The River, the Residents, and the City: A Holistic Vision Study for Logan River\u27s Upper Reach

The three-mile Upper Reach of the Logan River starting at the USU Water Lab to the 100 East bridge has been negatively impacted by residential development and diversion for agriculture and industry. A task force comprised of faculty at USU, professionals, government and city officials, and concerned residents has developed a Conservation Action Plan focused on twenty-two baseline indicators which, if improved, can help rehabilitate the river. This thesis looks at the factors that created the current challenges and seeks to provide a holistic vision with design solutions to address said challenges in alignment with that Plan. A literature review focused on Stephenson’s Cultural Values Model (2012) serves to understand the different perspectives applicable to the river. The Urban Stream Renovation (USR) model proposed by Smith et al (2016) helps clarify the interplay between social and ecological interests. The review also includes elements of Utah’s water laws and governmental practices that have contributed to water issues that affect the Logan River. Public consultations via community meetings and surveys between 2016 and 2019 consider the current interests and concerns of the residents. By looking at the Upper Reach from a social, policy, and environmental perspective, the project proposal designs aim to provide holistic and sustainable solutions that include the voices of the river, the residents, and the city