Jordan River 2013

There has been some exciting things happen along the Jordan River this past year.  Partnerships and reinvestment to the corridor has brought some change and improvement to the river and I am proud to play a small role in this as West Valley City's representative and Chair of the Jordan River Commission.  Below is a link to Comcast Newsmaker segment that was filmed earlier in the fall:

http://www.comcastnewsmakers.com/video/jordan-river-commission/


Also the Jordan River Commission recently honored groups and individuals instrumental in advancing the Jordan River with its annual awards gala.  The Best Practices Toolkit is being unveiled to cities along the river to help them plan and prepare for the future of the river. And finally several cleanup projects and restoration work was completed in 2013.  A published newspaper account of one the restoration projects can be found below:

http://www.westjordanjournal.com/pages/full_story/16414/Restoration-project-begins-along-Jordan-River/

Logo Contest

Today as Chair of the multi-city/county agency, Jordan River Commission, I announced a contest to design the official agency logo. Some good prizes are associated with the contest from a number of fine businesses. The details are as follows:

Jordan River Commission

Commission Chair, Corey Rushton,

Will You Have the Winning Design for the Jordan River Commission Logo?

West Valley City, Utah – May 10, 2011 – The Jordan River Commission is holding a contest to select a design for the organization’s official logo. Commission Chair, Councilman Corey Rushton said, “We thought it would be a fun way to involve the community and to raise awareness of the river.”

Logo submissions should reflect the Commission’s role as a cooperative agency created to provide comprehensive oversight, coordination, and technical assistance to communities along the approximately 50-mile Jordan River corridor.

The Commission members have all come together with donations for a great prize package that you don’t want to miss.

The winner will receive:

• A $300 cash prize
• Four Real Salt Lake tickets
• Two Utah Grizzlies tickets
• Eight Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center passes, a gym bag and four work-out shirts
• Four Hale Center Theater tickets
• Two 2011-2012 Snowbird All Day Tram & Chairs tickets
• A Red Butte Garden annual membership
• $100 gift certificate to the Texas Roadhouse

Contest Sponsors include:

• City of Cottonwood Heights
• West Valley City
• Sandy City
• Red Butte Garden
• SWCA Environmental Consultants
• Hale Center Theater
• Real Salt Lake
• City of Taylorvsille
• Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District
• Utah Grizzlies
• Texas Roadhouse
• Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Contest submissions are due no later than midnight on June 10, 2011 and should be emailed to lahanson@utah.gov. The winning design will be announced on June 17, 2011. See the Jordan River Commission website for Contest Details: www.jordanrivercommission.org.

High Runoff on The Jordan River

Today the Jordan River Commission released a statement regarding the dangers of surrounding the high water levels of the Jordan River. There is also some facts and tid bits provided. The statement reads:

Jordan River Commission calls for Caution as well as Collaboration on Jordan River

West Valley City, Utah - April 21, 2011 - Today the Jordan River Commission issued information regarding current conditions of the Jordan River during this high runoff season. In addition to exercising extreme caution, the Commission affirmed the need for increased collaboration between municipalities and groups in how to best utilize this natural resource. Furthermore the need for more education about recreating along the Jordan River was highlighted on Wednesday by the near-tragedy of a scout troop and their leader being washed away in the river’s flood stage flows.

The Commission asserts that boating and hiking along the Jordan River can be an enjoyable and appropriate activity but, individuals, families, and scout troops need to be educated and informed before they venture out onto the river. Safe paddling on the Jordan River requires knowledge of potential risks, safe entry and take outs and specific problem areas.

Formed in late 2010, the Jordan River Commission was created as an interlocal cooperation to implement the Jordan River Blueprint. The Blueprint is a regional vision developed through a collaborative process sponsored by Salt Lake County and Envision Utah. The Jordan River Commission is working to highlight the Jordan River as a resource for the community, preserve open spaces, and to manage development and preserve open space, and to promote safe recreation along the river’s approximately 50-mile corridor.

The Commission’s Executive Director, Laura Hanson said that projects that the Commission may undertake in the next year include development of educational materials and signage, completing the Jordan River Parkway trail, and better identification and awareness of river access points and hazards. Longer-term projects may also include removal or redesign of dangerous structures in the river. Hanson said, “We are working on establishing a technical committee of hydrology, recreation, land use planning, and engineering experts to craft a strategic approach to tackle problems like that which on Wednesday. We know of several specific problem areas for boaters, and in high flows like this new problems emerge.”

The Commission is excited to start working with experts and the community to promote safe recreation along the Jordan River. Commission Chair, Councilman Corey Rushton of West Valley City expressed his goal for better coordination and communication among all entities along the river corridor, “We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm of the broader community so far, and we encourage more cities and organizations to participate in the Commission and contribute to this needed implementation effort.”

