Electric Lake Angler Access Improvement
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Project ID: 7561
Status: Completed
Fiscal Year: 2026
Submitted By:
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Project Manager: Calvin Black
PM Agency: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
PM Office: Southeastern Region
Lead: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
WRI Region: Southeastern
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Description:
This project is intended to improve vehicle access for anglers on the southern end of Electric Lake near the dam.
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Location:
This project is located in Emery County.
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Project Need
Need For Project:
The angler access road through PacifiCorp owned land is in need of repair. This road allows anglers vehicle access to the shoreline on the down-lake side of the reservoir near the dam. This is the only vehicle access to this side of the reservoir. Heavy monsoonal rains has rutted the road to where four-wheel drive vehicles have difficulty operating the road. PacifiCorp has asked the Division of Wildlife to assist in the repair of the road to maintain angler access. PacifiCorp does not have equipment crews or funding available to repair the road this year. If the road deteriorates anymore it will be closed to angling access.
Objectives:
The objective of this project is to maintain angler vehicle access to the southern shoreline of Electric Lake.
Project Location/Timing Justification (Why Here? Why Now?):
Electric Lake is a large reservoir on Huntington Creek high on the east slope of the Wasatch Plateau. The reservoir is 425 surface acres at full pool and has a maximum depth of 217 ft, a mean depth of 84 ft, and a storage capacity of 35,500 ac-ft. This reservoir is a popular fishery for anglers of Utah. The angler access road is utilized by anglers throughout the summer. Losing access would be a detriment to the angling community. The angler access road is .75 miles long and is accessed from Highway 31 near the Electric Lake dam.
Relation To Management Plan:
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and PacifiCorp believes maintaining angler access to Electric Lake is a very high priority.
Fire / Fuels:
Not applicable.
Water Quality/Quantity:
Erosion of the road and sedimentation entering the reservoir will be reduced by completing this project. Repairing the road will reduce the erosion of the road and proper drainage will reduce sediment from entering the reservoir.
Compliance:
NEPA is not required for this project.
Methods:
DWR heavy equipment crew will be scheduled to repair the road. DWR has all equipment needed for the project (grader, dozer, and excavator). They will be scheduled for 2 weeks to conduct the work. If roadbase is needed for certain sections, it will be purchased and hauled to the sight. Project will be scheduled to fit the timeframe of the heavy equipment crew, but most likely completed by fall 2025.
Monitoring:
DWR and PacifiCorp will monitor the road for repairs or issues after the project is complete. PacifiCorp has provided funding for over 20 years for DWR aquatics staff to monitor fish populations in Huntington Creek below Electric Lake dam. Huntington Creek fish population surveys are conducted annually and Electric Lake fish population surveys are conducted every 3 years.
Partners:
PacifiCorp
Future Management:
DWR and PacifiCorp will draft a MOU outlining angler access and maintenance of the access road.
Sustainable Uses of Natural Resources:
Not applicable
| Budget | WRI/DWR | Other | Budget Total | In-Kind | Grand Total |
| $15,000.00 | $0.00 | $15,000.00 | $0.00 | $15,000.00 |
| Item | Description | WRI | Other | In-Kind | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Services (permanent employee) | Heavy equipment crew - 2 weeks | $8,000.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | 2026 |
| Motor Pool | Motor pool and fuel for equipment | $4,500.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | 2026 |
| Materials and Supplies | Road base and other materials | $2,500.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | 2026 |
| Funding | WRI/DWR | Other | Funding Total | In-Kind | Grand Total |
| $15,000.00 | $0.00 | $15,000.00 | $0.00 | $15,000.00 |
| Source | Phase | Description | Amount | Other | In-Kind | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat Council Account | QHCR | $15,000.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | 2026 |
Species
| Species | "N" Rank | HIG/F Rank |
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Habitats
| Habitat |
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Project Comments
| Comment | 02/11/2025 | Type: 2 | Commenter: Alison Whittaker |
| Will you change your map feature from an affected area to a terrestrial treatment - Road/parking Improvements? Thanks. | |||
| Comment | 08/28/2026 | Type: 2 | Commenter: Melissa Landeen |
| Thank you for submitting your completion form on time and with photos. It looks great! | |||
Completion
Start Date:
05/26/2026
End Date:
06/05/2026
FY Implemented:
2026
Final Methods:
DWR heavy equipment crew were scheduled to repair the road. DWR had all the equipment needed for the project (grader, dozer, and excavator). They were scheduled for 2 weeks to conduct the work. A small amount of roadbase was needed in certain sections. The heavy equipment crew gave it places to drain on the main road. They built drivable water bars going to where anglers park. Before the main road had only a few outlets so water had nowhere to go but down the road. The fishing access was a canal with nowhere for the water to go. Now it drains off the road and only has short distances between outlets.
Project Narrative:
This was a great collaborative project with PacifiCorp and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. This angler access has needed repair for several years. The road was to a point where it could be potentially closed. Both partners understand the importance that angling is to Electric Lake and the surrounding communities. During construction multiple anglers stopped and thanked the heavy equipment operators for improving access to their favorite fishing spot. This project may lead to future angling access improvement projects on Electric Lake.
Future Management:
DWR and PacifiCorp will continue to work together to provide angler access to Electric Lake.
Map Features
| ID | Feature Category | Action | Treatement/Type |
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| 14910 | Terrestrial Treatment Area | Road/Parking Area Improvements | Road/Parking area improvements |
Project Map
