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County staff present BLM application for West Mountain ATV track and shooting range; costs and ownership questions linger
Summary
Public Works described a BLM RPMP application for about 1,020 acres on West Mountain to host an organized shooting range and motocross track; commissioners pressed on safety measures, who will own/manage the site, and the roughly $2.1 million estimated build cost, with staff urging pre-application partner commitments.
Richard Nelson of Utah County Public Works briefed the commission on a long-running proposal to formalize recreational uses on the south end of West Mountain through the Bureau of Land Management’s RPMP (resource management/policy) process. The application would encompass roughly two-thirds leased land (about 620 acres) and a northern section of about 400 acres that the county would seek as a patent (BLM conveyance) if the application is approved.
Nelson said the project would separate uses into a formal shooting range (organized lanes, benches, targets and 20–25-foot berms) and an ATV/motocross track and training area, with design features intended to reduce conflicts between riders and shooters. He said the Division of Wildlife Resources recommended orienting shooting lanes north–south (to reduce sun-glare risks) and adding overhead baffles along the range lip, similar to the Lee Kay Center in Salt Lake.
Commissioners raised ownership and funding concerns. One commissioner said that if the county is listed as applicant and eventual owner, the county would likely be expected to lead and fund most improvements; Nelson confirmed that the project has historically been in the county’s name and estimated construction costs at about $2,100,000 but said specific funding commitments remain unclear. Potential funding sources discussed included state parks outdoor-recreation grants, Rocky Mountain ATV (an industry partner that has been involved for years) and partner municipalities, but Nelson said dollar amounts and cost-sharing responsibilities have not been finalized.
Nelson recommended pursuing interlocal agreements and partner commitments (Payson City, DWR, Rocky Mountain ATV and possibly other municipalities or state agencies) prior to submitting the application so responsibilities and matching funds are clearer. Commissioners suggested outreach to additional cities that would use the facility and noted that if county funds were involved, TRCC processes and TTAB sponsorship/matching expectations would have to be observed.
No formal action was taken; Nelson said staff will continue discussions with Payson City and other partners and that the commission could identify a point-of-contact to engage in those negotiations.
