ENVIRONMENT

Fremont Island open to the public, with protections in place

Aug 1, 2023, 6:00 AM

fremont island...

Two people with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands hike on Fremont Island while giving journalists a tour on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. (Spenser Heaps/Deseret News)

(Spenser Heaps/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — After years of attempted development and recreation, Fremont Island will officially remain wild and untouched without any opportunity for future building or expansion. 

Fremont Island is nearly 3,000 acres of brush, rocks, and sand on the North-East side of the Great Salt Lake. It’s the lake’s third-largest island. 

After over a century of private ownership, the island is accessible to the public as a staple of natural beauty.

It’s now owned by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, which said it’ll maintain the island’s natural integrity and not allow for any future development.

Fremont Island will have no campgrounds, causeways, trails, restrooms, or roads and visitors will have to explore the landscape by bike or on foot.

The department said its primary goal is to preserve the island as it is, accessing the known conditions of the ecosystem and discovering other geological resources. 

Related: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Environment

Possible hoax threats against Utah schools were made this morning and police are on standby in case...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in rock climbing fall in Rock Canyon

A woman died following a rock climbing fall on Saturday, Provo police say.

3 hours ago

Jack Walpole stays cool by sitting in his chair in the water as he and his family enjoy the day at ...

Emma Keddington

Utah getting two new community fishing ponds

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wildlife board approved the new fisheries that will open next year.

11 hours ago

Shelves of bottled water were far from full Friday at Fremin's Food Market in Port Sulphur, Louisia...

Jamiel Lynch and Rachel Ramirez, CNN

An October saltwater intrusion could threaten drinking water in New Orleans, so they’ll barge in 36 million gallons of fresh water a day

The US Army Corps is planning to barge 36 million gallons of fresh water daily into the lower Mississippi River near New Orleans.

1 day ago

Weber county partners with Qnergy to turn methane emissions from closed landfills into energy....

Derrick Jones

Weber County partners with Qnergy to turn pollution into energy

Weber County is partnering with Qnergy, a leading methane abatement solution provider, to step towards environmental sustainability.

2 days ago

SALT LAKE CITY -- With just a week until a potential government shutdown, Utah leaders are saying U...

Clayre Scott

‘We’ll find the money’: Utah leaders working to keep national parks open during potential government shutdown

With just a week until a potential government shutdown, Utah leaders are saying national parks will remain open without federal funding. 

2 days ago

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Great Lakes’ frigid fresh water used to keep shipwrecks so well preser...

TODD RICHMOND Associated Press

Historians race to find Great Lakes shipwrecks before quagga mussels destroy the sites

Quagga mussels have carpeted thousands of shipwrecks, layering themselves so thickly their weight could topple bulkheads and decks on wooden vessels.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

Aerial photo of Bear Lake shoreline with canopies and people camped out on the beach...

Visit Bear Lake

Last-Minute Summer Vacation Planning? Check Out Bear Lake!

Bear Lake is the perfect getaway if you are last-minute summer vacation planning. Enjoy activities with your whole family at this iconic lake.

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Fremont Island open to the public, with protections in place