Question by D. Reyes, Murray area
Carla Trentelman, a sociologist who has conducted research about Great Salt Lake, has a few ideas.
Showcase the lake’s beauty through lake-related photography from locals—which could also strengthen the bond communities feel with the lake, she said.
“It might be kind of cool for the communities, or counties, that are near the lake to hold local photography exhibits or even competitions,” said Trentelman, whose research showed that people who had the most experience with the lake also wanted to protect it.
Groups like the Great Salt Lake Rowing Club also promote the lake’s beauty and recreation. And Great Salt Lake Audubon highlights the birds and their habitat.
The lake has played an important role for communities now, as well as throughout history. This is one reason it is so important to restore and preserve it, said Trentelman.
She suggested people research their community’s connections to the lake to further highlight the lake’s importance. They may find ties to bird watching, hunting, farming, swimming or sunset-watching, for example.
“A lot of the communities know about those connections, but the folks living in those communities may not be aware of them.”
Making new connections for youth is also vital. Getting children to play in the sand and pretend they are scientists and explorers will lead to their wanting to preserve it. “All those things help kids really develop a sense that this is a cool, magical place,” she told reporters in the Great Salt Lake Collaborative. “We need to get all our kids out there and all our grandkids out there and all our neighbor’s kids.”
—Reported and written by McCaulee Blackburn
