The Great Salt Lake: Better Than It Smells

Before moving to the Salt Lake area, I had only ever driven by The Great Salt Lake on my way to California. I really didn't know anything about it, and never bothered to explore it. The first time I actually stopped to walk out to the shoreline, I was pretty turned off because of the smell. I think this is common for most visitors, and the lake has gotten some negative attention because of it. 

What many people don't know, is the smell is not caused by the lake itself, but by treated wastewater pumped into Farmington Bay. So why deal with the smell and visit the Great Salt Lake? 

The Great Salt Lake is the Western Hemisphere's largest saltwater lake, but there has been a steady drop, drained by decades of water consumption. It has reached near record-low levels, exposing half of the lake's bed. This decline is affecting millions of migratory birds, and could bring major consequences for Utah. Consumption and mineral extraction are the major culprits in the 48% decline of the water level. 

Unfortunately, I don't have any answers on how to reverse this decline, but I do know that I don't want the lake disappearing any time soon. The lake is beautiful, serene, and mysterious and has been the muse for many artists. More importantly, it provides habitat for millions of native birds, brine shrimp, shorebirds, and waterfowl.

Something worth thinking about is our own personal usage of natural resources and implementing ways to be more conservative. This world is full of incredible features - let's protect them!