Educational researchers and a coalition of news organizations are intensifying efforts to address the shrinking water levels of the Great Salt Lake through collaborative research, community outreach, and solutions-based journalism. The initiative seeks to inform the public on how Utah can support this critical ecosystem amidst challenges including drought, climate change, and rapid population growth.
Researching Extreme Ecosystems
The Great Salt Lake Institute (GSLI) at Westminster University operates with a mission to connect the public to the lake through dedicated research and educational programming. Established in 20 8, the institute was founded with support from Westminster University and an external grant, which provided the resources necessary to hire a coordinator, employ students, and purchase essential equipment for community outreach.
Educational Initiatives
Since its inception, the institute has focused on developing curriculum for high schools and colleges, as well as facilitating community field trips. The GSLI also maintains a summer undergraduate research program to involve students directly in the study of the lake's unique environment. According to the institute, the Great Salt Lake represents one of the world's extreme ecosystems where life is tested to its limits, offering significant territory for both scientific exploration and environmental stewardship.
Protecting Local Landmarks
The institute's work extends to the protection of world-renowned landmarks, such as the Spiral Jetty. The GSLI has expressed a commitment to valuing and protecting this unique artwork while utilizing the site as a location for conducting valuable research. Furthermore, the institute provides various resources for educators, including teacher training, curriculum development, and access to webinars like the Salty Seminar Series.
Scientific Contributions
In addition to academic research, the institute has contributed to scientific literature through works such as 'Great Salt Lake Biology,' edited by Dr. Bonnie Baxter and Jaimi Butler. This publication, which features various Westminster faculty and students, serves as the first book focused specifically on Great Salt Lake biology, exploring everything from microbial diversity to the impact of tar seeps on the lake's biological health.
A Collaborative Response
Complementing these academic efforts, the Great Salt Lake Collaborative has formed a coalition of 19 news, education, and civic organizations. The group aims to better engage the public regarding the crisis facing the lake by investigating how agencies and individuals are responding to the current environmental challenges. This collaborative effort is driven by the fact that the lake's water levels have shrunk below their lowest recorded levels, currently holding only half of its historic average.
Unified Media Coverage
The Great Salt Lake Collaborative brings together a wide array of media partners, including KSL NewsRadio, KSL-TV, FOX 13 News, the Salt Lake Tribune, and PBS Utah, among others. While many of these news organizations have historically been competitors, the group operates on the belief that the importance of the lake's survival requires unified coverage to reach diverse audiences across Utah's political and economic fault lines.
Focus on Solutions
The collaborative focuses on 'solutions journalism,' a method intended to go beyond merely reporting problems. By investigating successful water-saving strategies implemented in other regions and analyzing why certain responses have or have not worked, the group seeks to provide actionable information for the Wasatch Front. This effort is supported by community partners such as the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air at Utah State University, Salt Lake Community College, and Utah Humanities.
