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Committee hears parking and campground updates; county to pursue signing crew funded by OHVR/RTP grants
Summary
Committee members reported completion of Cottonwood Canyon parking improvements, ongoing campground redesign work at Joe’s Valley, a pause on Millsite campsite expansion, and a plan to hire a county signing crew funded by OHVR and RTP grants; AnnDee Mead flagged HB 231 as a funding risk.
The Emery County Trail’s Committee received multiple infrastructure and funding updates March 3, including completion of a Cottonwood Canyon parking project, contractor work at Joe’s Valley Campground and a county proposal to hire a signage crew supported by grant applications.
Les Wilberg said the Cottonwood parking lot was completed with assistance from the County Road Department and described grading work and culvert relocations on other trails. Les noted restroom complaints down by Buckhorn Draw; staff said deep spring cleaning and winter maintenance have been ongoing.
Forest Service work at Joe’s Valley Campground is underway: contractors have begun site redesigns to accommodate larger rigs and add a few additional sites, a speaker said. Miller’s Flat gates at Bald Mountain and Highway 31 have been closed to reduce vehicle strandings, and the committee discussed liability and repair needs for Des Be Dove trail.
AnnDee Mead said the commission approved applications for an OHVR grant and an RTP grant to start a county signing crew in collaboration with the Forest Service, Sanpete County and OnX Trails; she said the hiring process will begin soon and that the pilot is expected to last about two years with potential expansion. Mead also warned that HB 231, a current bill under consideration, would eliminate Utah’s restaurant tax, a revenue source that funds local museums, the Millsite Golf Course, the Aquatic Center and trails programs; she encouraged committee members to research and get involved if they wished.
Wade Allinson noted the OHVR grant cycle closed with more than 35 applicants, making the process competitive. Tifnie Hansen said her crew worked in snowy conditions on Miller’s Flat, Potter’s Pond, North Skyline and the Warming Hut, and that expansion of Millsite campsites has been paused because of a temporary staffing shortage.
Committee members discussed next steps for coordination with federal partners, state crews and volunteers to address parking, signage and site repairs.
