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Willard City Council approves Willard Canyon access agreement; Hulsey abstains
Summary
The council approved a multi-year access agreement intended to keep the Willard Canyon trail open while accommodating mining operations. A public commenter urged more public input and guaranteed uninterrupted access; the council and city attorney said the agreement secures continued public use. One council member abstained.
The Willard City Council voted to approve an access agreement intended to preserve public use of the Willard Canyon trail while allowing necessary mining operations. Mayor Travis Mote and City Attorney Colt Mund described the negotiated concession as a way to secure the trail as a public right of way; the motion passed with Council Member Jordan Hulsey abstaining.
Resident Lynn Murphy raised multiple concerns during public comment, saying: "The agreement allows Box Elder County to vacate portions of the existing trail across the Wells parcels at the discretion of a private gravel pit operator." Murphy also urged clearer timelines, public input on relocations, guaranteed uninterrupted access during relocations, and questioned whether private owners would hold too much operational control. Murphy provided printed materials to the council.
Mote and City Attorney Colt Mund responded that the agreement was the most powerful tool available to keep the trail open and noted the document includes language to protect public use. The council debated the trade-off between preserving access and accommodating mining; after discussion Council Member Jacob Bodily moved to approve the agreement and Council Member Rod Mund seconded the motion. All voted in favor except Hulsey, who recused herself from the vote due to family connections.
The council's approval directs staff to proceed with the terms negotiated with Box Elder County; the city attorney confirmed the agreement references continued public use of the trail but the timeline and details of relocations will depend on mining operations.
