Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. Roughly $100 million of that. Now, for the bad news. ST. GEORGE, Utah Wilson and Kari Jimenez are thrilled with how their yard looks. This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. The passage of this legislation makes it the first ever statewide program of its kind. Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. Click here to sign in and see program availability. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. Rather than using grass as the default groundcover thats only walked on when its mowed, implementing a statewide rebate program will show that Utah is serious about conservation, Cox said. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. Dozens of creative bills been introduced, including ones to increase turf buyback incentives and to appropriate money to require treated water systemslike for plumbing and drinking in rural areas to implement water metering.. House Majority Leader Mike Schultz (R) introduced a bill Feb. 16 that would appoint a Great Salt Lake commissioner to coordinate state efforts and create a . No matter what Cox proposes, there wont be any impact in the near term. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Cox emphasized, too, that land use planning needs to be integrated with water use planning, but more often than not, that coordination does not take place at the level it should. Localscapes Rewards. Communities within these districts service areas should work with their district to adopt qualifying landscape standards. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. This rule is in place to follow local city ordinances. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. Deidre Henderson participated in a Monday ceremonial signing of the water bills, with Cox musing that he knew for sure the bills and money this year significantly outpaced anything that been done in water law and funding in at least more than a decade and probably in state history. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. Cities can opt in for their residents, who can be compensated $1 per square foot of lawn strip removal or $1.25 if they take a class. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. Try Skijoring in Bear Lake, Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk, Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest, 5 Game Day Snacks for the Whole Family (with recipes! Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation, growing 18.4% over the past decade compared to the national average of 7.4%. The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. The state passed a bill trying to change that. This bill appropriated $250 million in. SB 110 Requires a water use and preservation element to be part of a municipal or county general plan. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Drip emitters and spray heads must be on separate zones. It's something Kari said she encourages. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. Utah's 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water-related bills and appropriations. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. Unpaid water bills will disqualify applicants from the Flip Your Strip program. Even if lawmakers find the cash to fund these programs, the earliest they will go into effect is next spring or early summer. We moved here a year ago to the city, so we decided Lets not worry about it., She puts water on her trees and pumpkins, but that is about it. The rebate is $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with water-wise landscaping. After the press event, Cox told the Deseret News that the drought has not taken controversial water development projects like the Lake Powell Pipeline and Bear River Development plan off the table. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). Deidre Henderson, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District General Manager Bart Forsyth, Central Utah Water Conservancy District Water Conservation Manager Ricky Maloy and others attended the announcement at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy Districts Conservation Garden in West Jordan. Coxs proposal is similar to the Flip Your Strip initiative offered by the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District which offers homeowners a financial incentive to replace the grass on parking strips with water-wise landscaping. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. We really want to use grass in places where it makes sense. ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. Max Peck of West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. As Pineview supplies start to falter, North Ogden passed an ordinance relaxing some rules around use of culinary, or treated water, on shrubs, trees, flowers or for livestock. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. Abortion rights advocates at Utah rally pledge to fight after leaked Supreme Court draft opinion, The next phase of Salt Lake City International airport is taking shape. Aware of an additional resource that would would be helpful to include on this site?Please send an email to greatsaltlake@utah.gov. This drought has caused all of us to reevaluate how we conserve and motivated us to do more, Gov. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. It. The division has partnered with the Central Utah, Jordan Valley, Washington County and Weber Basin Water Conservancy Districts to increase program awareness, increase funding and develop program requirements. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Following our visit, you will also receive a summary report including information . Republican-led states and conservatives challenging the program say it amounts to an unlawful attempt to erase an estimated $430 billion of federal student loan debt under the guise of the pandemic. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? Once your application has been approved, you have up to one year to complete your landscaping project. Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? Localscapes is an approach to landscaping designed specifically for Utah. But the grass seed is designed to grow quickly in the . During the 2022 legislative session, the Division of Water Resources received $5 million to implement a statewide grass replacement rebate program. