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At Bear Lake Watch, we passionately advocate for Bear Lake

through 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. Since 1993, Bear Lake Watch has filled that role, while compiling a remarkable track record for advocacy, scientific research, education, policy guidance, and win-win solutions.

In recent years, Bear Lake Watch has funded and completed thirteen scientific research projects, all dedicated to expanding the knowledge and understanding of Bear Lake, which, in turn, helps guide the decisions being made by key decision makers.

And the best is yet to come! We are proud to partner with respected scientists and researchers from colleges and universities as well as federal, state, and local agencies. We have eight newly funded research projects currently underway and there is so much more that needs to be done.

Each project Bear Lake Watch helps fund uses cutting-edge technology to collect and analyze crucial scientific data. Sophisticated predictive analytics are then used to model and understand historical patterns at Bear Lake, which lead to solving future problems before it’s too late.

Your financial support is essential to sustain the efforts of Bear Lake Watch as it works to safeguard Bear Lake for current and future generations. Get involved today to help ensure that Bear Lake has a better tomorrow.

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Help Fund Bear Lake Research

Projects

Project Directory

Characterizing the Hydrodynamics of Bear Lake

To be completed in 2026
BLW investment of $73,950

Led by Jeff Nielson, Ph.D., Utah State University, this project aims to develop detailed profiles of water velocity and temperature to better understand the hydrodynamics of Bear Lake—key factors influencing its iconic color, clarity, and aquatic health. Utilizing high-resolution equipment (provided at no cost) and with $10,000 in matching funds from Washington State University, the study will generate a substantial and publicly accessible dataset. The data will be housed in the Bear Lake Data Repository and will support a wide range of future scientific research.

Investigating the Influence of Sediment on Eurasian Watermilfoil Growth and Herbicide Efficacy in Bear Lake

To be completed in 2026
BLW investment of $45,850

Led by Mirella Ortiz, Ph.D., Utah State University, this study focuses on Eurasian Watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant now present in Bear Lake. Researchers will investigate how sediment and water chemistry influence the plant’s growth and the effectiveness of chemical treatments. The findings aim to improve strategies for controlling watermilfoil and inform broader efforts to manage future invasive species. The results will be valuable to state agencies, marina operators, and applicators.

Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Bear Lake Regional Economy

To be completed in 2025
BLW investment of $12,000

This study, led by Evan Hierpe, Ph.D. of Conservation Economics Institute, compares the environmental impacts—specifically water usage and water quality impairments—of three major economic sectors in the Bear Lake region: tourism, crop production, and cattle production. Using new methodologies, the research aims to provide insights into how these industries affect local water resources amid ongoing development and agricultural activity. The findings are expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal by the end of 2025.

Bear Lake Data Repository: Bear Lake Environmental Data Accessibility and Preservation

Completed in July 2024
Announcements/Press Releases
Visit Bear Lake Data Repository
BLW investment of $22,412.50

The Bear Lake data repository enhances the accessibility and preservation of the invaluable datasets collected at Bear Lake over the last century. It provides unprecedented, convenient, and open access to modern and historic chemical, biological, and physical datasets. This is the needed foundation for advancing science at Bear Lake, and a critical step for well-informed decision making and sustainable management.

Improving the Understanding of High-Dimensional Lake State Transitions in Bear Lake Idaho-Utah Using Machine Learning

Completed in 2024
BLW investment of $25,544

Led by Utah State University mathematics/statistics faculty members Brennan Bean, PhD and Kevin Moon, PhD, this unprecedented project consists of the collection and collation of existing high-dimensional data and its subsequent analysis through the use of machine learning algorithms to determine the dynamic changes that have historically occurred in Bear Lake. The data from these analyses will help predict outcomes at Bear Lake both before and as they develop, which will enable Bear Lake Watch to impact the future state of the lake by providing specific insights to policymakers and legislators and by better informing the general public.

Bear Lake Initiative – Sediment & Nutrient Reduction

Workshop held in October 2024
View Bear Lake Initiative workshop info

October 15, 2025 marked the 1-year anniversary of the Bear Lake Watch Sedimentation Nutrient Reduction Workshop. Here’s an update on what has taken place since then:
Report of Sediment Nutrient Reduction Task Force 2025

Bear Lake Watch participated in the Bear Lake Initiative Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Workshop in October of 2024. This collaborative meeting was focused on developing a strategic action plan to mitigate the excessive sediment and nutrient inflows into Bear Lake. These inflows are harming water quality, reducing usable shoreline, escalating invasive species, and threatening endemic species as well as the unique chemical balance of Bear Lake.

Presented by the partners of the USGS Platform Study: USGS, Utah DEQ, Idaho DEQ, Bear Lake Watch, and PacifiCorp; in collaboration with Utah State University, USFWS Bear Lake Refuge, Bear River Water Users Association, and other agencies and policymakers.

