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SALT LAKE CITY — Once a possible location of massive housing development, one of the few Great Salt Lake islands will soon be Utah's newest spot for hiking, biking and wildlife spotting.
Utah land officials on Monday revealed what the future of the island will look like after The Nature Conservancy — an environmental charitable organization — announced an agreement with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fires & State Lands to manage the new public land. It's the first time the land has been held by state officials since it was settled.
"Fremont Island is an important part of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and of our state's history. We are delighted to partner with The Nature Conservancy to ensure the island is preserved," said Brian Cottam, director of the Utah State Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, in a statement. "As the division of Utah State Government most directly involved with the management and stewardship of the Great Salt Lake's natural resources, this is a natural fit."
The island was first mapped by explorers John C. Fremont and Kit Carson in 1843; however, there wasn't much excitement for it from its namesake, Fremont, who originally dubbed it "Disappointment Island."
It was also the island that Brigham Young used to cast off a grave robber named Jean Baptiste in 1862. Baptiste escaped after spending three years there and was never located. There were a few farmers who settled there after pioneers reached the area in the 1800s, as well. It was privately owned for over 100 years.
The Nature Conservancy acquired the island, which is now a part of Hooper, after working in coordination with an "anonymous conservation buyer" on Sept. 4. Prior to that, it was considered as a possible location for a few development ideas. One of those was a massive planned community that — at one point — had the potential to bring as many as 15,000 homes to the land.
David Livermore, the Utah director for The Nature Conservancy, called the Great Salt Lake " one of the most significant natural areas in North America." He said the organization made Fremont Island a "high priority" for years before the 2020 sale because it is considered to be an important staging area for shorebirds and waterfowl.
"We salute the anonymous conservation buyer for generously purchasing — and donating — this treasure to the people of Utah," he said. "We are also grateful to the Utah State Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands for its commitment to owning and managing Fremont Island long-term."
As a part of the agreement announced Monday, the land will be transferred to the UFFSL after a conservation easement was given for the land. Officials said the land will be open for nonmotorized recreational use, such as hiking, biking, bird watching and picnicking. No fires are allowed on the land. Hunting and shooting, as well as camping, will also not be permitted. That's on top of bans on mining or development.
While now available for public use, state officials warn access to the island can be a bit tricky. The easiest way to reach land is to boat from Antelope Island State Park, which is located 6 miles south of Fremont Island. It can be difficult to do that because the depth of water surrounding the island is about 1 to 2 feet deep.
Since the island is remote and not developed, state officials warn visiting it is "a serious undertaking and potentially dangerous." It's advised anyone who visits brings plenty of drinking water with them due to the lack of clean water on land.