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. "Were lush. While noting that turf buyback programs like Jordan Valleys Flip Your Strip are local-centric, Cox said he wants Utah to be the first state in the nation to implement its own. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. Metering all secondary water systems, continuing work with farmers and ranchers to reduce water consumption and starting a statewide turf buyback program are all steps Utah needs to take to be more waterwise, Gov. (Isaac Hale | Special to The Tribune) Waves break on the shoreline of Utah Lake near the American Fork Boat Harbor on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. You can sign up here for information on the turf buyback program, With the dramatic decline of the Great Salt Lake, Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. Spencer Cox and Lt. "It just cant be a dirt patch.". In new commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-family development common area landscapes, lawn areas shall not exceed 20% of the total landscaped area, outside of active recreation areas. Mayor Randall said other policies being looked at include ordinances that required a certain percentage of landscaping be turf or prohibiting certain water-hogging trees in developments. Removing lawn from your park strip will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand you can get cash for doing it. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. Further information can be found on the states website. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. This article about skijoring is sponsored by the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide rebate program. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. The following cities have adopted qualifying water-efficient landscape ordinances for new residential developments. Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? Some ideas include metering secondary water systems, which the Legislature is already planning to do, improved technology for farmers and ranchers so they can use water more wisely, and mandating more water-wise landscaping for new developments. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. Those against a new Utah state flag spoke of maintaining history, while supporters said it was time to give a fresh look to the state. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. Photo: Kevin Cody. Begin your application. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. One idea being considered to get Washington County residents to change their outdoor watering habits is paying people to kill their lawns. She's urging residents to think of things like covering a swimming pool when not in use to avoid evaporation, and second-homes in the area that water a lawn that the owner isn't even there for. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. During your consultation, you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, and recommendations for your landscape. 1/10/2022. The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide food for the state, Baker said. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is also updating and enacting a, Tasks the Utah Division of Water Resources to develop the Great Salt Lake Watershed Integrated Water Assessment to look at how much surface and groundwater flow to the lake. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. This year the event will be held from January 27-29 at the Utah Bear Lake State Park Marina and Sunrise Resort and Event Center in Garden City, Utah. Cox hails generational effort in Utahs water law history, What happened after a governor asked his state to pray for rain, Anatomy of a drought: How the West may change for decades to come, How bad is the Western drought? Deidre Henderson, South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Central Utah Water Conservation District manager Rick Maloy participate in a press conference at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan on Thursday. If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. I just heard a lot about the drought, grasshoppers in the middle of the country, how it is affecting farmers, and our yard honestly is not amazing. You can register at UtahWaterSavers.com and plug in your address, finding local discounts on things like smart controllers for sprinkler systems, low-flow toilets and discounts on landscaping. Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, who works on water issues for the Legislature called the idea intriguing, but he is worried about whether it can be implemented fairly. a. Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. Against the backdrop of the Conservation Garden at Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan, Cox called for more action to reduce water consumption. Today Full time Spencer J. Cox joined water officials from around the state to highlight current conservation efforts and outline measures needed to plan for Utahs water future. 06 Feb 2023 19:59:44 First-of-its-kind legislation passed in . The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. Cities will be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements. Also attending are, from left, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Lt. Request a pre-conversion site visit. Some lawmakers had concerns, but most were happy to move the bill forward and make changes later. "Theres going to be people that are going to have some pain points on this," Mayor Randall said. "Its wonderful to have a nice green lawn, but we're in an area where it's not necessarily native, and it just uses more water that we dont have," she said. Spencer Cox said Thursday. The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. Clerk of the House. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. While some turf areas are important and provide a lot of benefit (e.g., parks and playgrounds), many turf areas are hardly used and could be replaced by beautiful drought-tolerant vegetation that requires little to no water at all. Utahs water agencies are in the process of developing a comprehensive state water plan that builds on the previous version developed by the Division of Water Resources. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. For landscaping projects that meet program city adopted via an ordinance the institution of the changes. Removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program this assessment has killed... 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