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BLM and county officials outline construction, planning and grant work; Travel Bureau flags bill that would cut restaurant tax
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Summary
BLM and county partners described Cleveland‑Lloyd building replacement, San Rafael Swell plan amendments and an upcoming Wedge Campground EA; the county approved OHVR and RTP grant applications for a two‑year signing crew. Travel Bureau staff warned HB 231, a bill that would eliminate Utah’s restaurant tax funding local museums and recreational programs, could affect local budgets.
Representatives from the Bureau of Land Management, state agencies and the Emery County Travel Bureau briefed the Trails Committee on March 3 about land‑management projects, grant funding and potential budget impacts from state legislation.
Jaydon Mead, speaking for the BLM, said buildings over the Cleveland‑Lloyd quarries will be removed and replaced beginning in May, while the Jurassic National Monument visitor center will remain open during construction. He said seasonal staff are returning for the field season, and San Rafael Swell plan amendments are currently in workshop with resource analysis and alternative refinement underway. Jaydon said the Wedge Campground environmental assessment is expected to be released in May and that BLM staff plan field visits with the County Road Department to explore implementation and road improvements. He also discussed Temple Mountain and Moore Canyon project coordination with state crews and volunteer groups.
Forest Service and county updates noted contractor work on Joe’s Valley Campground to reconfigure sites for larger rigs and gate closures at Miller’s Flat near Bald Mountain and Highway 31 due to low snow that has, at times, stranded vehicles. Les Wilberg said leftover culverts might be repurposed for bike‑trail work.
AnnDee Mead of the Emery County Travel Bureau said the county commission approved an OHVR grant application and an RTP grant to fund a signing crew in partnership with the Forest Service, Sanpete County FS and OnX Trails; hiring will begin soon for a proposed two‑year pilot to update and expand trail signing. She also raised HB 231, a state bill that would eliminate the restaurant tax in Utah; she cautioned that the tax currently funds local museums, the Millsite Golf Course, the Aquatic Center and trails programs and encouraged members to research and engage on the bill if they are concerned.
Wade and Tifnie from state agencies said OHVR grants saw over 35 applicants and that several grants may come back to Emery County; RTP applications are open and Trail Crew positions are being filled. Several maintenance and grooming projects were reported, though lower snow this winter limited grooming in some areas.
Committee members thanked agency staff for updates and discussed opportunities for coordinated fieldwork and volunteer support during the coming season.