As my family and I drive east on the causeway that connects Antelope Island with the mainland, the remaining color explosion of the sunset that we just witnessed shines through the rear window. It is silent in the car, as we are, once again, in awe over this beautiful place that we call home. But the sense of worry about what we have just seen overshadows the joy.
Looking over the lake from Ladyfinger Point, we saw overwhelmingly large stretches of exposed lakebed, exposed microbialites that make the foundation of the lake’s vast and unique ecosystem. It is obvious to the layperson’s eye how close to collapse this amazing lake is. The recent Tribune article, “The Great Salt Lake is dying. It’s time to make our maps show it,” explains all the ecosystem services the lake provides; all our lives are affected tremendously by its presence – and its potential absence should the lake disappear, yet in an unimaginably negative way. It connects all of us Utahns, no matter what brought us here, what we believe in, or which party we vote for. From us Utahns the lake deserves our fullest gratitude and attention. Make it the receiver of your act of giving in whichever way you can.
Heidrun Kubiessa, Salt Lake City