Committee details spring trail repairs, parking fixes and new reporting system for trail damage

Committee members spent the bulk of the meeting on plans and needs for trail maintenance across Emery County. Speaker 2 and others described completed work at Whiskey Wash — after jackhammering rock and follow‑up in December the narrow section was reopened for vehicles with a reported 66‑inch clearance — and identified water, erosion and repeated washouts as ongoing constraints that will drive spring repair priorities.

Members discussed Grimes Wash (nicknamed 'New Joe's'), parking and access for climbers and the need to keep some access roads intentionally rough to discourage oversized vehicles near fragile trailheads. Speaker 6 explained plans to install trailhead and parking signage using grant funds the coalition obtained from state and county sources. The group also agreed to pursue a culvert at Cottonwood Canyon to manage water gutters that cut deep grooves across the road.

To improve situational awareness, Speaker 3 proposed a central reporting form (Google Form) with photo and GPS fields and a QR code on kiosks to collect reports from users; members favored testing the approach rather than relying on an old shared drive. Staff reported requisitions for grant‑funded equipment have been signed and purchasing can begin in the new fiscal year so equipment and culverts can be ordered for spring projects. Volunteers and partner crews (including a paid Colorado trails crew and WCC) will implement many of the remote repairs. The committee assigned follow‑up tasks to coordinate grader time with the county road department to reach remote problem areas in the spring.