Eurasian Watermilfoil Scientific Symposium

Symposium held in October 2024
View Symposium information

In October of 2024, Bear Lake Watch, together with the Utah State University Janet Quinney Lawson Institute of Land, Water, and Air; the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, and the Aquatic Plant Management Society sponsored a virtual scientific symposium to inform stakeholders of Bear Lake (UT/ID) on up-to-date Eurasian Watermilfoil science and best practices for management of invasive species. This outstanding group included top scientists and organizations whose work and experience protects lakes from threats such as Eurasian Watermilfoil and other invasive species.

Presented by: Bear Lake Watch, Utah State University Janet Quinney Lawson Institute of Land, Water, and Air; the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, and the Aquatic Plant Management Society

Water Quality Profiling and Weather Monitoring Platforms

Completed in 2024
View Water Quality Monitoring Platforms
BLW investment of $177,703

This study began in 2018 and has collected seven years of data. The platforms gather a near-continuous data set of water quality parameters and weather information at two floating locations on Bear Lake (the platforms are removed from the lake in the winter). Water quality measurements are taken every meter of depth from the surface to the lake bottom four times each day. The weather data is compiled every five minutes. This information is available to the public on the USGS NWIS web site. In addition to creating a robust data set on Bear Lake water quality, this study is helping to refine evaporation estimates.

Partners: USGS, PacifiCorp, Idaho & Utah DEQ, Bear Lake Watch.

Economic Value of Bear Lake Region

Completed in 2024
View Report: Regional Economic Values of the Bear River Region
BLW investment of $5,000

Economic value is the language understood by legislatures, governors, and grantors. This study has helped establish an estimated economic value for Clean, Deep and Blue, as well as place a value on the financial impact that Bear Lake has on business, tourism, recreation, aesthetics, etc.

Partners: BRAG, Utah FFSL, Utah State Parks, the Community Impact Board, Idaho Water Resource Board, Idaho Parks & Rec, Bear Lake Watch.

Nutrient, Suspended Sediment and Total Dissolved Solids at Bear Lake Causeway

Study expanded in 2023
BLW investment of $58,100

This two-year study, funded by Bear Lake Watch in partnership with USGS, measured data related to nutrients, suspended sediment, and total dissolved solids at the causeway where Bear River water enters Bear Lake. Sediment entering Bear Lake is a major concern and this study quantifies how much sediment is coming into the lake. There were 9 samplings in 2019 and 12 in 2022, but due to low flows, some of the sampling had to occur in 2022. The study was continued and expanded in 2023 (a very high flow water year) with funding from Idaho DEQ.

Partners: USGS, Idaho DEQ, Bear Lake Watch

Real-Time Stage Monitoring on Bear Lake

Completed in 2019
BLW investment of $8,000

Installed in late 2019, this state-of-the-art depth gauge provides real-time data about the elevation of Bear Lake. The accuracy and reliability of this data is important to the Bear River Commission, the Bear River Compact States, as well as to Bear Lakers.

Partners: USGS, PacifiCorp, and The Bear River Commission, Bear Lake Watch.

Native Vegetation Study and Report

BLW investment of $5,000.00

This in-depth literature study of native vegetation will establish a historical baseline for comparison to what is growing in the lake now.

Dietrial Zircon Study

BLW investment of $3,200.00

A joint study with Idaho State University examining the effects of shoreline sand erosion and displacement and the origin of Bear Lake sand.

Sediment Dynamics in the Bear River – Mud Lake – Bear Lake System

Completed in late 2018
BLW investment of $29,767

This two-year study by Utah State University examined changes in sediment rates and sources in Mud Lake cores, changes in Mud Lake water quality, changes in Bear Lake shorelines, and changes in vegetation found along Bear Lake shorelines. Understanding sedimentation that takes place in Mud Lake is helping us understand sedimentation in Bear Lake.

Collaborators: The US Fish & Wildlife, Utah State University and Bear Lake Watch.

LIDAR Flight

Completed in 2017
BLW investment of $1,000

Obtained data for high resolution contour mapping of Bear Lake and NWR. Data is used to delineate the Ordinary High-Water Mark and establish accurate capacities of Bear Lake and Mud Lake. Completed in the fall 2017, with all data made available to the public.

Partners: Idaho Department of Lands and US Fish & Wildlife (Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge).

Mud Lake Bathymetry

Completed in 2014
BLW investment of $5,236.00

A Utah State University study that replicated a 2009 study to ascertain if the extremely high-water flows in 2011 that changed the bathymetry and functionality of Mud Lake.

2014 Mud Lake Symposium

Symposium held in 2014
BLW investment of $570.00

In May of 2014, we brought together Utah and Idaho DEQs, Water Resources, Bear River Commissioners, PacifiCorp, and Bear Lakers to gain a common understanding of how Mud Lake, Bear Lake, and the Bear River function. Bear Lake Watch has been requested to repeat this symposium.

Bear Lake Watch Special Collection

Assembled all known studies about Bear Lake and Mud Lake in a special collection at the Quinney Natural Resources Library at Utah State University. This was the first project funded by Bear Lake Watch. New studies are continually being added to the collection, helping our organization understand what’s already been discovered before embarking on future projects.