Emery County explores limestone mining agreement with TSJ Construction near Cedar Mountain

Emery County residents can look forward to enhanced wildlife conservation efforts as the Emery County Public Lands Council announced plans to install new wildlife guzzlers across Sanpete Valley. This initiative, supported by dedicated local hunters, aims to improve water access for wildlife in the region.

In addition to wildlife management, the council discussed the availability of wood permits, which became accessible on Monday and will remain so until Christmas. This seasonal offering has already seen a positive response, with several permits sold.

A significant topic of discussion was the potential restructuring of the U.S. Forest Service, which may reduce the number of regional offices from nine to three. While this change is still speculative, it could impact local operations. However, officials indicated that state and local offices, including those in Price and Richfield, are expected to remain largely unaffected.

Concerns were raised regarding a gate and sign at the end of a trail that restricts access to public land. Council members expressed the need to address this issue, as the sign, enforced by the Emery County Sheriff's Office, currently limits public access to areas that should be open. The gate's presence is linked to mining reclamation efforts, and discussions are underway to clarify its status and possibly remove it.

The meeting also touched on road conditions in the Talking Mill Canyon, which had been affected by recent storms. While repairs have made the road passable, there are ongoing requests for emergency funds to support further long-term improvements.

Lastly, the Trust Lands Administration presented a proposal for an exploration agreement with TSJ Construction to assess limestone resources for potential use in local road construction. This initiative is in its early stages, with plans for drilling to determine the viability of the sites.

As these developments unfold, the Emery County Public Lands Council remains committed to enhancing public access and resource management, ensuring that community needs are met while preserving the natural environment.