Advisory council approves top RTP trail awards for Grand County; $842,834 in grants recommended with contract conditions

The Utah WHP Advisory Council approved recommendations to fund a series of Recreational Trails Program (RTP) projects and equipment requests at its review meeting, endorsing a slate of trail‑maintenance proposals led by three Grand County projects in Moab.

Council staff reported an increase in available RTP funds due to a $325,000 rollover, bringing total funds discussed in the meeting to about $1.887 million and placing the motorized share at roughly half that amount. The council reviewed 12 applications and moved to approve its top three ranked projects — all trail‑maintenance efforts in Grand County — with a contract condition that the Bureau of Land Management coordinate planned work at Pritchett Canyon’s “Down and Dirty” obstacle with local motorized user groups.

"If we're going to fund it, I feel like the BLM should work very closely with the Red Rock 4 Wheel Drive Club and the Grand County Motorized Trails Committee," said Nicole Nelson, a council member who moved the approval. Brody Johnson seconded the motion; the council conducted a roll‑call and approved the measure. Staff reported that the three Grand County awards totaled $302,000.

The council approved other projects and equipment requests during the meeting after project‑by‑project discussion. Members pressed applicants and staff for clearer application detail — including bids or local contracting documentation for equipment requests — and encouraged follow‑up training for applicants to improve future submissions.

Several applications drew sustained debate. The council declined to fund the Puffer Lake trailhead application from Beaver County, citing scope creep, unclear matching contributions and unresolved questions about land ownership. Another education request (a certified‑guide training program) was judged ineligible after staff identified its business classification as a C corporation rather than a 501(c)(3).

On equipment requests, the council approved a Sanpete Ranger District replacement side‑by‑side and a Monticello BLM signage project, and it approved a Garfield County grader purchase after members secured agreement to add contract language and usage guidance limiting use to already‑maintained roads and spot maintenance. Council discussion emphasized alternatives such as leasing or purchasing a tracked skid‑steer with attachments when applicants proposed larger dozers.

The Utah Avalanche Center forecasting project was approved with budget reductions: the council removed the ambassador staffing line and kept forecasting elements. Several members argued the center should redirect ambassador funds to more measurable forecasting or training outcomes.

Evan Bitesh, program administrator for the recreational trails program, summarized the final awards at the end of the meeting: staff reported $842,834 in total awards recommended at this session. Meeting participants discussed how remaining balances would roll over to the next cycle under program rules.

What’s next: staff will incorporate the council’s contract conditions into award agreements and submit the approved projects to the Utah Transportation Commission for its list of approved projects; the commission will act on awards in late June. The council also announced two upcoming advisory‑council openings and a virtual meeting set for June 17.

The council adjourned after a final motion to close the meeting.