Frequently Asked Questions

Also see our About the Project page for project description and timeline.

Why do we need a delta restoration project? The Provo River Delta Restoration Project is needed to restore a naturally functioning delta ecosystem to facilitate recovery of June sucker, a fish endemic to Utah Lake and listed as a Threatened Species. The current condition of about the last 1.5 miles of Provo River does not support a healthy ecosystem as it once did. June sucker are particularly impacted by its deep, channelized (artificially restricted by dikes) nature. To restore natural conditions and greatly improve the ecosystem, to the benefit of all fish and wildlife, it is necessary to restore a naturally functioning delta.

How would a delta improve current conditions? The habitat a delta ecosystem provides would allow us to overcome the primary obstacles limiting June sucker's survival and growth to reproduce, which is one of the steps necessary to achieve June sucker recovery and ultimately its removal from the Endangered Species List.

But I like all the existing trails, fishing, wildlife, and recreational opportunities? Recreational development will be an integral element of the project. While portions of some existing trails will be relocated, interconnecting trail systems will still be integrated into the project, along with a wildlife observation tower, non-motorized boat access, angler-access parking areas and more. The existing Provo River channel will remain, will have a more consistent water level and will have new recreational amenities added.

Wouldn’t the project create a lot of mosquito habitat?  Mosquitoes are another major concern raised by many individuals. The extent to which the project would increase mosquito habitat was analyzed and described in the project's Environmental Impact Statement. The Mitigation Commission will continue to provide funding to Utah County for monitoring mosquito populations in the project vicinity. This information will be used to guide mosquito control efforts as we begin to construct the project.

Why save the June sucker? The June sucker is an indicator species and the fact it is struggling indicates a larger problem with the Utah Lake ecosystem. By helping June sucker, we help the ecosystem in which it lives, which has benefits for fish and people alike. Moreover, the livelihood of the June sucker is tied to area water development. Past water development in Wasatch and Utah Counties contributed to the endangerment of June sucker; the Endangered Species Act requires we take measures to recover June sucker to ensure continued development and operation of water projects to meet current and future water needs.

How will the existing portion of the river be affected? The downstream-most section of the existing Provo River channel will still be there and will receive a guaranteed minimum flow of water. A small dam will be constructed at the end of the channel, near Utah Lake, to maintain a relatively constant water level year-round, and an aeration system will be installed. Other improvements will include non-motorized boat launches and fishing access points.

Is hunting allowed? Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) will own and manage the delta, partially as a Waterfowl Management Area which is now open to fishing and waterfowl hunting, but hunters should note there are several no-shooting zones in the area. The No Shooting Area (safety zone) exists to ensure the safety of all those in the delta, nearby Provo High School, and adjacent private properties. Respecting the safety zone and private property boundaries will help ensure the future of hunting on the Provo River Delta. Visitors should note they will find many large, easy-to-spot signs that identify the hunt area boundaries within the delta, as well as multiple maps and signs along the trails to serve as a reminder that hunting is allowed only in specific areas. Anglers and boaters should note the Utah Wildlife Board recently approved 2025 fishing regulations for the area and only nonmotorized boats will be allowed in the new delta.

How was the land acquired for this project? Landowners within the desired project footprint were approached with offers to purchase their land; purchase agreements were reached on all required parcels. The project footprint was reduced to balance project needs with land that could be acquired on a willing-seller basis.

What is the construction timeline? The overall project timeline is 5 years. Construction activities began in March 2020 and were mostly completed in the delta in 2024. Recreation feature and Delta Gateway Park construction is expected to be completed in 2025. Monitoring of the project facilities will continue beyond project completion.

How much will the project cost? The PRDRP is a feature of the Central Utah Project (CUP) and is currently estimated to cost approximately $51 million. This amount represents about 1.7% of the cost of building the CUP.

• The Provo River Delta Restoration Project (PRDRP) and progress toward June sucker recovery are required components of the Diamond Fork and Utah Lake Systems of the Central Utah Project (CUP).

• The CUP is a federally-funded series of reservoirs, tunnels, and pipelines that supply 1.2 million Utah residents along the Wasatch Front and Central Utah with water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses.

• Authority for the CUP and the PRDRP came from the Central Utah Project Completion Act of 1992.