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County approves temporary vacation and relocation of Willard Canyon trail easement
Summary
The Box Elder County Commission approved a temporary vacation of the trail right-of-way in Willard Canyon to allow mining on adjacent private property and directed planning staff to prepare an ordinance to formalize a temporary relocated trail, following public testimony from the Wells family and Willard City.
Box Elder County commissioners voted to approve the temporary vacation of a trail right-of-way in Willard Canyon and instructed planning staff to draft an ordinance to enact the relocation.
Scott Lyons, the county planner who presented the item, said the county and the landowner — the Wells family — have an agreement that provides a surveyed location for a relocated trail and assigns responsibilities for construction and long-term maintenance. Lyons summarized the vacation criteria the county uses, including public interest in keeping a trail available, compatibility with the county’s transportation plan, and compliance with land-use codes. "The proposal is to vacate the trail right of way that runs East west up Willard Canyon," Lyons said during his presentation.
Brad Wells, speaking on behalf of the Wells family, called the agreement "a win-win for the county, Willard City, and our family," and thanked the commission and county attorney's office for their work to preserve public access while protecting private property rights. Willard City Council member Mike Brager said he had inspected the relocated trail and described it as "in a good place away from the mining."
Members of the Willard Canyon Access Coalition asked the commission to consider a wider easement and improved access at the trailhead. Lynn Murphy said the group had hoped for "a 5 foot easement," but noted the proposal provides a 3-foot easement and raised concerns about a narrow, steep stile at the access point. BJ Wells, representing the Wells family, clarified the family chose a 3-foot width intentionally to discourage motorized vehicles: "We did not want a 5 foot wide path because we didn't want any motorized vehicles up there."
Commissioner Perry moved approval and the motion was seconded; the commission voted to approve the vacation and directed planning staff to return an ordinance at the next commission meeting.
The action follows a recommendation from the county planning commission; the approved agreement requires the landowner and Willard City to help construct and maintain the relocated trail in a surveyed corridor while allowing future relocations for safety and operations related to mining.
