By Julie Johansen
Emery County Public Lands Chairman Rod Player opened August’s meeting reviewing last month’s field trip to Wildcat Knoll. He reported that the sage grouse count is up substantially.
Player also noted that an infestation of crab grass has been found in an area at a higher elevation than usual. The slide area in Meadow Gulch continues to move each winter. Consideration is being given to re-routing the road around this slide area. Discussion continued on the timber management in this area, including the harvest of the insect-infested trees. Reservoirs in this area are low; Henningson is plagued with sink holes that de-plenish the water content, Spinners is also low, but Wrigley seems to maintain a constant level every year.
Emery County Commissioner Paul Cowley told the Forest Service and BLM how much he appreciates their cooperation in working together on the bouldering area of Joe’s Valley. He also suggested that the tourists of Goblin Valley be advised that they are down wind of the Hunter and Huntington Power Plants as they observe the Dark Skies in the park. Cowley expressed an appreciation in visiting with Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Commissioner Neil Kornze of the BLM. He stated they were overwhelmed with the size of Emery County in comparison to the state of Connecticut.
Commissioner Keith Brady also commented of his experience with Secretary Jewell. He also attended the public hearing in Bluff following Jewell’s visit to Emery County. He noted that one-half the people attending were from San Juan county and 75% of the attendees were from Utah. Other participants were from surrounding states. The final draft of the PLI is waiting legislation and the public comment period is closing soon.
Agencies involved with public lands in Emery county then gave their reports. Jake Palma from the BLM reported that attendance at the Old Spanish Trail scoping meeting on July 19 in Price was very low. The BLM would appreciate comments from the public regarding this issue. He also said that a final push is on regarding the bouldering projects in Joe’s Valley. Pacific has applied for a permit to run a pipeline to drain the water from the Deer Creek mine as it continues with the renovation of this area. They have received 1,500 comments from Emery and Wayne counties about the San Rafael Desert Master Leasing Plan. He was questioned by the council about the rocket launching permits in the area next to Green River. He responded that the Moab office would be handling that. He also responded to a question about the participation of the Preservation Committee with the BLM in the Old Spanish Trail project, stating that this would continue.
Ben Wolford, who is new to the area, then gave the report from the Fish and Wildlife agency. Notice was given of a RAC meeting in Green River on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Powell Museum. He stated that they will be adjusting the fish population in the Ferron stream, removing some and planting others to improve the ecosystem. Ray Petersen reported of the excellent fishing at Ferron Reservoir. He was questioned about the likelihood of making gushers on the desert for the wildlife, as has been done on the mountain. He replied that cost was an issue.
Brian Torgersen from SITLA feels like the PLI is the best option for everyone, especially in his agency. Public lands auction previously held went very well, and another is planned for October. He cautioned all that they are not selling off state land but only lands that are designated for SITLA. As for the industrial park west of Green River there are still things to be managed and worked out. His agency does not intend to hold uneconomical parcels of land but rather they prefer that good and bad land be purchased together. They want to make it work but must sell properties as they are.
Daren Olsen from the Forest Service presented good news in that the Nuck Woodard road has been reopened. He also reported on several fires that are burning, causing smoke and haze in our area. He said that a good place to receive information about wildfires is utahfireinfo.gov.
Olsen also informed the council of a harvest of veratrum (skunk cabbage, or corn lily) in the Potters Canyon area used for cancer treatment. There are five active timber sales on the Manti-La Sal Forest at this time.
State Parks representative Cole Hensworth told of the success of triathlons and marathons held at Huntington State Park. Camping has been really good especially during the pageant season. They are hoping to make three or four new campsites at Millsite State Park in the near future.
Legislative representatives reassured the council of the push still being made to pass the PLI by both Chaffetz’s and Bishop’s offices, hoping that as soon as Congress is back in session in September a lot will happen. If necessary they will still work with Emery County individually.
Council member Ward gave a precipitation report that Emery County is at 84% of normal. Storage in area reservoirs remains good for this time of the year: Cleveland 56%, Huntington North 78%, Miller’s Flat 48%, Joe’s Valley 67%, Millsite 83%, Electric Lake 64% and Mammoth 81%.
Council member Huntsman reported of new pending EPA regulations for both Hunter and Huntington power plants. Huge additional requirements for PacifiCorp could cost $140 million. The state is appealing these federal regulations. If implemented, it could be disastrous for Emery County. The time for comments is fairly limited.