In 2022, the water level of Great Salt Lake hit a historic low, threatening the economic, environmental, and public health of Utah in ways never before seen. As part of a multifaceted effort to protect the lake, the Utah State Legislature unanimously passed HB 410, authorizing the establishment of a $40 million water trust to enhance water quantity and quality in Great Salt Lake, creating lasting infrastructure to preserve an iconic and invaluable part of our state.
When it comes to helping Great Salt Lake get back to healthy levels, securing more water for the lake is widely considered one of the most effective solutions. National Audubon Society’s Saline Lakes Program and The Nature Conservancy in Utah were chosen to implement and lead the Trust, and have been making great progress toward the goals outlined in the Trust’s Five-Year Strategy.
In 2025, its third year of operation, through a diverse web of partnerships, the Trust transacted ~72,500 acre-feet of water for the Lake, more than any year prior, and strategically timed the release of that water to have the greatest ecological and community-wide benefits. These transactions would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of the Trust’s incredible partners throughout the Great Salt Lake Basin who share the common goal of striving for a healthy Great Salt Lake and wetlands system. 2025 also marked the completion of several of the 2023 and 2024 funded wetland projects, which have resulted in the creation and restoration of wetland habitat and improved water control structures at inflow points and in wetland areas, improving the connection and productivity of the whole ecosystem.
The Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust’s 2025 Impact Report highlights specific projects and partnerships and the impact of the Trust’s efforts to help secure a healthy future for Great Salt Lake and its wetlands throughout the last year.
Read the 2025 Impact Report and learn more about the Trust here.
As co-managers of the Trust, National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy remain rooted in the belief that every drop of water dedicated and delivered to Great Salt Lake matters. The Community Foundation of Utah serves as the fiscal steward for the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust and is proud to partner with Audubon and TNC to support this instrumental, strategic effort to sustain Great Salt Lake.
Invest in Solutions to Save Our Great Salt Lake
The shrinking Great Salt Lake is one of the most pressing challenges facing our community and the Great Salt Lake Watershed Trust is poised to play an instrumental role in the solution. Your donation supports coordinated public-private initiatives to retain and enhance water flows to the lake as well as wetlands restoration critical for the well-being of our community for generations to come. Learn more at www.gslwatertrust.org.
For donations greater than $2,500, please email
Partners
