The Jordan River Commission has created two River-Friendly Recognition programs, one for communities along the Jordan River and another for physical projects within 1/2-mile of the river corridor. These voluntary programs are intended to encourage and recognize local planning and development design efforts that exemplify the spirit of the regional, community-driven Blueprint Jordan River vision. It inspires healthy competition and recognizes the hard work and dedication of local planning staff, elected officials, and private enterprise to improve the Jordan River corridor.
Both programs are based on recommendations in Envision Utah’s Blueprint Jordan River, and Jordan River Commission’s Best Practices for RiverFront Communities. This program is completely voluntary, and in no way regulates the ability of each individual community to develop their portion of the river corridor the way they see fit. Instead, it is intended to reward projects that embrace the Jordan River, making it a better place for 2.2 million residents of the Wasatch Front.
River-Friendly Community Recognition Program
Jordan River Commission member governments may be awarded a River-Friendly Community recognition from the Jordan River Commission for:
- Silver Level Recognition – Adopting a resolution supporting the Best Practices for Riverfront Communities toolbox and committing to implement the Best Practices through local planning and decision-making processes.
- Gold Level Recognition – Adopting a riparian protection ordinance based on the Best Practices for Riverfront Communities toolbox.
All River-Friendly Community recognition recipients will be awarded a wall-mounted plaque for display, as well as four metal signs that can be installed at key community gateways or entrance points. In addition, a printed certificate is available as well as a digital graphic that can be displayed on the community’s website or other public information tools.
Current Gold Level Recipients:
Current Silver Level Recipients:
River-Friendly Development/Project Program
The Jordan River Commission also offers a River-Friendly Development/Project recognition award to government-sponsored or private projects that help to implement the recommendations of the Blueprint Jordan River and the Best Practices for Riverfront Communities toolbox. This recognition program is available to any proposed project located within 1/2 mile of either side of the Jordan River or its tributaries, and that meets the intent of these guiding documents.
Eligible project types: developed parks, natural habitat restoration projects, trail connections, residential developments, mixed-use or commercial developments, stormwater management projects, etc.
Eligible applicants: local state or federal governments, private businesses or organizations, community groups, non-profit organizations, schools, etc.
Developments or other projects must meet a minimum set of criteria, and those that demonstrate exemplary consideration and enhancement of the Jordan River corridor or its tributaries will be recognized with a River Friendly Development award. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum award levels have been established to recognize increasing levels of river corridor protection and enhancement. All River-Friendly Developments/Projects will be recognized with a wall plaque and printed certificate. Also available are up to two metal signs for display at the project site and a digital graphic for display on websites or printed materials.
The River-Friendly Development Program is an advisory process that promotes participation between the stakeholders and the JRC. In no way does the JRC require any proposed development or project that falls within this 1/2 mile buffer to participate in this process.
Resources
- Blueprint Jordan River
- Best Practices for Riverfront Communities
- River-Friendly Recognition Program Introduction and Checklist – PDF
- River-Friendly Development/Project Evaluation Checklist – XLSX
- Example Riparian Corridor Ordinances
- Example Resolution
River-Friendly Recipient Awards
Award recipients receive an engraved acrylic plaque, and may request optional certificates or reflective roads signs to be installed at community gateways to the Jordan River corridor or project site.
