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Duchesne County adopts resolution asserting protection for historic routes and public motorized access
Summary
The Duchesne County Commission unanimously approved Resolution 24-10 on Dec. 16, 2024, updating the county general plan to emphasize preserving historic RS 2477 rights-of-way and prioritizing motorized access on federal lands; planners cited a recent Kane County federal decision as justification.
Duchesne County commissioners on Monday unanimously adopted Resolution 24-10, amending the county’s resource management element to strengthen policies that preserve historic routes and prioritize motorized access on federal lands.
Planner Mike Hyde told the commission the resolution adds language referencing a recent federal district-court decision in Kane County that treated RS 2477 claims as vested title interests in routes used before 1976. Hyde said the change is intended to make county policy clearer when the Bureau of Land Management updates travel-management plans.
“Motorized use is especially important for older folks…people that have certain disabilities,” Hyde said, arguing that some members of the public rely on vehicle access to reach hunting, fishing and scenic areas. Hyde and staff said the County Planning Commission and the county public planning and use committee both reviewed the proposed language and recommended approval.
Commissioner Miles moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner Killian seconded. Commissioners discussed the county’s use of both RS 2477 claims and Title V easements—Hyde told the panel that RS 2477 assertions generally offer stronger protection—and said the county would continue to pursue multiple avenues to secure access. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
The resolution passed unanimously. Commissioners said they expect to monitor state and federal action on travel management and revisit the plan if state code changes next year.
The commission’s vote updates county policy language and directs staff to continue coordinating with neighboring counties and public-lands partners on access issues.
