Join Our Fight to Save the Great Salt Lake as a 4,200 Project Ambassador
The movement to restore the Great Salt Lake is far from ready to back down — in fact, we're only getting started.
The Great Salt Lake is in desperate need of courageous community leaders willing to stand up to stop a future defined by toxic dust storms and a mass exodus of people from the Wasatch Front. History proves that a small group of dedicated people can accomplish transformational change, and we invite you to be a part of history with us.
The 4,200 Project Ambassadorship is a volunteer leadership program designed to diversify the leadership of advocates for the Great Salt Lake by providing tools and support to fight this battle. Ambassadors have the opportunity to participate in tailored trainings on Utah water policy, join a community of powerful advocates, receive one-on-one mentorship in environmental advocacy, engage in hands-on experience grassroots organizing, and be first in line for consideration for future employment opportunities.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to help us hold the state of Utah accountable for restoring the Great Salt Lake, email info@utahrivers.org with a basic resume outlining your background and a cover letter answering the following questions:
Why do you think the Great Salt Lake is shrinking?
What is your philosophy for how social welfare organizations should work to benefit the public? Is it education? Grassroots organizing? Litigation?
Why are you interested in becoming a 4,200 Project Ambassador?
What is a social issue you feel passionate about resolving and why?
Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a brief interview. The interview will provide candidates with an opportunity to further discuss their interests, experiences, and perspectives on the Great Salt Lake crisis and environmental advocacy.
The 4,200 Project Ambassador’s Role in Our Movement
Our Ambassadors work on activities customized to their expertise and interests. Ambassadors may conduct community outreach, organize events, attend legislative hearings, assist in community presentations, canvass, meet with legislators as a group, and participate in other campaign activities. Our Winter cohort of Ambassadors will volunteer starting mid-October through mid-March 2027 with a break for over the holidays. Applicants should be at least 18 years old.
As a 4,200 Project Ambassador, You Commit To:
Volunteer at least 8 hours per month, while more hours are welcomed
Complete the one-day Ambassador training alongside your cohort
Attend monthly Ambassador cohort meetings
Complete feedback surveys and in-person check-ins when requested by your assigned supervisor
The 4,200 Project: Real Solutions to the Great Salt Lake Crisis
Recognizing the systemic challenges facing the Great Salt Lake, the Great Salt Lake Waterkeeper of the Utah Rivers Council developed the 4,200 Project. Named after the Great Salt Lake’s optimal water level of 4,200 feet above sea level, this campaign is founded on our comprehensive packet of solutions to restore the Great Salt Lake’s water levels.
The 4,200 Project includes 12 policies Utah could implement today to align us with a future where the Great Salt Lake continues to exist. We spent 18 months digging into Utah policy and devising water budgets to find these regulatory solutions.
The 4,200 Project Policy Solutions:
Set 4,200 Feet as the Great Salt Lake Water Level Restoration Goal
Give Permanent Legal Protection to the Great Salt Lake
Deliver Surplus Agricultural Water to the Great Salt Lake
Fix Utah’s Agricultural Water Optimization Program
Eliminate Secondary Water Waste
Protect Great Salt Lake Tributaries from New Water Diversions
Fix Utah’s Tax System that Encourages Water Waste
Drive Community Action as Great Salt Lake Water Levels Drop
Fund Great Salt Lake Restoration by Repurposing Redundant Taxes
Strengthen Utah’s Municipal Water Conservation Goals
Eliminate Ornamental Grass
Fix Leaky Pipes to Eliminate Water Waste