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BLM outlines spring trail projects, Jurassic National Monument opening and expanded staffing
Summary
BLM representative Jaden told the Emery County travel committee that Jurassic National Monument will open March 27 and described a spring program of trail work, wilderness-implementation projects, and more law-enforcement coverage funded by grants.
Jaden, the BLM representative to the Emery County travel committee, said the agency plans to open the Jurassic National Monument on March 27 and intends to start construction this summer to replace two small buildings with a single larger interpretive building ahead of the opening. "We're hoping that we can start moving on the construction of our new buildings this summer," Jaden said, adding the agency aims to have 10 interpretive signs installed along hiking trails before the opening.
Jaden outlined the BLM's spring project schedule, including work behind the reef, a Buckmaster route that will tie a loop, and a Price River Overlook connector that will be reestablished as a 66-inch route. He said the Wilderness Conservation Crew (WCC), funded via grants, will prioritize closure and restoration work to protect newly designated wilderness boundaries and to establish turnarounds at sites such as the Prickly Pear pictograph panel. "That crew is funded through grants to do work to protect or to implement our new wilderness boundaries," Jaden said.
On staffing and enforcement, Jaden said the agency has been able to hire law-enforcement staff despite a broader hiring freeze because law enforcement and fire are exempt. He noted the BLM has had one law-enforcement officer covering the area for some time and that a second hire is being brought on to expand coverage. Jaden also described coordination with state and county resources — including requests for state trail crews and Snow College partners — to augment trail work this season.
Finally, Jaden described mapping and outreach plans tied to the Desert Travel Plan. He said the BLM is producing a better PDF map for distribution through the Avenza store and is working with county IT to update paper and digital county maps. The BLM is also reaching out to third-party mapping providers such as Onyx and Gaia to get route data corrected and reduce the risk of users following outdated or off-route maps.
