By Julie Johansen
July’s Emery County Public Lands meeting began with a comment from chairman Rod Player congratulating the activity and scope of the Emery County Trails Council. He made a public plea to anyone who would like assistance with funding, grooming or maintaining trails in the county to contact a member of the council and get an application since funds and services are now available.
Following the opening comment, Myron Jeffs of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) presented plaques and certificates from the BLM to formally recognize the outstanding work and cooperation of the public lands council, trails committee, volunteer citizens and Emery Telcom. Recognition was also given to Player, who meets monthly to plan and target projects and implications.
“They have shown outstanding cooperation, helped to obtain and place over 100 directional signs on the Swell, and received grants with funds to purchase excavation equipment to help with maintaining trails,” said Jeffs.
He also recognized Les Wilberg and Les Thompson, who have each volunteered many hours of selfless service in various areas, amounting to over $10,000. They were each presented with a free pass for National Parks and recreational sites through 2020.
“About 1.5 years, ago Emery Telcom requested to help with recreational projects. These were identified, and staff and equipment from Emery Telcom began to work with the BLM. They were the main force behind the campground in Cottonwood Canyon, donating over 100 hours and $11,000,” said Jeffs. Jared Anderson, representing Emery Telcom, was presented a plaque in appreciation.
Up next, Troy Suwin of the Forest Service announced that almost all of the gates are open in the forest with the exception of Nuck Woodward, which is closed for repair work. He stated that the canyon’s project objection period is over and unless objections come in the mail, they should begin accepting applications for logging as soon as September. This project has become the Forest Service’s highest priority, he said. Suwin then expressed concern over the amount of growth of grass from this year’s moisture and the chance of grass fires as the fuel dries. He also spoke of the late entry on some permits but hopes to extend the grazing period at the end of the season.
Ryan Jones from the Department of Agriculture then announced the retirement of Roger Barton from the office. Members of council expressed their appreciation to Barton for his many years of service.
Division of Oil, Gas and Mining representative Steve Christensen announced that 14 wells in Carbon County and one in Emery are being plugged. Exploration is very slow in this area right now, he said. Reclamation on several mines is complete or nearing completion at this time, including Rilda, Deer Creek and Cottowwood Wilberg.