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Forest Service, landowner discuss Cleveland Reservoir land swap; county raises access and watering concerns
Summary
Forest Service staff described a preliminary land‑trade proposal that would swap roughly 20 acres at the campground for about 60 acres on Cleveland Reservoir’s north end; council members warned the swap could alter long‑standing public access and livestock watering and said legal options (including a prescriptive‑easement case) are under review.
Forest Service staff told the Emery County Public Lands Council on Dec. 2 that a private landowner has proposed trading a parcel where the current campground sits for a larger tract on the reservoir’s north end, and that the agency considers the proposal worth pursuing while it remains preliminary.
Darren, a Manti‑La Salle National Forest representative, said the landowner, Kelly Walker, proposed swapping roughly 20 acres that include the campground for about 60 acres on the north end where public use is concentrated. Darren described initial concepts such as a parking area, restrooms and boat access on the north end while stressing the discussion was early and would follow required public processes.
Several council members expressed concern about potential changes to decades‑long informal access patterns and livestock watering. One council member warned that giving away access at the campground could set a precedent for losing other access points and asked how watering for livestock would be preserved; Darren said access provisions would be part of negotiation but acknowledged the swap would likely formalize access differently than the informal multiple‑route driving that has occurred.
Separately, a county attorney summarized the legal history of Cleveland Reservoir (dam built 1893; state deed activity in 1910–1912) and said the county believes it has a “pretty good case” for a prescriptive easement on the north side. Commissioners said they plan a closed session at an upcoming meeting for a legal update with special counsel.
What's next: The Forest Service said discussions with the landowner will continue and any land trade would proceed through the agency’s public‑process requirements; county staff signaled they will pursue legal review and keep the council informed.
