet blue ribbon criteria for quality.

Concerns were raised about the safety of monitoring equipment, as some buoys used for oxygen measurement have reportedly become targets for vandalism. Despite this, the overall sentiment in the meeting was optimistic, with participants recognizing the potential of the SolarBees to buy time for the reservoirs during dry years, ensuring that fish populations can thrive until water levels improve.

As the meeting concluded, the focus shifted to the next steps in the project, with a clear commitment to continue monitoring and improving the health of Utah's vital water resources. The collaborative efforts between the Blue Ribbon and Habitat Council signal a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, aiming to safeguard aquatic ecosystems for future generations.