Tree Removal to Improve Channel Navigation

On March 31st, a specialized tree crew started work to improve boat passage and recreational use of the Old Provo Channel. The crew is addressing 14 trees growing in or across the channel near Alligator Park (a channel access area with parking lot) downstream to the West Trailhead area, near Utah Lake State Park. The trees were identified because they block boat passage or impede safe travel due to low-hanging branches. Where possible, crews will trim problematic branches rather than remove entire trees. The woody debris will be temporary piled onsite and removed as work progresses.

Other Old Provo Channel Improvements

Map of the Old Provo Channel with Provo River Delta recreation features identified on it

Non-motorized Boat Launches: The Delta project crew has partially installed a non-motorized boat launch at Alligator Park (refer to accompanying map). The crew had to pause this work to address unexpected needs elsewhere, but should return to complete this and another boat launch near the channel’s West Trailhead in early May. These two new launches will make it easier to get canoes and kayaks in and out of the water, opening the old channel to more boating opportunities. They should be ready in time for summer.

Fishing Piers: A contract crew will also begin building three new fishing platforms along the channel this spring. Utah Lake fishing community representatives helped pick the platform locations (shown on the map) to give anglers access to some of the best fishing spots on the channel. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocked over 4,000 trout, catfish, and hybrid bass into the old channel in 2025, with more stocking planned this spring.

Small dam with portage sidwalk and bride across the channel in the distance

Trail Paving: Utah County is scheduled to repave the Old Provo Channel’s riverside trail - from Lakeview Parkway to the West Trailhead - mid-summer, after the delta project’s recreation features are completed.

Small Downstream Dam: The Old Provo Channel’s small downstream dam near Utah Lake State Park is complete. This new dam, along with the diversion structure located by Delta Gateway Park, are key to managing water in the old channel. The dam will help stabilize the water level to support recreation and also help maintain water quality by ensuring the aeration system in the channel can function efficiently. A portage path has been added so people using canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and other small craft can easily move between the old channel and Utah Lake. Delta crews will return to the site to complete cleanup and equipment removal when its work along the channel is completed.

A fence-like weird spans an outlet channel between delta and Utah Lake waters

Temporary Delta Outlet Weirs

Visitors to the delta may notice “fence-like” structures across the outlet channels from the delta to Utah Lake. These temporary weirs will be removed before June sucker spawning season begins. They were installed through the June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program to help keep invasive Northern pike from entering the delta. Northern pike were illegally introduced to Utah Lake and, due to their large size and predatory nature, pose a significant threat to June sucker recovery and to Utah Lake’s fish community.

Provo River Delta Area Management

Series of images of two biologists netting fish in a river and two sitting in a canoe on the delta collecting data, a hunting boundaries sign and a group of volunteers standing with the results of their hard labors

Delta Habitat and Monitoring
Hunting/Waterfowl Management Area
Volunteer Stewardship
- Contact: Utah Division of Wildlife Resource’s Central Region; phone (801) 491-5678

Series of images of the Skipper Bay trailhead, trail and wildlife viewing tower and the Old Provo Channel's west trailhead and Alligator Park parking area

Delta/Skipper Bay Trail, Trailhead and Wildlife Viewing Tower
Old Provo Channel west trailhead, channel trail, north bank and ‘Alligator Park’ parking
Boat Harbor Drive
- Contact: Utah County Public Works; phone (801) 851-8600

series of images of the people playing in the Old Provo River Channel in front of the Delta Gateway Park, the playground and entrance of the Delta Gateway Park and a small child playing in the sandy beach near the park

Delta Gateway Park
Old Provo Channel south bank (except for private property)
- Contact: Provo City Parks and Recreation; phone (801) 852-6600

series of images of the Delta diversion structure on the Old Provo Channel, the small dam constructed at the channel's downstream end, aeration bubbles and the building for the aeration system on the channel

Operation of Small Dam (when completed), Aeration system, and Delta diversion structure
Contact: Central Utah Water Conservancy District; phone (801) 226-7100

Permits and Delta Project Questions: a permit is necessary for any commercial activity, activity charging a participation fee, or activity involving groups larger than 12 participants in the delta. The permit is required to ensure the delta meets its purposes for supporting June sucker and allowing compatible recreational use. If you have any delta project questions, or to enquire about a permit please complete the form on our Contact Us page as you begin planning your event. (As a reminder, no motorized watercraft are ever permitted in the delta.)

How Did We Get Here?

Review past years of project construction and see how far we’ve come!