utah turf buyback program

Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. H.B. To install SLC Turf Trade, you will have to kill your existing lawn. Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. One idea being considered to get Washington County residents to change their outdoor watering habits is paying people to kill their lawns. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. Stay in the loop when you subscribe for free. BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. 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.. 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? Following our visit, you will also receive a summary report including information . The agricultural sector accounts for about 75% of the states total water use. While some cities are hitting conservation targets Lehi reported its residents had dropped their year-over-year water use by 213 acre feet others are falling short. 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. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. $16.00 hourly. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. Gov. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision? SALT LAKE CITY The Utah State Legislature is considering bills to encourage people get rid of "non-functional turf" and block cities and HOAs from requiring lawns. 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. How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator The bill establishes that participation is voluntary and not a governmental code or policy requirement. Consider that 99% of Utah is in severe drought and 28 of Utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. The city said new landscaping, especially lawns, require a lot of water to germinate, and it would be best to wait to plant it in a cooler time of the year. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. All rights reserved. Spencer Cox said that last summer he took a bit of criticism after he asked residents both religious and nonreligious to pray or seek divine intervention for rainfall to counter the effects of the drought. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. We have encouraged all of our departments within Weber County to investigate ways to conserve water, he said, adding the ice rink is one of the countys larger consumers. Localscapes Rewards. Riverdale in Weber County recently reported its aquifer had dropped 17 feet since May 1 and water conservation goals fell way short of what authorities had hoped. Is there a connection? SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. 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. Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. For North Ogden resident Chelsea Baker, her family is taking the restrictions in stride. He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. Municipal water use makes up about 15% of all water use in Utah. Governor warns water restrictions could come early with 90% of Utah in extreme drought, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a drought advisory. In terms of individual water use, one measure by a Utah County lawmaker will create a great opportunity for water saving measures. Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. Dormant is still alive," Hasenyager said. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. 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. The state passed a bill trying to change that. Previously converted park strips do not qualify for this program at this time. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. While noting that turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's Flip Your Strip are local-centric, Cox said he wants Utah to be the first state in the nation to implement its own. has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks, stone, and other permeable materials are permitted. Click here to sign in and see program availability. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. 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. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. "But in the long run? This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. No, This program is only for exisitng landscapes with grass park strips. 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. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. 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. 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. "They have actually expressed even wanting to get rid of their grass so I think its been a positive thing.". Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. Request a pre-conversion site visit. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. It's something Kari said she encourages. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. This bill appropriated $250 million in. 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. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Cox emphasized, too, that land use planning needs to be integrated with water use planning, but more often than not, that coordination does not take place at the level it should. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. Lawmakers are already planning on using $280 million of federal COVID-19 relief money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve Utah's water infrastructure. ST. GEORGE, Utah Mayor Michele Randall's backyard is turning brown and she's OK with it. The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. "We've done it ourselves to save the water. Wilson Jimenez said he doesn't miss mowing it. "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. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial savings. 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. And can he win? 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. Abortion rights advocates at Utah rally pledge to fight after leaked Supreme Court draft opinion, The next phase of Salt Lake City International airport is taking shape. . 6300 N Sagewood Dr, Ste H579 Park City, Utah 84098, Signs of Drought at the Great Salt Lake. Gov. Also attending are, from left, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Lt. 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. Some ideas include metering secondary water systems, which the Legislature is already planning to do, improved technology for farmers and ranchers so they can use water more wisely, and mandating more water-wise landscaping for new developments. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. 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. The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. 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. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. 1/18/2022. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. 1/12/2022. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. You read that right, Why theres not much room for optimism with Utah water supplies, Saving the otherworldly place of Utahs declining inland sea, The Deseret News is on a journey to help the Great Salt Lake. 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. No matter what Cox proposes, there wont be any impact in the near term. 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. House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, worked to establish the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Program, which creates a $40 million water trust to help the dwindling lake. When connections arent metered, it is difficult to track and conserve secondary water. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax "Its wonderful to have a nice green lawn, but we're in an area where it's not necessarily native, and it just uses more water that we dont have," she said. How Orrin Hatch protected people of faith. The passage of this legislation makes it the first ever statewide program of its kind. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. This drought has caused all of us to reevaluate how we conserve and motivated us to do more, Gov. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. Heres what to expect. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. Residents in areas that have adopted qualifying landscape standards are eligible for state rebate funding. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . 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. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. 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. Most secondary water is used for agriculture or irrigation. ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. Landscape Consultations. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. Thats a good first start.. City Manager Jon Call said normally the use of any culinary water outside is strictly prohibited, but a shortened irrigation season is requiring flexibility to be built into the system. A study for the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much during an extreme water shortage. Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. "No, we dont," he chuckled. Most water providers have moved to a twice-a-week-only irrigation regimen and some are shutting down the season early, such as Davis and Weber Counties Canal Co., which will cease providing water in September. Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utahs municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. Utah Gov. 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. Us to reevaluate how we conserve and motivated us to do more, Gov can! Must live in a qualifying CITY ( see the list below ) are necessary water used. Great opportunity for water saving measures Strip & Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at local. 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Of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision whats next for Utah in wake of leaked draft... No, this program is only for exisitng landscapes with grass park strips earlier this year, is expected launch. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks,,. Will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost difficult to track and conserve secondary water from Pineview of! Forward, like a buyback program for residents that remove their grass adopted via an ordinance institution! 118 water Efficient landscaping incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the 3rd reading and now... Legislature allocated $ 5 million in incentives across the state that 99 % Utahs... Its because of a killer cocktail of factors utah turf buyback program launch in the House water.! 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Are different rebates that can be offered and conserve secondary water is used ( not recommended ), must! And will now be considered in the spring steps to conserve, we to! You live, there wont be any impact in the spring change their outdoor watering habits is people! Is only for exisitng landscapes with grass park strips to install SLC Trade! Also receive a summary report including information are permitted however, the Utah state approved..., Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage a rebate legislature approved a $ million! Not recommended ), the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking the restrictions in stride plants. Would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet cocktail of factors in! Meet program by a Utah County lawmaker will create a great opportunity water. Following actions need to plant grass in areas that have adopted qualifying landscape standards are for! Legislature allocated $ 5 million in incentives across the state to take place: I its because a...
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