Walkara Way Conservation Project
The Walkara Way Conservation Project is aimed at rehabilitating the Utah Lake shoreline from the Provo Boat Harbor to the Saratoga Springs flood gates and spillway. This fully takes in Vineyard’s portion of the shoreline.
The plan is to fence off the land between the developed land and the waterline of Utah Lake and bring in cows to eat back the phragmites (tall weeds that block water flow and breed mosquitoes and mayflies). The goal is to clean up the waterfront in a natural, organic and sustainable way. This will naturally control mosquitoes that carry so many diseases, including West Nile Virus. Over time it will create usable parks and waterfront recreation that we all can enjoy. It worked for the pioneers. It should work for us.
Jacob Holdaway, a life-long Vineyard resident is leading this effort. It was his vision and perseverance that brought the project into reality. He has obtained funding and permission from a dozen landowners, cities, Utah County and the State of Utah to begin a pilot project on Vineyard’s south Utah Lake shoreline. His dream is to restore the shoreline to the idyllic condition he remembers from when he hunted, fished and played there as a boy. The shoreline was phragmites-free in those days. The difference—cows. The early Vineyard residents ran dairy herds there in those days, and the cows kept the area clear of invasive weeds like the phragmites.
I fully support Jake’s efforts and will continue to offer as much help and support as possible. I think the City of Vineyard should do the same. I would encourage you to become involved too.
You may learn more about this project at the following links:
The Utah Lake Commission Official Website:
The Walkara Way Official Facebook group: Walkara Way Conservation project
Public group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2454249811362514/