utah turf buyback programutah turf buyback program

"The turf buyback will offer residents the opportunity to apply for a rebate to remove our thirsty grass with water-wise landscaping," said Candice Hasenyager, the director of Utah's Division of Water Resources. We moved here a year ago to the city, so we decided Lets not worry about it., She puts water on her trees and pumpkins, but that is about it. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. In Jordan Valleys program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. Clerk of the House. In terms of individual water use, one measure by a Utah County lawmaker will create a great opportunity for water saving measures. And were not alone, How metering could help conserve water as drought continues to plague Utah, The worth of water and what conservation strategies are working, Brown lawns, flushing less: How Utahns plan to save water. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. ", Kari said she would have liked to have gotten some money to "help with offsetting material and that type of stuff.". Starting a turf buyback program According to the Governor's office, areas that have installed secondary meters include Spanish Fork, Saratoga Springs and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, and they have seen a reduction in water use by about 20-30%. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. And can he win? HB121 prohibited certain lawn or turf requirements and imposed conservation requirements for state agencies. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. Park strips must be currently landscaped with living, well-maintained lawn. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. The four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. Cox's plan is to become a trailblazer nationwide for the reduction of water use on turf landscapes by implementing a statewide program. "The turf buyback will offer residents the opportunity to apply for a rebate to remove our thirsty grass with water wise landscaping," said Candice Hasenyager, the director of Utah's Division of Water Resources. First, the property must have living and maintained grass and intend to replace it with a drought-resistant type of landscaping. Spencer Cox announced the expansion of a statewide turf buyback program as one of four efforts to conserve water amid the megadrought. All rights reserved. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. "They have actually expressed even wanting to get rid of their grass so I think its been a positive thing.". This is a huge win for Utah. Utah Gov. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. "It still has to be somewhat alive. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. We really want to use grass in places where it makes sense. Governor Deidre Henderson, South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey, Central Utah Water conservation manager Rick Maloy and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District general manager Bart Forsyth. Washington County Water Conservancy District. Cox may have a tough time getting them to dip into ARPA funds for the program, as lawmakers have already said they want that money to be used for generational programs. "We've done it ourselves to save the water. The division has partnered with the Central Utah, Jordan Valley, Washington County and Weber Basin Water Conservancy Districts to increase program awareness, increase funding and develop program requirements. Eight streams are flowing at record low conditions, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. The Utah legislature recently passed three important water billsfocused on water conversation in the midst of a historic megadrought, includingthe first statewide turf buyback program in the country. Unlike North Ogden, some municipal water providers do not have prohibitions regarding the use of indoor water on outdoor landscaping, but households and businesses just need to be prepared to pay much higher water bills. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. Unpaid water bills will disqualify applicants from the Flip Your Strip program. Raising Our Political IQ. "It just cant be a dirt patch.". 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. The nations first statewide turf buy back program in which homeowners will be compensated for the turf they rip out and replace with water-wise landscaping. This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lakeand what can be done to make a difference before it is too late. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. "No, we dont," he chuckled. This bill is one I would consider generationally one of the most important pieces of legislation that you will see, he said. In Sandy, the community has saved more than 234 million gallons of water the equivalent of 359 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. Utahs water agencies are in the process of developing a comprehensive state water plan that builds on the previous version developed by the Division of Water Resources. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide. The Weber County Sports Complex launched an initiative to do fewer cuts at its ice rink and in doing so, anticipates saving more than a million gallons over the year. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. Donate to the newsroom now. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. Dozens of creative bills been introduced, including ones to increase turf buyback incentives and to appropriate money to require treated water systemslike for plumbing and drinking in rural areas to implement water metering.. House Majority Leader Mike Schultz (R) introduced a bill Feb. 16 that would appoint a Great Salt Lake commissioner to coordinate state efforts and create a . Projects should remove all lawn from the park strip and replace it with water-efficient landscaping. S.B. Some local water districts have already started offering money for "flip your strip" programs designed to get rid of wasted grass on parking strips. Projects that replace lawn with artificial turf are not eligible. The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used Even though its water is filtered and recycled, the city said it is shutting down its splash pad on Aug. 2 due to some water loss. I just heard a lot about the drought, grasshoppers in the middle of the country, how it is affecting farmers, and our yard honestly is not amazing. Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water. #utleg #utpol . Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. In addition to urging Utahns to continue to conserve water, Gov. Gov. Applicants must be participating voluntarily. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. Click here to sign in and see program availability. I want to have a nice drink of water. She understands that homeowners who have invested a lot of time, money and sweat into having perfect landscaping may be dismayed. Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. Additional program rules will also require adoption of the following ordinance for a city to remain eligible for incentives: With the exception of Washington County, the statewide landscape rebate program will be facilitated through utahwatersavers.com. deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. Will Mitt Romney seek re-election in 2024? "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. Metering all secondary water systems, continuing work with farmers and ranchers to reduce water consumption and starting a statewide turf buyback program are all steps Utah needs to take to be more waterwise, Gov. "Theres going to be people that are going to have some pain points on this," Mayor Randall said. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. Gov. GET REBATES: Water conservation resources for Utah residents. Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. Guest opinion: Even in a world of stubborn never-Trumpers, Evan McMullin is still wrong for Utah, These principles and institutions should be a measuring stick for lawmakers and voters, 2023 Legislative Priorities with Derek Miller, Bidens signature on marriage act is vindication of the Utah compromise. Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. Most secondary water is used for agriculture or irrigation. A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. As one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, how we grow and develop today will set our water use for decades to come. Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. Also attending are, from left, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Lt. Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Program funding is available statewide. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. Choose from the dishes weve highlighted to plan your meal or start brainstorming your own meal plan a couple of weeks before to make sure you have time to shop and prepare. She's urging residents to think of things like covering a swimming pool when not in use to avoid evaporation, and second-homes in the area that water a lawn that the owner isn't even there for. This drought has caused all of us to reevaluate how we conserve and motivated us to do more, Gov. Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. You can sign up here for information on the turf buyback program. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is also updating and enacting a, Tasks the Utah Division of Water Resources to develop the Great Salt Lake Watershed Integrated Water Assessment to look at how much surface and groundwater flow to the lake. To register visit. You save a lot of money in your water bills if you convert that lawn, so I dont know if we need to add more of a financial benefit on it, Sandall added. at the local level - currently, states don't offersuch a program. While some turf areas are important and provide a lot of benefit (e.g., parks and playgrounds), many turf areas are hardly used and could be replaced by beautiful drought-tolerant vegetation that requires little to no water at all. Cox said his administration is committed to pushing for more aggressive conservation measures, but they are long-range considerations and would require the legislature to get on board. Removing lawn from your park strip will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand you can get cash for doing it. Legislative Research and General Counsel. In response to the drought, Oakley put a moratorium on any new development and Herriman pressed pause on its landscaping requirements on new development until Sept. 15. The Washington County Water Conservancy District told FOX 13 it is considering a "turf buyback" program to incentivize people to move toward drought-friendly landscaping. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. She and members of the city council have called for a review all of St. George's ordinances and policies with an eye toward water savings. I want to flush my toilet, so Im willing to do my part. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. Ferry, R-Brigham City and a farmer himself, cobbled together a complicated compromise bill that allows farmers and other holders of water rights to lease those rights to the Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands, which has oversight of the lake bed. You have 6 months after your application to complete your park strip project. Deidre Henderson, South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Central Utah Water Conservation District manager Rick Maloy participate in a press conference at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan on Thursday. How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. Aware of an additional resource that would would be helpful to include on this site?Please send an email to greatsaltlake@utah.gov. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. Wilson Jimenez said he doesn't miss mowing it. The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide food for the state, Baker said. "Grass is not the enemy. By switching out grass that isn't used, Utahns can conserve significant amounts of water. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. In new commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-family development common area landscapes, lawn areas shall not exceed 20% of the total landscaped area, outside of active recreation areas. Those against a new Utah state flag spoke of maintaining history, while supporters said it was time to give a fresh look to the state. I have been really impressed driving around the city to see how many lawns are following the restrictions.. "We haven't gotten any rebates," Wilson said. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? Utah governor outlines four ways to conserve water in drought, Localscapes can help your lawn be water-wise, Bill package to eliminate food tax to be considered, Medicaid recipients must now re-qualify for coverage, What to watch for as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Bidens student loan debt relief plan, Looking for a New Winter Activity? With upward of 70% of municipal and industrial water used for outdoor landscaping, Cox said it is past time for the state and cities to aggressively embrace water-saving strategies. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation during the current drought at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. The passage of this legislation makes it the first ever statewide program of its kind. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. An effort to require all new secondary water connections be metered was brought up legislatively a few years ago, but the bill was modified and not nearly as aggressive as its sponsor wanted it to be. Previously converted park strips do not qualify for this program at this time. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. Thats a good first start.. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? a. For North Ogden resident Chelsea Baker, her family is taking the restrictions in stride. Read all of our stories atgreatsaltlakenews.org. Submit completion photos of your project online. LDS Church wants to light up a temple in a place that prides itself on dark skies, For husband-and-wife team, this new restaurant is the culmination of a decadeslong dream. . Rather than using grass as the default groundcover thats only walked on when its mowed, implementing a statewide rebate program will show that Utah is serious about conservation, Cox said. The bills, which will be . You still have a place where neighbors can congregate and stand and have that feel, but the entire front lawn isnt grass," Renstrom said. The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. Turf buyback . Last month, Utah Gov. They tore out turf and replaced it with native plants and rocks. Mayor Randall said other policies being looked at include ordinances that required a certain percentage of landscaping be turf or prohibiting certain water-hogging trees in developments. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. 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Theatre Works Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom, Pi Day Celebration at Mathnasium of Park City, Snowy winter speeds drought recovery but Utahs not in the clear, Median snowpack water equivalent surpasses 2022s highest peak, Above-average snowpack levels are starting to make an impact in Utahs severe drought areas, Western US cities to remove decorative grass amid drought, Over 50% of Utah still in extreme drought even with above-average early-season snowpacks, Utah DNR marks the end of the water year with a new drought update. I understand why they may want to use water more, but I think the restrictions we have been given are still enough to keep our yards from completely drying out, she said. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed. With 100% of the state experiencing drought conditions, Gov. Landscape Consultations. This year the event will be held from January 27-29 at the Utah Bear Lake State Park Marina and Sunrise Resort and Event Center in Garden City, Utah.

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