| Parking on the road in Huntington Canyon by recreationists is becoming crowded. The canyon is used by many different types of users, including kiters and snowmobilers. |
“There’s ‘snow’ where to park up here,” has often been the cry of those trying to use upper Huntington Canyon for recreational purposes. The snowmobilers inundate the area each weekend during the winter months.
Mesia Nyman, the Ferron District Ranger for the Manti-Lasal reported to the Emery County Public Lands Council during their January meeting that the US Forest Service has plans for a project to put a new parking lot in the Big Drift area just before the turnoff to South Skyline.
The forest service hasn’t decided which side of the road the parking lot will be placed, but they are planning for at least a 50 place parking lot. This parking lot will help to alleviate all of the parking on the road and help make a dangerous situation safer for all users. This area has also become a popular spot for kite boarders as well as the traditional snowmobilers.
They are inviting input on parking lot placement and comments can be made at the Ferron office.
Nyman also reported the forest service was participating in avalanche training.
The bids for the boat ramp at Huntington Reservoir on the Manti came in last fall and they were much higher than anticipated. This will be a joint project between the county and the forest service crews and it will begin later this fall after the water has gone down. Nyman said fill dirt taken from the parking lot project could be used at the boat ramp project.
The attempt to harvest dead spruce at Lake Canyon has been appealed and sent back to the forest service for more work, but it remains a viable project.
There is a new ATV project planned for a route from Millers Flat to the South Skyline Drive along the highway.
The forest service has lost their concessionaire and they haven’t had anyone interested in picking up this volunteer job. These volunteers keep the campgrounds open and clean. These campgrounds include Ferron Reservoir, Joe’s Valley Reservoir, Indian Creek and some campgrounds in Huntington Canyon including Old Folks Flat. These are unpaid positions, but a volunteer stipend is offered to cover gas and related expenses. Anyone interested in these campground positions should contact the Ferron office.
Nyman also said they would like to put the guard stations on a rental program which includes the Seely and the Ferron guard station. They invite input on this action as well.
Nyman said some cleanup work has taken place outside at the old resort at Ferron Reservoir, but they need money to complete the cleanup due to asbestos. There are two cabins remaining at the site as well as the main lodge. Ten of the 12 cabins were purchased by area residents and removed from the site.
The asbestos will need to be removed and then the lodge can be safely burned.
It was also mentioned the Ferron guard station can be used for a warming station for snowmobilers.
Mike McCandless reported the scenic by-way funds will help with the ATV trail and also the parking lot.