For those interested in boating in the Jordan River, here are a few key lessons from the Salt Lake County Swiftwater Search and Rescue team:

 Boaters should be aware of any area where water quickly changes elevation. Places where water drops off are called low-head dams. These low-head dams create a current that draws water and debris back towards the dam. The current can easily trap a person, tossing them back and forth like a washing machine.
 Watch for any horizontal line across the river as an indicator of a low-head dam. Exit the river well in advance of the hazard, and portage your boat around the problem area.
 Low-head dams are a safety hazard in any type of flow, but are especially dangerous in the spring runoff.
 The force of water increases as its volume increases. As water volume doubles, the force of the water quadruples. As it triples, the force is nine times stronger.
 As the weather warms and more families venture outdoors for picnics, it is important to remember to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and to warn children of the risks.
 The spring is the wrong time to be in or anywhere near the river for four reasons:
1. The water is very cold and can cause hypothermia. In addition the shock of such cold temperatures can cause people to black out almost instantaneously.
2. The water is muddy, visibility is low and high run off can drag fence posts, shopping carts and other debris into the water to created hidden hazards called keepers or strainers. People can easily become entrapped by the pressure of the water pushing them up against a strainer.
3. High flows result in very low clearance under bridges prohibiting boats from safely floating under.
4. A river current always moves you to the center of the stream. Even if you intend on floating along the edge of the river, you will be quickly pulled to the center.

The Jordan River flows through a metropolitan center of over one million residents, and is a spectacular resource for the residents of the region. It is home to many types of waterfowl and is a unique recreational experience. The Jordan River Commission facilitates entities Statewide in working together to celebrate and promote safe enjoyment of this resource.

Community Membership in the Jordan River Commission

As Chair of the Jordan River Commission I recently sent out a notice to any interested businesses, non-profits, or individuals with a desire to protect and promote the Jordan River to apply as a Ex-Officio member. As a commission we realize that we need a wide variety of expertise to successfully manage and maintain the Jordan River. To accomplish this the by-laws of the Commission allow for up to one third of the membership to be ex-offico members that are appointed by the rest of the board. The official press release is below:

Jordan River Commission Seeks Ex Officio Members
West Valley City – The Jordan River Commission today announced that it is seeking interested community partners to join the commission as ex officio members. Businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals with an interest in the preservation and enhancement of the Jordan River are encouraged to apply.
“We are eager to involve the various groups in our community who have a passion for the Jordan River,” says West Valley City Councilmember At Large and Jordan River Commission Chair Corey Rushton. “We look forward to collaborating with them in preserving and promoting this important resource.”
Those interested in becoming ex officio members should contact Corey Rushton at 801-963-3346 or corey.rushton@wvc-ut.gov to express interest and begin the application process. Applications will be reviewed at the Commission’s April meeting.
The Jordan River Commission was established in June 2010 in an effort to preserve and protect the Jordan River. The Commission helps facilitate orderly planning and development while protecting individual jurisdictions’ ability to govern their own area. In addition, the commission promotes and supports the “Blueprint Jordan River” document created by Envision Utah, which has set guiding principles and goals for protecting the Jordan River and developing it as a community resource.
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Jordan River Update

West Valley City was the first city to sign on to the inter-local agreement in establishing the Jordan River Commission. Since the Mayor was out of town performing Sister City duties in Taiwan the duty and honor of signing this resolution was passed to me as Mayor Pro Tem. We had a signing ceremony where several interested legislators, municipalities, and other interested agencies attended. You can read more about that event here:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700046083/West-Valley-City-enters-Jordan-River-Commission.html

I was also invited to the Utah Watershed symposium to give an update of the proposal to the many various water experts in attendance. That event also saw many other municipalities sign onto the inter-local agreement. In semi-conjunction with this event I organized a Jordan River kayak trip for interested members of the City Council and Executive Staff. Many of West Valley City departments were represented on the trip as we paddled are way through the West Valley section of the river. We stopped mid way to take a break and to examine some of the challenges and opportunities by foot before continuing on. Since the trip everyone involved has expressed a better understanding and an increased appreciation of the Jordan River. West Valley City will continue to be at the forefront of preserving and promoting the Jordan River.

Subsequently, I attended West Jordan's City Council meeting where they discussed the merits of the Jordan River Commission. The West Jordan City Council was gracious enough to allow me some time to answers questions and give some perspective. As they continue to debate this measure I was pleased to see a ringing endorsement from KSL on the matter:

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=238&sid=11966959

We will continue to move forward in this process and look for collaborative efforts to enhance this natural amenity.

Jordan River Commission

The following is a press released issued by West Valley City Office of Public Relations regarding the establishment of the Jordan River Commission:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 30, 2010
Contact: Corey Rushton, Councilmember At-Large, 801-963-3346
West Valley City to Sign Resolution to Join Jordan River Commission
WHAT: West Valley City resolution signing to enter interlocal agreement establishing the Jordan River Commission.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: West Valley City Council Chambers
3600 S. Constitution Blvd.
West Valley City, Utah 84119
WHO: Everyone is invited to attend the event.
WHY: On Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 3:30 p.m., West Valley City Mayor Pro Tem Corey Rushton will sign a resolution entering in to an interlocal agreement to establish the Jordan River Commission. The West Valley City Council approved the resolution on June 22, 2010 during its regular City Council meeting. The Commission will coordinate efforts in developing and implementing a comprehensive vision for the entire river. The Jordan River Commission will consist of local government entities bordering the Jordan River.
“West Valley City has been a leader throughout the region in protecting and promoting the Jordan River,” said Rushton. “West Valley City looks forward to continuing those efforts with the Jordan River Commission.”
The Commission will focus on promoting the protection of the Jordan River; facilitate orderly planning and development while protecting the individual jurisdictions’ ability to govern its own area. The Jordan River Commission will also promote and help establish support for the “Blueprint Jordan River” document created by Envision Utah. The “Blueprint Jordan River” document was created through public hearings and public involvement to set guiding principles and goals for protecting the Jordan River and developing it as a community resource.
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Reawakening the Jordan River

