Commission approves package of high‑impact events, including a new off‑road rally after debate on community impacts

Janabeth Jones, the county’s special‑events coordinator, presented four event applications: three recurring TransRockies events (running and cycling) and a proposed new November off‑road rally organized by Utah Public Lands Alliance and produced with Offroad360. Jones said organizers plan remote staging, vendor education and trail stewardship projects.

Commission debate focused on procedure and community impacts. Commissioner Hadeem and Commissioner Hadler voiced discomfort with approving a new motorized event without the same level of application materials or local presenter history shown by TransRockies. Hadeem said she preferred additional presentation from organizers and expressed concern about event timing and overlap with other activities in busy seasons.

Lauren Campbell, president of Utah Public Lands Alliance, and representatives for Offroad360 described plans to avoid parades through town and to stage vehicles remotely. "For the 1st year, we have chosen not to bring in dirt bikes... we will meet at remote locations... We won't be parading through town," Campbell said, and emphasized educational sessions and a charitable distribution of net proceeds.

After discussion and a failed substitute motion to separate the off‑road event from the package, the commission voted 5–2 to approve the high‑impact events package; commissioners Hadeem and Hadler opposed. Commissioners directed staff to use event conditions and education components to reduce noise and neighborhood impacts, and said they would monitor impacts on TRT and local services.