Old Provo Channel Trail is Open!

Repaving of the trail and parking areas along the Old Provo Channel is complete and the trail is reopened. This work included expanding and paving the channel’s west trailhead, as well as repaving the small lot upsteam. Utah County crews completed this project using funds provided by the delta restoration project as part of activities planned to enhance the old channel’s recreational offerings.

Visitors may still notice concrete curing near the boat ramps constructed this summer. Access to the ramps will be temporarily closed until the concrete is ready for use. This work to tie the ramps into the trail was timed to occur in conjunction with Utah County’s repaving. The fishing piers constructed this summer were similarly tied into the trail. In all, the delta project constructed three new fishing platforms and two non-motorized boat ramps to improve public access to the old channel this summer. Delta crews remain in the area performing final cleanup tasks.

 

9 Years and Counting: BYU Students Track Delta Birds

Since 2017, the Delta project has been partnering with BYU students and wildlife biologists to track how birds use the Provo River Delta area and nearby Utah Lake. Surveys of 22 sites have documented how bird activity has shifted before, during, and after Delta construction. The continually growing dataset allows biologists to track population trends and helps project partners manage the Delta so as not to increase wildlife hazards to Provo Airport.

Data shows the newly restored Delta is attracting a greater number and variety of species—including waterbirds, waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds—as they discover new foraging and resting habitat. As water levels rise and fall, bird habitats change too. Before the Provo River was diverted into the Delta, songbirds, blackbirds, and swallows were most common in the area. During construction, many species dipped in numbers, except blackbirds that foraged easily in freshly turned soil. After the river diversion in 2023, waterbirds, waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds have increased each year as our winged friends discover the Delta’s dynamic habitat.

Chart showing total bird observations per guild for 2017 through 2026 - with 2026 observations reflecting partial-year data

*2026 data reflect partial-year observations; data collection is still in progress.

To learn more about BYU student involvement in this critical effort, check out the BYU News story How BYU students at the Provo River Delta are tracking birds and protecting habitats, by Ellie Larsen, July 07, 2026 and watch the BYU Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ipqviaIF2I:

BYU Video, Tracking Birds, Protecting Habitats: BYU Students at the Provo River Delta, YouTube

Provo River Delta Management Contacts

Permits and Delta Project Questions: a permit is necessary for any commercial activity, activity charging a participation fee, or activity involving groups larger than 12 participants in the delta. The permit is required to ensure the delta meets its purposes for supporting June sucker and allowing compatible recreational use. To enquire about a permit, please complete the form on our Contact Us page as you begin planning your event. (As a reminder, no motorized watercraft are ever permitted in the delta.)

  • Delta/Skipper Bay Trail, Trailhead and Wildlife Viewing Tower

  • Old Provo Channel west trailhead, channel trail, north bank and ‘Alligator Park’ parking

  • Boat Harbor Drive

 
 

How Did We Get Here?

Review past years of project construction and see how far we’ve come!