The June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program (JSRIP) is a multi-agency effort designed to coordinate and implement recovery activities for the formerly endangered (downlisted to "threatened" on December 31, 2020) June sucker, a fish found only in Utah Lake and lower reaches of its tributaries.
JSRIP works to balance water resource requirements for humans with species-recovery efforts. The program recognizes the need to continue operation and development of water projects to meet the Wasatch Front’s water demands.
The JSRIP uses an adaptive management approach in which biological information is continually gathered, reviewed and incorporated into the program. While the priority is on the June sucker, the program also provides a mechanism to promote the recovery of other federally listed species and prevent the need for further listings in the Utah Lake Drainage Basin.
Our Goals
The June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program has two main goals:
- Recover the June sucker to the extent that it no longer requires protection under the Endangered Species Act
- Allow for the continued operation of existing water facilities and future development of water resources for human use
Working toward these goals will enhance Utah Lake’s recreational, economic, and environmental benefits.
Partner Agencies
In 2002, a collection of state, federal and local government agencies, along with outdoor and environmental interest groups, joined forces to coordinate efforts and contribute to the recovery of the June sucker and improvement of the Utah Lake ecosystem. The JSRIP is made up of the following organizations:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Utah Department of Natural Resources
- Central Utah Water Conservancy District
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
- U.S. Department of Interior
- Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission
- Provo River Water Users Association
- Provo Reservoir Water Users Company
- Utah Division of Water Quality
- Outdoor and Environmental Interest Groups
A Dedicated Team of Experts
The representatives of the JSRIP are experienced, senior level experts dedicated to creating measurable results through collaboration with key stakeholders while also being mindful of the public concerns and issues to ensure the delivery of long-term value for the communities they serve.
This dedicated team comes from a variety of backgrounds and positions to assess the situation from a high-level and holistic view, problem-solve, and put in place collaborative programs and actions that get results.
Education & Outreach
Public opinion surveys conducted in the early 2000s revealed that Utah Lake was widely regarded as a polluted and underutilized body of water. Those same surveys also indicated that, while the local public generally supported the Endangered Species Act, they had low regard for the June sucker and the potential for its recovery. Following those surveys, the JSRIP increased informational and educational efforts highlighting the value of Utah Lake, its ecosystem, and the benefits of June sucker recovery. These early efforts resulted in the publication of the book and documentary "Utah Lake: Legacy," which chronicles the history of Utah Lake and the changes that have occurred since Utah Valley was settled.
Over the years, these informational efforts have grown to include symposia on the lake, public festivals like the Utah Lake Festival, and other coordinated efforts that highlight the challenges and benefits of Utah Lake.
