(Francisco Kjolseth | Tribune file photo) Researchers gather rock-like structures along the shores of at the Great Salt Lake that are formed by cyanobacteria known as microbialites in this file photo from November 2017. The lake's declining levels have exposed these structures, along with hundreds of square miles of lakebed, raising concerns about the lake's future. On Tuesday, an advisory panel urged 12 measures to conserve water and ensure sufficient flows reach the terminal lake to preserve its ecological integrity.
Brian Maffly has worked for The Tribune off and on since 1994. Maffly roams Utah, covering public land and environment.