State of Utah Makes Tremendous Commitment to Preserve Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust Applauds GSL2034 Charter and $200 Million Commitment
Gov. Spencer Cox, along with state and federal leaders, business leaders, philanthropists, conservation organizations—including the National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy—and many others came together to announce a transformative commitment to protect Great Salt Lake and its wetlands. The signing of the Great Salt Lake 2034 Charter acknowledges the urgency of the moment with a call for Utahns to rally to restore the lake’s health by 2034 and protect the lake for generations to come. Additionally, funders pledged a $200 million commitment to support long-term, solution-driven efforts for Great Salt Lake. These milestones offer renewed hope for the lake and strengthen our collective efforts through the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust.
Of the total, $100 million will be raised by the business and philanthropic community through the coalition Great Salt Lake Rising, with the remaining $100 million committed by Ducks Unlimited over the next ten years.
“National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy were proud to join yesterday’s announcement and sign our names to this Charter. We are deeply encouraged by the level of commitment from this diverse and significant partnership to focus collective action to preserve the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere,” said Marcelle Shoop, Executive Director of the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust and Director of National Audubon Society’s Saline Lakes Program. “Strong partnerships and dedicated funding are the two essential tools needed to restore and protect the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and keep surrounding communities healthy. This is a tremendous investment in the future of Great Salt Lake.”
Throughout 2025, Great Salt Lake has again declined to near-historic lows, entering the “serious adverse effects” range as defined by the State’s strategic plan. With ongoing drought and limited water supply, this investment comes at a crucial time. Continued collaboration and funding—such as for voluntary water transactions that help secure water for the lake—will be key to advancing both immediate and long-term solutions.
“The Nature Conservancy and National Audubon Society have led efforts around lake health for decades, and we are thrilled to see State, business, and community leaders come together to support collaborative efforts to save this precious ecosystem for future generations,” said Elizabeth Kitchens, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in Utah. National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy co-manage the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust.
The Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust remains committed to working with partners across sectors to ensure a sustainable future for the lake, its wetlands, and the communities and wildlife that depend on it.
