One of Utah County's greatest assets is Utah Lake.

The lake, with its abundance of fish, was a consideration in the Spanish Fathers' recommendation for colonizing the area in 1776. While Spain never followed through with settlements, the Mormon pioneers who established Provo relied on the lake for sustenance, as had the local Indians for generations.

Along with being a protein factory, Utah Lake was also a recreational area, with Geneva Resort and the Sho-Boat drawing tourists to the waters.

Unfortunately, the lake has fallen on hard times. The native fish known as the June sucker, once abundant, is now endangered by invasive carp that have rendered the lake nearly uninhabitable. The lake has also become polluted with runoff from farm fields and years of sewage dumping.

It hasn't helped matters that there has been no coordinated effort by the state, Utah County or the cities around the lake to restore and protect it.

But that, we hope, is about to change.

Officials from the Department of Natural Resources, Utah County and Provo are creating the Utah Lake Commission that will provide some oversight and guidance in developing the lake and its environs.

So far, it looks as though there is agreement among the government entities on forming the commission. The only remaining hurdle is legislative approval for the DNR to have a vote. We hope that will go through and the process of cleaning up the lake can go forward.

The commission would not have authority to dictate what can and can't be done to the lake, but it would create a master plan that lakeside communities and the county could look to for guidance. The commission can also help coordinate efforts by all parties in undoing the environmental damage and bringing back the lake to a state as near as possible to the condition it was in when Fathers Domiguez and Escalante first saw it.

Past lack of coordination led to charges that the state was putting the welfare of June suckers ahead of the county's attempt to dredge part of the lake for the Ironman triathlon or efforts to fix bridges on Geneva Road.

Had a lake commission been in existence then, some of that acrimony might have been avoided.

With the proper management, the lake can become a recreational outlet that will enhance the quality of life in Utah County. Right now, fewer people are inclined to use the lake because of its condition. It is no alpine lake, but a cleaned-up Utah Lake will surely add to the area's appeal, both among recreational users and people who appreciate natural beauty.

Utah Lake is a community asset and only a community effort can preserve it. The commission is a vital first step in fostering that cooperation.