I used to live in Utah, and this attitude across most of the population is what led us to this dire place. The consequences of this lake shrinking (or ultimate

I used to live in Utah, and this attitude across most of the population is what led us to this dire place. The consequences of this lake shrinking (or ultimately disappearing at this point) is significant. Not just for Utahns, but for the entire rocky mountain region. First off, this lake was a lifeblood for millions of migrating birds across the "pacific flyway" which is the one of the largest migratory routes in the world. Losing the lake is literally extinction to many species that couldn't survive a migration without this stopover. Next you have the lakeborn dust. Utah already has the dirtiest air in the country and that will only get worse as the toxic dust mixes with the smog. This could turn the air in salt lake and utah county into actual hazards that require masks to go outside (and we know how much Utahns loved wearing masks last time they were asked to do that). Furthermore the shrinking lake means less snow. As storms pass over utah, they absorb moisture as they cross the salt lake, which causes precipitation to be released as they pass over the mountains. This means that one of Utah's most famous pasttimes and tourist destinations, the mountains will get worse over time. And when there is less snow, that means less meltoff filling the rivers and streams in the mountains, which leads to water shortages for the citizens and a dryier changing landscapes as the mountains that Utah loves so much turn from lush forests to arid deserts. This furthermore changes and risks populations of wildlife that require these mountains to survive. So yes, its an eye sore. But it is hugely significant to the entire Utah ecosystem. But not only Utah, a drying salt lake will also have devastating affects on Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado.