Bear Lake Watch
The mission of Bear Lake Watch is to protect and preserve Bear Lake by advocating for the responsible management and use of its resources.
Our Vision is Simple, “Keep Bear Lake Clean, Deep and Blue.”
Bear Lake is an azure-blue treasure which, for decades, has served as the premier recreational destination for South Eastern Idaho and North Eastern Utah. With its 48 miles of shoreline and 109 square miles of deep, crystal blue, magnificent water, Bear Lake also provides life-giving irrigation supply to the region’s agricultural communities, and is a primary source for power generation in the Western United States. For generations Bear Lake has blessed the lives of millions. Our mission at Bear Lake Watch is to preserve and protect the lake so it continue to be a blessing for generations to come.
Working together since 1993 to keep Bear Lake clean, deep and blue. Bear Lake Watch is a group of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary work; passionately advocating for Bear Lake with science, data and collaboration.
Bear Lake has always had its superfans–what it lacked in the past was a unifying entity that could bring parties to the table to find proactive solutions. Bear Lake Watch fills that role, with a remarkable track record for advocacy, scientific research, education, policy guidance, and win-win solutions.
Bear Lake Watch believes in taking a balanced approach in preserving and protecting the lake. We strive to bring parties to the table to find proactive solutions, identifying problems before they become crises. We take a collaborative approach that highlights inclusion and cooperation as the principles that guide our actions.
Merlin Olsen loved Bear Lake and dedicated much of his time and resources to protect and preserve it through the work of Bear Lake Watch. He was instrumental in the organization’s formation as a 501 C (3) not for profit entity and his family’s efforts have accounted for much of the success that Bear Lake Watch has experienced.
The Merlin Olsen Summer Classic is a way of memorializing Merlin Olsen’s love for Bear Lake with more than just a plaque. This annual event brings like-minded people together for a special day of fun and fundraising.
Donations and proceeds from the MOSC event help to fund many scientific research projects, all dedicated to expanding our knowledge and understanding of Bear Lake, which, in turn, helps guide decisions being made by key decision makers.
One of Merlin’s goals for Bear Lake was to obtain more scientific data about water quality issues related to the lake and the environmental impacts resulting from those who use it. Another of his goals was to further the education of young scientists by involving them in the study of the hydrology and ecology of the lake. Bear Lake Watch seeks to achieve Merlin’s goals by providing funding to universities for credible research, and collaborating with respected scientists and researchers as well as federal, state, and local agencies to collect and analyze crucial scientific data.
Together, we are working to keep Bear Lake clean, deep and blue.
Get Involved!
Your involvement can make a significant difference. Whether its joining a committee or contributing financially to our cause, your contribution will help to keep Bear Lake CLEAN, DEEP and BLUE.