Welcome to the West Desert Watershed Council page!

The West Desert Watershed Council will be one of the 12 local watershed councils that will operate in Utah.

Current Status

We are in the process of organizing this council and anticipate convening in the summer or fall of 2023. The dates and location of convening meetings will be posted below.

We are taking unofficial nominations for this watershed council.

• Nomination does not guarantee membership, but is the first step in the process of convening this council.
• Nominees must reside or work within the watershed or own or control the right to divert water within the watershed. 

West Desert Nomination Form

Council Development

Initially, we gather unofficial nominations from local governments, key stakeholders and interested individuals. Nominees are then informed and asked about their interest and availability to serve on the council. The list of nominees is further refined by the interest they may represent, as required by code.

Then a large group meeting is convened with all interested nominees to further discuss potential roles, interests and structure of the council. At a second meeting, the group elects officers and adopts organizing documents and bylaws. Finally, the new council prepares an application packet for certification by the Utah Watershed Council, makes a presentation and is certified as the official council for their local watershed.

Purpose

Local watershed councils are created to encourage and facilitate discussion and collaboration or water-related issues and concerns among the stakeholders within the watershed. As feasible, the watershed council will facilitate communication and coordination among the following interests:

• Agriculture
• Industry
• Utah tribal nations
• Public water suppliers
• Water planning and research institutions
• Water quality
• Fish and wildlife
• Water dependent habitat and environments
• Watershed management
• Mutual irrigation companies
• Local sponsors of reclamation projects

Each local watershed council will designate one representative to serve on the Utah Watersheds Council, where issues of concern can be brought to the attention of the Legislature and governor.