Since mid-July, the city has been considering how it might implement its goal to "minimize erosion and stabilize stream banks, improve water quality, preserve fish and wildlife habitat, moderate stream temperatures and reduce potential for flood damage, as well as preserve the natural aesthetic value of streams and wetland areas of the city."

One option it has been considering is the establishment of stream-side zones in which certain activities would be limited. For example, new construction of structures that threaten the integrity of stream banks or eliminate wildlife habitat would be discouraged within 25 feet of the stream.

In an ideal world, Salt Lake City would have recognized the value of its creeks before it allowed for the construction of facilities in its stream corridors. It would have identified a "no-build" zone on either side of the creek cognizant of the need to protect water quality, wildlife habitat and flood zones. Unfortunately, Salt Lake City is left to try to correct the mistakes of the past.

While the establishment of a stream setback ordinance represents only a small step in that direction, we applaud the city's effort and dedication to address such a problematic issue.

Streams such as City Creek, Red Butte Creek, Emigration Creek and Parley's Creek are well-deserving of city protection. They provide humans and wildlife welcome refuge from our increasingly hot summers.

Have you noticed the blast of cool air when you descend into the shaded corridor surrounding City Creek? Conversely, in the winter, deer use these same corridors to find forage and escape the cold at higher elevations. Bonneville cutthroat trout still swim in segments of Parley's Creek.

These stream corridors integrate nature with our city. We don't want to lose that blend of urban and natural areas that gives the city its character.

While there is much more the city can do in the future to further protect its stream corridors, a stream setback ordinance is a critical first step. By working with residents along our stream corridors to establish an ordinance considerate of private property needs and resource values, the city has demonstrated that it recognizes the importance of limited clean water sources in an arid environment.

We can't go back to change decisions which were not in the best interest of streams. We can, however, work to ensure our streams are healthy, viable, natural corridors.

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* AMY DEFREES of the Utah Rivers Council and ARTHUR MORRIS also signed this op-ed.