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Duchesne planners back resolution to strengthen county claims to historic BLM roads
Summary
The joint Planning Commission and Public Lands Committee voted to recommend Resolution 24-10, which would amend the county Resource Management Plan to assert RS 2477 rights-of-way and oppose BLM closures of historic roads. The recommendation will go to the County Commission for final action.
The Duchesne County Planning Commission and Public Lands Committee voted to recommend adoption of Resolution 24-10, a proposed amendment to the county Resource Management Plan that would strengthen the county’s asserted rights to historic roads across Bureau of Land Management property. The bodies recorded affirmative votes and the recommendation will be forwarded to the County Commission for consideration.
Staff explained that language in Resolution 24-10 is intended to reflect a recent federal district court decision and to preserve public access by recognizing RS 2477 rights-of-way. A public-lands committee presenter summarized the county pproach: "the federal government can only rebut that if they provide clear and convincing evidence that there is no purpose or need for that particular route," and listed routine public uses such as hunting, grazing, search-and-rescue and access for utilities and wildfire management.
Supporters told commissioners the amendments would give the county stronger policy leverage if federal planning actions propose road closures. Commissioners asked staff about whether the BLM had already closed roads in Duchesne County; staff said BLM planning in the county had started, paused and is expected to restart, making the timing of the amendment "opportune." The presentation noted the State Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office and legal counsel helped draft the language.
The bodies did not record a roll-call tally on the audio; the chair called for voices in favor and recorded "Aye," after which staff confirmed the recommendation will be transmitted to the County Commission with the intent it be considered on the December 16 agenda. Any appeal or further action will be taken up by the County Commission in the normal hearing process.
What happens next: The Planning Commission nd Public Lands Committee ecision will be memorialized in writing and mailed; the County Commission will consider final adoption and interested parties may follow the county—alendar for hearings and appeals.
