| The Utah Conservation Corps helps with construction of a bridge for ATVs to cross the Huntington Cleveland Canal. |
During the summer and fall of 2003, the United States Forest Service made several improvements in the Lake Canyon area in Huntington Canyon. New toilets were installed, roads were graveled, while other redundant road segments were closed and are in the process of being rejuvenated. With these projects behind them, the forest service began their summer of 2004 projects to tie in with the work that was completed last year.
The forest service planned these projects to protect the natural resources of the forest; to provide for current and future recreation demand; and to provide for public health and safety. The Lake Canyon project began in 2004 with improvements to the road south of Cleveland Reservoir. With a heavy amount of traffic in the area, improvements were needed to enhance the safety of those who use the road.
Fifty four fire rings have also been installed in campsites in the area. These rings not only improve the conditions of cleanliness in the campsites, but also help with fire safety.
During the past few years, ATV use has increased and user created trails were established in places that are not in the best interest of a healthy forest. As a consequence, seven miles of trails that have been created by ATV use in unacceptable areas, have been closed and rehabilitated. To compensate for the loss of those seven miles, nine miles of trails specifically for ATV use, horseback riders, foot traffic, or bicycle use have been constructed in more appropriate areas.
Bill Broadbear of the forest service said, “Alot of use has been created here. The trails are all rated easy and were designed for everybody. Construction here is almost complete for this year. We have Dutch oven fire pans still to install in the group camping spots, and utility and serving tables in the campsites still need to go in.
“This winter, we will purchase the signs for the trail system, and next spring they will be installed along with whatever repair work needs to be done to the trails from the winter storm damage. Our hope is that this area will become a prototype for other camping and high use areas. We hope to move into those areas next year and do the same sort of renovations,” said Broadbear.
| Work is being done on a turnpike crossing of a wet meadow. |
The new trail system consists of nine miles of trails with five-six trails that directly access camping spots. From those spots access to the trail can be direct without having to use the road. The trail is a two way trail, with three learner’s loops that are one-way trails. These loops are creative circuits that teach learner’s all aspects of riding. There is also a play area near Cleveland Reservoir for all to enjoy.
All reservoirs in the area, including Huntington Reservoir, Rolfson Reservoir and Cleveland Reservoir can be accessed from this new trail system.
The remainder of the planned work will consist of widening the Miller Flat Road for one half mile south of its junction with U-31. Also, additional work will be done on bridges that have been constructed on the trails. Upon completion of the construction phase, signs will be erected to alert users to the new trail accesses.
With the improvements and increased accessibility, camping fees will be charged beginning in 2005. Along with the fee structure, some of the most popular campsites will become reservable.
During the construction, camping has been allowed with the alert to campers of the added noise and dust from the construction. The project is expected to be completed by the end of September.
There will be workers in the area for anyone who needs more information during this time. Also, for more information, contact the forest service at the Price office at 435-637-2817 or the Ferron office at 435-384-2372.