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RAC reviews three WMA management plans; Timpanogos, Spencer Fork and South Sanpete plans advance
Summary
The council heard habitat management plan updates for Timpanogos WMA, Spencer Fork WMA (new plan) and a multi‑WMA South Sanpete plan; staff described access management changes, trail closures, winter closures and coordination with counties and user groups.
Regional habitat staff presented updates and new habitat management plans for three Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Timpanogos WMA (updated plan), Spencer Fork WMA (new plan) and a South Sanpete WMA suite (plan update covering ten WMAs).
Mark Farmer presented Timpanogos WMA updates focused on rising recreational use at the mouth of Provo Canyon — notably mountain biking and school team practices — and the need to formalize an access management plan. Agency staff worked with Utah Valley Trails Alliance and other user groups to identify heavily used user‑created trails and propose a trail network that concentrates recreational use while protecting key winter range and sensitive habitat. Farmer said the region will institute a winter trail closure (December 1–April 15 proposed) above the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to reduce disturbance during winter and late‑season hunts and that teams using the property will be required to have a special use permit and complete trail maintenance requirements.
Josie Siemens introduced a new management plan for Spencer Fork WMA, emphasizing wildfire rehabilitation work after two fires in 15 years and mitigation of impacts from multiple powerline easements. The property supports year‑round deer and elk and two guzzlers; staff said management will emphasize habitat restoration and cooperation with adjacent landowners and Sanpete County where relevant.
Robbie Edgel described revisions to the South Sanpete WMA plan (which covers nearly 29,000 acres across ten WMAs). Revisions address increased recreational pressure, user‑created trails and coordination with Sanpete County. Staff said they will hold local public hearings in Sanpete County as requested by county commissioners and continue refining the access proposals.
RAC members asked questions about enforcing the new statutory requirement that adults using WMAs hold a hunting or fishing license; staff said enforcement will begin with education and warnings while more detailed enforcement guidance is issued. Staff also confirmed coordination with U.S. Forest Service where WMA trails connect to national forest routes. Each plan will be finalized after the county engagement and the RAC’s advisory review.
