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Northeast Region proposes floating "honey‑hole" habitat droppers and improved access at Starvation Reservoir

Habitat Council and Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council (joint session) · March 20, 2026
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Summary

A Northeast Region proposal would install floating polyethylene "honey‑hole droppers" hung from bridge pillars to create deep‑water habitat, plus engineering for a parking lot and shoreline trail at Freedom Bridge; region asked councils for $39,000 to fund engineering, materials and a small underwater drone for monitoring.

Josue Hernandez, sports fish biologist for the Northeast Region, presented a paired habitat and access proposal for Starvation Reservoir at Freedom Bridge. The plan would attach polyethylene "honey‑hole droppers" to inside bridge pillars using cable and buoys so moored habitat structures can fluctuate with reservoir water level, and would fund engineering to design a parking area and a safer angler trail to the shore.

Hernandez said the droppers would hang at least 15 feet below the water surface, have multiple limbs to provide structure for forage fish, and be anchored with small chains. He also said UDOT has reviewed the concept and is amenable provided the region removes the structures every five years to allow pillar inspection under a pending MOU. Budget details presented: $11,500 for engineering and survey, roughly $25,000 for materials and supplies, and $2,500 for an underwater drone to assist monitoring, for a total ask of $39,000 from the councils (with the drone identified as a Blue Ribbon ask).

Committee members praised the creative approach and asked whether DWR regional offices share underwater drones; presenters said the Northern Region has two drones and cross‑region sharing is an option if councils prefer not to purchase new equipment. Presenters also noted the access engineering is intended to reduce steep, hazardous shore approaches and respond to a previous 2019 accident by creating a safer route to the water.

The councils will consider the request in afternoon ranking and possible cost‑sharing arrangements with other regions.