Mission statement of the Blue Ribbon Fishery Advisory Council

To identify, enhance and protect those Utah waters and their watersheds that provide, or have the potential to provide, Blue Ribbon quality, public angling experiences for the purpose of preserving and enhancing these valuable economic and natural resources.

The Blue Ribbon Fishery Advisory Council as charged by Governor Leavitt, shall identify criteria that will be used to define and establish a Blue Ribbon Fishery Program in the State of Utah. These criteria may stand-alone or be a combination of criteria that strengthen the value of the fishery.

Blue Ribbon Fishery waters are to be managed principally by protecting their watersheds, maintaining and restoring habitat, and implementing appropriate angling regulations.

The Blue Ribbon Fishery Advisory Council shall identify and select those specific waters that meet their criteria through input and cooperation of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the general public.

The Advisory Council shall coordinate the acquisition of public access to "new waters" with private landowners and DWR, and review new waters that have the potential to be awarded Blue Ribbon Status.

The Advisory Council shall recommend that these waters, their ecosystems, and the fishery be given protective legal status through the Division of Water Quality and the Division of Wildlife Resources.

The Advisory Council shall, on an annual basis, review current Blue Ribbon Fishery waters and determine if they continue to meet the established criteria.

The Advisory Council shall review and recommend funding for projects associated with Blue Ribbon Fisheries and forward their recommendation to the DWR Aquatic Section Chief those projects that require additional support. Projects requiring additional support from the Habitat Council will be submitted through the Aquatic Section Chief.

The Advisory Council may recommend funding to private organizations and groups for projects that would enhance Blue Ribbon Fisheries.

The Advisory Council shall work with the DWR Aquatics Staff to develop management strategies and regulations that would implement and support the Blue Ribbon Fishery program.

Criteria for a water to be selected as a blue ribbon fishery

1. Water quality and quantity. A body of water — warm or cold, flowing or flat — will be considered for Blue Ribbon status if it has sufficient water quality and quantity to sustain a viable fishery.
2. The water must be accessible to the public.
3. The body of water should possess a natural capacity to produce and maintain a sustainable recreational fishery. Management strategies that will consistently produce fish of significant size and/or numbers to provide a quality experience.
4. The water must be able to withstand angling pressure.
5. Selection may be based on a specific species.