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Ladies and Gents:
Please see the notice below that describes the City of Farmington's intent
to conduct a wetland planning study. This study may be both a basis for
future land use planning and a precursor to developing wetland areas.
Concerned parties have the opportunity to hear more and make their thoughts
known at the March 24, 7 p.m. meeting in Farmington as described in the first
paragraph.
I recently visited Farmington Bay via the construction detour that took me
over 1525W. Many of the yards in a new subdivision were flooded, and much
of the pasture land was under water. I felt sorry for two horses that were
corralled on a tiny high spot in a flooded pasture...and it occured to me
that the spring melt in this normal snowfall year has just
begun.
I also recall a melancholy message on birdnet last fall expressing
sadness at the discovery of a new subdivision and school in the place of one
of last year's eagle roosting habitats. Loss of that habitat
seems to be a sign of our times. Perhaps the city leaders who supported
the development of the area didn't hear from people who value leaving room for
wildlife: birders...conservationists... hunters...moms and dads who want
their kids to know the natural world. If that's you, consider
attending the meeting and open house and let Farmington city planners know your
views.
Kris
P.S. If the wetland study is used as a basis to develop wetlands into
housing and commercial areas, perhaps my recommendation will be to put all
structures up on stilts--I saw a few homes along 1525W that need them.
----- Original Message -----
From: BirderB@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 9:56 PM
Subject: Farmington City Wetlands Study Greetings:
I received a newsletter from Farmington City in the mail today. It is
the March 2004 issue of Farmington News. I bring it to your attention,
since it features an article regarding a Wetland Planning Meeting and Open House
slated for March 24th at 7 p.m., at the Farmington City offices located at 130
North Main Street in Farmington.
The article discusses the recent approval by the Mayor and City Council for
a wetland planning study. The purpose of the study is to inventory
and map wetlands situated within the City's incorporated boundaries. The
wetland inventory will be used for land use planning.
The article suggests that this study will be a potential first step
toward developing a Special Area Management Plan (SAMP). A SAMP is a
planning tool which provides for the US Army Corps of Engineers pre-approving
the development of certain wetland areas. The article explains that the
City believes the development of a SAMP will help the City's economic
development and help landowners better understand the best land use options for
their properties.
The open house will focus on areas located both east and west of
I-15. General information about the study will be provided and its use in
future land use planning. Unfortunately, I will be attending the Utah
Division of Wildlife Resources, Northern Region Regional Advisory Council
Meeting in Brigham City at that time and will miss this important
public Farmington meeting. I feel it is important that this
meeting be attended by Audubon representatives from local chapters and the
Utah Audubon Council, as well as other stake holders, interested parties and
citizens to fully understand this study and the impacts it may have to wetlands
through development.
Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area is located nearby; potential
development of surrounding wetlands may impact this area. The Great Salt
Lake Bird Festival is held in this area and may be impacted too.
There has been quite a bit of development of residential housing
subdivisions in Farmington which have already fragmented habitat for a variety
of wildlife. Development of various tracts of land in Farmington for
commercial and residential use continues. Wetland and upland areas have
already been impacted and lost through development. Parts of Farmington
suffered flooding and mud slides during the spring of 1983. Reduction of
wetlands may further exacerbate future flood situations.
There was a Farmington newsletter in the past that described the time line
in which Farmington could be fully developed. We ought to consider whether
full development is desirable. Keeping some open space, green belts and
wetlands ought to be one of the goals within this community.
Please forward this e-mail to those whom you know will be interested in
attending this meeting and becoming aware of this wetland study.
Regards,
Bill
Fenimore
AT Large
Representative
Utah Division
of Wildlife Resources
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