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Railside trail idea prompts discussion of easements, fences and farm impacts near CUP pipeline
Summary
Landowners and staff discussed a proposed trail on land affected by the Central Utah pipeline, fencing and public‑access licensing, dust from nearby dump operations and a developing agritourism proposal; staff said federal easements and NEPA/licensing steps will be required for public facilities on district land.
Councilmembers and residents discussed a proposed trail and related land‑use concerns where the Central Utah pipeline passes near private orchards and other easements.
Curtis Rowley, who identified himself as a local landowner, said the pipeline alignment removes about 50 feet of orchard land along a parcel adjacent to rail property and asked whether the city could consider a trail in that unused strip rather than leave it as a “weed patch.” He described worries about pedestrians and dogs entering the orchard and asked for a barrier or fence to prevent trespass and dirt‑bike use.
City staff and representatives from pipeline/conservancy interests explained constraints. A conservancy representative said the pipeline corridor is federal property under an easement and that any public use would require a license agreement and coordination with federal NEPA processes. Staff explained there are also city sewer easements and a railroad right‑of‑way in the same corridor; each easement is separate and would need review before public access is allowed. Staff said a license typically “wouldn’t cost anything” but would impose terms for operation and maintenance and could require trail maintenance if the trail sits on the easement.
Other concerns raised included dust and vehicle routing at the nearby landfill/dump. A landowner said large trucks used the dump in ways that left dust across adjacent orchards and said they spent more than $100,000 on dust control materials this last season. City staff asked for photos so staff can pursue solutions with the contractor who manages dump access.
Agritourism proposal Rowley and other landowners said they are exploring agritourism uses — wedding events and a small‑scale yurt/campsite concept — and asked about zoning and permitting. Planning staff (Ryan Harris) and the city planner (Jason) recommended meeting with city planning staff to explore special exceptions or code amendments; they said a zone change or code revision could be necessary to permit commercial agritourism uses in a residential/agricultural area.
Next steps Staff asked the landowners to coordinate with city planning staff to formalize trail or agritourism proposals. Staff also said they will research easement widths and ownership, discuss any necessary federal licensing, and report back to council. The county may also need to be involved because much of the corridor is outside city limits.
Direct quotes - “We could work with something and figure out how how we can do it,” Curtis Rowley said of a trail along the orchard fence line. - “The license wouldn’t cost anything. It would just be an agreement that dictated the terms of operation maintenance,” a conservancy representative said on licensing and maintenance obligations.
This item was a discussion; no formal action was taken.
