Carp Devastating the Largest Freshwater Lake West of the Mississippi

   We will tell you a story of the carp, and of how it devastated Utah Lake -- the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Once, the area was considered one of the most desirous and habitable places in all the west --  due to Utah Lake. It is said Jim Bridger recommended the lake area to the LDS pioneers. But, he warned, the Utes were protective of their fishery, so he suggested the LDS work their way in, as opposed to just moving there. So, the LDS held themselves northward, settling in the Great Salt Lake Valley.

   The settlers, though, made it south to fish. Then came the winter of 1847-48, bringing hunger to the settlers. When better weather came, a plague of crickets set in. Thanks to God, seagulls came and ate the crickets. But, not before the crops were reduced. Fishing in the lake increased. And, as years went by, many of the species in the lake were drastically reduced. About 1882, carp were introduced. Now, if you know carp, it scavenges the bottom of the lake, destroying the vegetation and stirring up mud -- making it difficult for many of the natural species of the lake to survive. 

  Human waste, Factory waste from Geneva Steel, there were other contributors the downfall of what was once one of the greatest of lakes. But, the carp . . .

   In 2009, it was said carp accounted for 90 percent of life in the lake. Officials set to reduce the carp, trying to fish it out of the lake. Part of the concern was to save the June Sucker, found no other place in the world and is endangered. The carp is the greatest threat to the June Sucker.