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Access coalition urges Willard to reject county trail agreement without protections for historic Willard Canyon Trail
Summary
A written public comment from the Willard Canyon Access Coalition urged the city to reject a draft agreement between the county and property owners that the coalition says could vacate the historic Willard Canyon Trail or allow private interests to relocate it without public input or guaranteed uninterrupted access.
Mark Murphy, speaking for the Willard Canyon Access Coalition, asked the Willard City Council on April 24 to reject a draft agreement among Box Elder County, landowner Wells and others because the group says the agreement would undermine a decades‑long public dedication of the Willard Canyon Trail.
Murphy read an emailed statement to council that argued the trail was a legally dedicated public thoroughfare under Utah Code 7‑72‑5‑104 and warned that the proposed agreement would allow a private gravel pit operator to vacate or relocate portions of the trail at its discretion. Murphy’s statement said the agreement lacks a public‑input mechanism, could allow repeated relocations that would degrade the trail’s historic and recreational value, and does not guarantee uninterrupted access during relocations.
Why it matters: The trailhead is inside Willard City and the route is used by area residents. The coalition said the trail’s public dedication gives the public an irrevocable right to access and that the city should not sign the county agreement unless it is revised to protect that right.
Requested changes and potential legal action The coalition’s letter asked Willard City to (1) refuse to sign the agreement until it prioritizes the public’s legal right to the original trail, (2) establish a public consultation process for trail changes, (3) guarantee uninterrupted access during relocations and set a minimum five‑foot trail width, (4) limit the discretion of the property owner (Wells) to relocate the trail, and (5) set a definite opening date for any reestablished trail instead of a vague timeline.
Murphy warned the council the coalition is prepared to pursue legal action, including a court order, if the city approves an agreement that the coalition believes vacates the original, dedicated public thoroughfare. City staff noted the county had signed the agreement and that Willard’s signature may be the final local approval step; councilmembers said they would review the written comment and the agreement.
Ending Council placed the letter and the matter on the record and asked the city attorney and staff to circulate the agreement and related documents for council review. Councilmembers said they would consider scheduling additional review or a closed session to discuss legal concerns.
