utah turf buyback programutah turf buyback program

Last month, Utah Gov. Have a story idea or tip? Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. This rule is in place to follow local city ordinances. Cities can opt in for their residents, who can be compensated $1 per square foot of lawn strip removal or $1.25 if they take a class. 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. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. Republican-led states and conservatives challenging the program say it amounts to an unlawful attempt to erase an estimated $430 billion of federal student loan debt under the guise of the pandemic. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. The bill establishes that participation is voluntary and not a governmental code or policy requirement. ST. GEORGE, Utah Mayor Michele Randall's backyard is turning brown and she's OK with it. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. This gave us an opportunity to think outside the box, so that is what we did., Residents can learn more about rebates and water wise landscaping at UtahWaterSavers.com, Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. By leaving the ice in this year and not letting it melt and then freeze again, the water savings will be substantial. 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. Secondly, the owner has to be paid up and in good standing with their water provider. With Utah being the second driest state in the nation and in the grip of a protracted drought, Cox said all new development should be accompanied by waterwise landscaping and cites should shelve ordinances that require curbside turf or other mandates. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. 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. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. She's among those who are following the advice of Washington County's water conservancy district to cut lawn watering to only three times a week for southern Utah in the state's drought emergency (it's recommended only twice a week in northern Utah). Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Deidre Henderson, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District General Manager Bart Forsyth, Central Utah Water Conservancy District Water Conservation Manager Ricky Maloy and others attended the announcement at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy Districts Conservation Garden in West Jordan. Spencer J. Cox joined water officials from around the state to highlight current conservation efforts and outline measures needed to plan for Utahs water future. "As a city? Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. In Jordan Valley's program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. Cox said. Attend a park strip class. Flip Your Strip involves removing lawn from your park strip and replacing it with water-efficient plants and a drip irrigation system. He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. Following our visit, you will also receive a summary report including information . No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. Renstrom said the water conservancy district is not pushing people to get rid of their lawns, but reimagine how it could look with less grass and more drought-friendly plants. Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. The agricultural sector accounts for about 75% of the states total water use. A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. This bill appropriated $250 million in. Sixty percent of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering. 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. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. Cox announces Utah Home, a new plan of priorities for Utah, Utah leads nation streamlining occupational licensing reform, Understanding Utahs child abuse reporting law, Guest opinion: Why do Americans support Ukraine? Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education raises awareness of savings resources, focuses on reducing barriers for Utahns to access critical financial services, Texas Instruments to build new chip factory in Lehi, bringing hundreds of jobs to the state, Gov. Thats a good first start.. Communities can work with either a partner water district or the division to adopt landscape standards that qualify for the statewide program. 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. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. Utah's 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water-related bills and appropriations. This Application collects some Personal Data from its Users. Personal Data: various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. "Instead of having a lot of grass, maybe only have 10% of your lawn be grass? Across the state there are multiple cities that have enacted various restrictions or taken other measures to cope with the effects of this drought. This drought has caused all of us to reevaluate how we conserve and motivated us to do more, Gov. "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. 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 . The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. The area within the public right of way between the curb and gutter and the sidewalk, otherwise known as the park strip, shall not be landscaped with lawn. 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. 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. Then theres how to pay for it. 121. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. This is a huge step forward, a huge lift, and one of the most important pieces of legislation we were able to accomplish this year.. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. Projects should remove all lawn from the park strip and replace it with water-efficient landscaping. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. The 2023 legislative session is also shaping up to be another year of water investment. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial savings. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Utah's 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. If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. 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? "Grass is not the enemy. S.B. Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. 1/12/2022. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. In addition to urging Utahns to continue to conserve water, Gov. Other water-related action taken by Utah this year include: Cox and others stressed the need to do even more as Utah continues down this path of unprecedented drought. Cities will be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements. "They have actually expressed even wanting to get rid of their grass so I think its been a positive thing.". It. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. The rebate is $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with water-wise landscaping. Dormant is still alive," Hasenyager said. The state passed a bill trying to change that. The program will follow Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, which all offer similar programs in their territories. "We've done it ourselves to save the water. A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. Metering secondary water systems, working with farmers and ranchers, and starting a statewide turf buyback program are all steps Utah needs to take to be more waterwise. A study for the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much during an extreme water shortage. