Resident urges clearer signage at Willard Canyon Trail; council agrees to post "public trail" signs

WILLARD, Utah — A resident urged the Willard City Council on June 12 to change a private-property sign at the Willard Canyon access so trail users do not think the trail is closed.

Public comment and staff response Mark Murphy, who identified himself as living at 180 West 100 South, addressed the council during the public comment period and said a large sign at the trailhead reads "do not trespass under penalty of law," which deters trail users from entering. "But as of about an hour ago, there is still a large sign that says do not trespass under penalty of law. We need to get there removed," Murphy said.

Councilmembers and staff responded that the land at that sign is private but the city has public-access rights for the trail. Councilmembers discussed a possible replacement sign reading along the lines of "Public trail through private property — please stay on trail" so private-property notices and trail cameras could remain while clarifying public access. Staff agreed to draft proposed language and arrange for manufacturing and installation of a replacement sign; the council signaled informal approval for the approach.

Why it matters Councilmembers said clearer signage would reduce confusion and help ensure trail users stay on the dedicated public route while allowing property owners to retain privacy protections.

Next steps Council directed staff to provide suggested wording for a new sign to be placed at the Willard Canyon trailhead and to coordinate production; staff estimated a few weeks to fabricate a custom sign.