Uinta County approves funding agreement, easement steps and permit rules for Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata

Uinta County commissioners on May 20 approved a cooperative funding agreement and advanced an easement for the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata project while tabling final adoption of the primary route rules.

Economic development director Travis Campbell told commissioners the Utah Education and Outdoor Access Foundation (Access Utah) provided state appropriation money for Via Ferrata construction and that the cooperative funding agreement is intended to secure stewardship and public access. "The term of this agreement, once signed and executed, is effective for 10 years," Campbell said, noting the agreement requires reasonable maintenance, regular inspections and repayment of Access Utah funds if the county permanently closes or repurposes the facility.

The commission voted to approve the cooperative funding agreement. The approved language requires the county to keep the features accessible to the public, reasonably maintained and inspected; if the county permanently restricts general public access during the 10-year term, the county must repay the funds within 90 days.

Separately, staff presented an easement drafted by Vernal City and Ashley Valley Water & Sewer Improvement District that covers a pedestrian bridge crossing the creek near the Desander and Spring House at Ashley Gorge. County staff said they added two provisions after prior review: (1) confirm the easement is nonexclusive and (2) allow the county administrative access to the bridge for maintenance and county uses while indemnifying Vernal City and Ashley Valley. The commission approved forwarding the easement to Vernal City and Ashley Valley with a request that both entities act within 90 days.

County staff and commissioners discussed timing for the project's construction and signage. Campbell and other staff said much of the funding has already been used for installation and that signage and kiosks—part of the contractor's scope—will be completed near the end of construction and not posted before the route is ready for public use.

On rules for the Via Ferrata, staff proposed edits that include a prohibition on using the route while impaired and a requirement for closed-toe shoes. Commissioners debated whether to adopt the primary rule set immediately or wait for a final review (described during the meeting as completion of a final site review). A motion to table final adoption of the primary Via Ferrata rules until that final review passed. Commissioners separately approved revised guide-permit rules so professional guides could begin the application process; staff said the guide-permit approval will let the county process applications so guides can be ready when the route opens.

Public comment included a question from Keith Despain, Vernal City public works director, asking what "administrative access" means for the bridge and noting Vernal City's council would review the same agreement. Despain said that historically bridge access has been used for utility maintenance and asked for clarity on what other uses, if any, would be permitted.

The items approved or advanced in this package were: the cooperative funding agreement with Access Utah, sending the Ashley Gorge pedestrian-bridge easement to Vernal City and Ashley Valley with a 90‑day response request, tabling final adoption of the primary Via Ferrata rules pending a final review, and approval of guide-permit rules to allow application processing.