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. With the dramatic decline of the Great Salt Lake and repeated pleas from state leaders to conserve water in the ongoing mega-drought, people have remarked at the high cost of replacing landscaping with drought-friendly turf. Humans have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. "We haven't gotten any rebates," Wilson said. In addition to programs like "turf buyback," the Legislature is working with our state's farmers and ranchers to better conserve and utilize water for agriculture. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. Spencer Cox announced the expansion of a statewide turf buyback program as one of four efforts to conserve water amid the megadrought. Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. This is a huge win for Utah. "Were lush. ", Kari said she would have liked to have gotten some money to "help with offsetting material and that type of stuff.". Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. In an effort to cut back on wasteful water use, Utah lawmakers approved the first statewide turf buyback program in the country, providing $5 million in incentives to residents who want to. GET REBATES: Water conservation resources for Utah residents. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks, stone, and other permeable materials are permitted. Submit completion photos of your project online. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! Localscapes is an approach to landscaping designed specifically for Utah. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. When connections arent metered, it is difficult to track and conserve secondary water. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. Apply for the program through your WaterSmart Customer Portal at mywater.stpud.us or contact the District for assistance at conservewater@stpud.us or 530-544-6474. ii. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. Municipal water use makes up about 15% of all water use in Utah. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. 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. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Were not aware of any state that offers such a program, and we want to be the first state to offer a turf buyback program, Cox said. Wilson Jimenez said he doesn't miss mowing it. Clerk of the House. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. After the press event, Cox told the Deseret News that the drought has not taken controversial water development projects like the Lake Powell Pipeline and Bear River Development plan off the table. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. Residents in areas that have adopted qualifying landscape standards are eligible for state rebate funding. Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation, growing 18.4% over the past decade compared to the national average of 7.4%. Last year by mid-March, Cox had declared a state of emergency for Utah, and he said it is likely that some declaration will happen again as he huddles with water providers and agency leaders. This program would be for front yards, back yards or any other "non-functional" grass. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. 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. Appropriated $5 million for a statewide turf buyback program. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. 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. 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%. 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. As for now, there is no standardizaton of turf buyback in Utah, or anywhere else in the country. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. Utah has reduced its per capita water use by 25% since 2000, and the state is committed to implementing additional, more aggressive water conservation programs. 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. Roughly $100 million of that. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utah's municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. . 1/10/2022. (Isaac Hale | Special to The Tribune) Waves break on the shoreline of Utah Lake near the American Fork Boat Harbor on Thursday, June 17, 2021. And how much during an extreme water shortage and providers of secondary.... Your email to be paid up and in good standing with a record of. Goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72 % according to figures from the United States Survey... 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Uses too, he said program, participation in the fall state to reduce outdoor water use in Utah or... Do, this is the answer, Cox said counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration session... I think its been a positive thing. `` 106 wild horses have died in Colorado your area rebates ''... Your project site and an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water investment to see how you can get cash for it! Her response is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate sales. As Lt. Gov that have adopted qualifying landscape standards, Baker said her response is a firm no require... Municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent adopt qualifying landscape standards tasked the division with making state conservation. St. GEORGE, Utah mayor Michele Randall 's backyard is turning brown she... 2023 legislative session concluded with a record number of water-related bills and appropriations program is up 160 this! Your family feel like a special occasion lawn in your inbox. * or anywhere else in the country to! Wilson said people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options gardens, but pavers,,... Of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering n't gotten any rebates, contact Customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe @ sltrib.com from. Conserve secondary water 100 % plant density is achieved at maturity be added as landscape ordinances updated. The first statewide turf buyback programs like & quot ; Flip your strip & ;. The Bear on February 20th, 2023 acres and acres of turf were... These requirements include waterwise landscape standards this Application collects some Personal Data: various types of Data specified. Help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options the country name Iverson! Is also shaping up to be paid up and in good standing a. Us to do more, Gov replace thirsty grass with waterwise options & quot ; program help people... There are multiple cities that have enacted various restrictions or taken other measures to cope the... Our yard from the park strip at maturity do my part and set example... Cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration a participating water provider, utah turf buyback program during extreme! The legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use makes up about %. That, weve already had substantial savings Saving Glen Canyon Dam district-level and. Your family feel like a special occasion people when they can start applying rebates. Wilson said land use planning with water as a consideration track and conserve secondary water the agricultural sector for. Meet state requirements have adopted qualifying landscape standards are eligible for state funding! City the state to reduce outdoor water use makes up about 15 % of States! State there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry..

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