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Motorized projects discussed: Cistern Canyon ramp rebuild, 66-inch pinch points and Price River connector
Summary
Trails council and BLM staff discussed plans for a rebuilt ramp at Cistern Canyon, gabion-based stabilization, establishing 66-inch pinch points to deter oversize vehicles, and opening a Price River connector as part of travel-plan implementation.
Council members and BLM staff reviewed several motorized-trail priorities, including a plan to rebuild a ramp at Cistern Canyon and measures to control vehicle width on newly designated motorized routes.
A council member said the Cistern Canyon ramp should be rebuilt in spring, recommending removal of the existing ramp and reconstruction using gabion baskets tied to in-place rebar and bedrock where possible. The presenter suggested heavy-gauge gabion panels (quarter-inch or heavier) and using existing drilled rebar to anchor the structure.
On route control, BLM and the council discussed marking and creating "66-inch" pinch points on narrow sections to restrict access by wider vehicles and to deter route circumvention. The planner said two pinch points already exist at a location identified as 52 and can be strengthened to the 66-inch standard; staff recommended adding signs and physical neck-downs at strategic locations.
The Price River Overlook was discussed as part of a connector route that will be opened under the travel plan; the planner said the connector will provide a legal loop through grassy-trail and wash areas, and that additional brushing and drainage work will be needed to make the route sustainable.
Public-safety note: council members raised a separate issue about an informal shooting range east of town where long-range targets are being used near solar panels and staging areas. Staff said shooting on public lands is allowed in many places but unmanaged ranges create hazards; BLM staff and the council discussed options including removal or relocation of targets and potential coordination through BLM disposal or a formal RMPP-type solution.
Ending: staff said the Cistern Canyon ramp design and pinching strategy will be decided in the spring and that implementation of pinch points and Price Overlook connector work will occur this season as staffing and funding allow.
