Toquerville council approves transfer of Chief Topher Reservoir recreation area to State Parks

The Toquerville City Council voted to transfer responsibility for development and management of the Chief Topher Reservoir Recreation Area to the Utah Division of State Parks.

Chris Armoto, deputy director for State Parks, told the council the parks division evaluates sites for self-sufficiency because state parks are funded largely through user fees. Armoto said State Parks looks for sites that can support entrance and camping fees and other revenue so the system does not rely heavily on the general fund.

Corey Kramfield, associate general manager with the Water Conservancy District, said construction on the dam and reservoir is underway, including installation of a synthetic liner under the planned 115-acre reservoir and initial dam work. Kramfield said the dam is expected to be completed in about December and described ongoing permitting with the Bureau of Land Management that required commitments for campgrounds, boat ramps and other day‑use facilities.

Council members and staff said the city’s limited capital and ongoing maintenance budget made it difficult for Toquerville to build and operate a recreation area at the scale the project requires. The council’s resolution noted that transferring management to State Parks could free local funding for other community projects and provide dedicated park staffing and law‑enforcement resources.

The council passed the resolution by motion; final administrative steps and staff coordination with State Parks and the Water Conservancy District will follow.

What happens next: State Parks and the city will proceed with a formal transfer process and coordinate any outstanding BLM permitting obligations, phasing plans and commitments for recreational facilities.