The Utah Cultural Celebration Center played host to a luncheon today that centered around the past, present, and future of Jordan River. It was well attended by members of municipalities, businesses, academics, and river enthusiasts all eager to assist in bringing forth the true potential of the Jordan River. As City Councilman and co-chair of the Blueprint Jordan River committee I was able to give some welcoming remarks as well as give a brief overview as to the progress and status of the implementation committee. The main portion of the program was the introduction of the Jordan River photographs documentary (that will be featured at various places along the river in the coming months) followed by a keynote address from Dr. Karl Haglund. Dr. Haglund has Utah roots, but is currently an Urban Planner, Author, and Historian in Boston. He has done extensive research on the Charles River in Boston and drew parallels between the two rivers. Overall it was good to have so many people coming from different backgrounds attend today's event and continue the process of making the Jordan River corridor the natural amenity that we need. Soon the Jordan River committee will submit an inter local agreement to the various municipalities for their consideration in furthering the adoption of a Jordan River Commission.

Jordan River

As the easternmost boundary of West Valley City, the Jordan River is great resource for our community. I currently serve as a co-chair of a intergovernmental committee that is exploring options to enhance and preserve the Jordan River by bringing the various government entities to a common table. Recently the following editorial, written by myself and fellow co-chairs of the committee, was published in the Salt Lake Tribune:

Courage, collaboration are keys to Jordan River's future

By Jenny Wilson, Corey Rushton, Chris Mccandless

Sarah and Michelle are neighbors in a growing Salt Lake County neighborhood. Most early summer mornings, long before their families have stirred, the two friends head to the Jordan River Parkway. It's their place for an hour of uninterrupted power walking.

"It's so quiet in the morning, and so beautiful," says Sarah. With no cars to worry about, Michelle adds, she can enjoy the sunrise and watch the rippling of the Jordan River's quiet current. "Awesome," she says.

While the women walk, a stream of joggers passes by. An occasional bicyclist rolls along. All offer living proof of the passion Utahns have for the Jordan River. Wending its way from Utah Lake on the south to the Great Salt Lake on the north, the Jordan shows promise as a prime urban waterway -- easy to reach, easy to use and easy to love.

This is why Envision Utah, elected officials and interested citizens remain committed to the discussion, careful planning and compromises involved in implementing Blueprint Jordan River, last year's extensive public process to create a common vision for the river corridor's future and improve it in ways that will benefit all residents.

Based on the ideas of more than 2,000 Utah residents who attended a series of community forums, the blueprint offers an inspiring vision for the Jordan: one of the largest urban wildlife corridors in the country; a completed Jordan River Parkway; designation of recreational facilities, including, potentially, a whitewater kayaking course and equestrian area; and redevelopment of blighted sections into lively neighborhood centers.

Realizing this vision would put river partners Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties on par with other communities that have turned urban rivers into beloved destination spots. Think of San Antonio's Riverwalk, the South Platte in Denver or, just a few hours to our north, the greenbelt along the Boise River.

Just imagine the Jordan's bright future.

Some time has passed since Envision Utah released the Blueprint Jordan River report (highlights of which you can find at www.envisionutah.org), but the project is rolling along. For the past six months, elected officials from the 18 jurisdictions along the river and other community leaders have met regularly to craft an appropriate governing mechanism for the project that will ensure improved coordination, local control, community involvement and dedicated funding.

Over the past four decades, previous efforts to reclaim the Jordan have foundered because they failed adequately to include elected leaders with the authority to push the projects through. Further, there was no dependable funding mechanism up front. Finally, past efforts allowed for parochial concerns and piecemeal thinking to derail a chance to accomplish something truly great for this region.

Fourteen communities along the river have adopted resolutions supporting the Jordan River Blueprint and others are in the process of doing so. And while officials are wise in raising a tough recession as an issue in funding the blueprint, it must be underscored that this is a long-term project with an eye fixed on a recovering economy.

A vibrant Jordan River corridor will give residents a place to enjoy the outdoors with family, create opportunities for education about nature and improve water quality on the river and at the Great Salt Lake. Improvements will raise property values and attract tourists and new businesses. All of this can be done thoughtfully and while keeping benefits to the entire region in mind.

This is the best opportunity ever to turn the long-held vision of the Jordan River's promise into reality. It's time for citizens and elected officials to make it happen.