SALT LAKE CITY — Several projects aimed at improving boater access in Utah were recently approved for funding and should begin construction in 2024.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources administers the Boating Access Grant Program for Utah, which funds projects like boat ramps, marina parking areas, marina restrooms, docks and other improvements at boating areas. Through a partnership with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, approximately $2.6 million in funding was made available for these improvements in 2024. Federal funds granted to the DWR by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program — will cover 75% of the overall project costs.
"These projects provide safe and satisfying public access to boating and fishing opportunities at lakes, reservoirs and rivers across the state," DWR Assistant Chief of Fisheries Craig Walker said. "However, it is important to note that the majority of funds — federal and state — used to maintain and construct boater access sites come from boaters themselves through excise taxes on boating equipment, fuel taxes and boater registration fees. Investing these funds to maintain quality boating access across Utah is a testament to the power of a 'user pay–user benefit' approach."
"Boating offers an abundance of opportunities to explore and enjoy our amazing natural spaces throughout Utah," said Division of Outdoor Recreation Boating Program Manager Ty Hunter. "These projects help to increase access, ensure responsible and sustainable use, and motivate more people to get outdoors and into nature by offering new and safe outdoor recreation opportunities on Utah's waterways."
Here is a look at the seven projects officially approved for funding:
Causey Reservoir boat ramp construction: This project will include a nonmotorized boat ramp, additional parking for boaters and restroom facilities. Once the work is completed, visitors will have better access to fishing and recreational boating opportunities. Currently, boaters are only able to access the water via unimproved launching areas. These improvements will provide for safe and accessible launching of nonmotorized watercraft and increased access for boaters and anglers.
Big Sand Wash Reservoir parking lot improvements: Angler use, especially boat angling, has increased at Big Sand Wash Reservoir over the last 10 years. As a result, the undeveloped, unstriped parking lot is full to capacity many weekends and is often chaotic and frustrating to navigate. In an effort to allow the parking lot to accommodate all users and to decrease issues, the parking lot will be paved and striped. These updates will also help minimize erosion in the area.
Lucerne Valley Marina fish-cleaning station updates: The Lucerne Valley Complex offers many recreational opportunities near Flaming Gorge Reservoir, including developed and dispersed campsites, a day-use beach, picnic area, marina and boat ramp. The Lucerne Complex is also the busiest access point for the reservoir. As a result, the fish-cleaning station is heavily used, resulting in frequent needed repairs. This project will include replacing and updating the fish-cleaning station and replacing the sewer line with a new, larger one that can accommodate the frequent use.
Cedar Marina floating trail: This project at the Cedar Springs Marina and boat ramp at Flaming Gorge Reservoir will improve boater access to parking areas, adjacent marina facilities and the ramp by implementing a floating trail. Currently, reservoir water levels fluctuate greatly throughout the year, making the construction of a permanent boater access trail unfeasible. Using a floating access trail provides boaters with access between existing courtesy docks, floating marina facilities, parking areas and the ramp, regardless of water levels.
Boat Utah app: Boating participation continues to expand in Utah. This project will include the development of a new Boat Utah mobile app and database to allow boaters to plan trips that meet their expectations and to allow boaters to rate the access of waterbodies in Utah. Boaters will be able to see others' reviews in real time to better help them make decisions on where to plan a boating trip. The app will also allow the DWR and its partners to assess the conditions of existing boater access infrastructure across Utah, so needed updates and repairs can be implemented more efficiently and quickly.
Utah Lake American Fork Marina parking: This project will provide updates to the American Fork Marina on Utah Lake in order to accommodate an increasing number of boaters at the lake. Part of the improvements will include repaving the parking lot, which will increase safety for boaters who launch and retrieve their watercraft at this access point.
Aquatic invasive species prevention station installations: This project will include the installation of some semipermanent self-service stations at Recapture Reservoir and Pelican Lake, which will provide boaters with the tools and information to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The self-service stations will include instructions and tools like hoses, brushes, etc. to help boaters clean, drain and dry their boats.
Visit the DWR website to learn about last year's Boating Access Grant projects.
Boaters can reach out to the local agency that manages a waterbody or email Walker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to suggest potential boating access improvement project ideas. Visit the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation website to learn more about the boating access grants.
