Central Wasatch Commission releases beta version of new software

SALT LAKE CITY — The Central Wasatch Commission (CWC) wants public input on its new Environmental Dashboard and has released a beta version of the software for public comment. Anybody can use the dashboard to learn about the historic and current environmental conditions of the Central Wasatch Mountain Range.

What is the CWC

The Central Wasatch Commission is a government entity, created by the Mountain Accord charter to carry out projects initiated during the Mountain Accord process. Their work addresses some of the major problems specific to the Central Wasatch Mountains. Those problems are transportation, economic viability, environmental sustainability, and recreation stewardship.

More on the Environmental Dashboard

The dashboard was pre-released on April 20 and will be available for comment through May 4.

According to the CWC, the dashboard contains five sections, air quality and climate, geology and soil, vegetation communities, water, and wildlife. Currently, data exists for each category for public access. 

“The Dashboard provides a centralized location for decades of data for water, air, soil, wildlife, and vegetation in the Central Wasatch. It is the culmination of nearly seven years of work on the project,” said Christopher F. Robinson, Chair of the Central Wasatch Commission. 

Furthermore, CWC hopes that this digital service can change with new information over time. Also, they will look to involve the public as much as they can, and have a broad audience. 

The development of the Environmental Dashboard came with help from the University of Utah DIGIT and Ehleringer labs. Work for the project has been going on since 2015. 

The CWC encourages the public to submit comments through email at comments@cwc.utah.gov, a form on the CWC website, or mail a written letter to CWC offices no later than May 4. 

The CWC will also have two open houses to educate the public on the beta release of the Environmental Dashboard. The open houses will take place April 20, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom and in-person as part of the Central Wasatch Commission Stakeholders Council meeting at the Wasatch Front Regional Front Offices, located at The Gateway. Also, on April 27, 5:30 p.m. via zoom. 

Registration Links:

• Register for the joint Stakeholders Council Meeting and Environmental Dashboard open house meeting at this link
• Register for the Environmental Dashboard open house meeting at this link

Related Stories: 

• Arches National Park introduces timed entry system
• Arches reservation system begins April 3, lasts through October