2.2 Background

2.2.1 Roosevelt Recreation Committee

In 2017, residents in Roosevelt City began meeting to discuss trails priorities in and around Roosevelt city. The group consisted primarily of cyclists, mountain bikers, pedestrians, and county and city officials. Tri-County Health has also had a presence on the committee to assist in the capacity of advising. Coordination between entities and supporting trails projects in the community and Duchesne County has been the focus of the committee. During the planning process, Roosevelt City has assumed responsibility of the committee and incorporated the priorities of that committee into their recreation subcommittee of their Parks, Arts, and Recreation Committee (PARC). The PARC has been meeting monthly since August 2019 and has expressed interest in trails and transportation alternatives in and around Roosevelt City.

2.2.2 Badlands Trails Committee

The badlands trails committee is composed of local government leaders, public lands officials, OHV organizations, and volunteers from Duchesne and Carbon Counties. The group has been working since 2016 to establish and maintain OHV routes in Duchesne and Carbon Counties. The results of their efforts can be seen with the newly opened trail section at Mud Springs. This new trail connects the Avintaquin Campground at the top of Indian Canyon to Argyle Canyon through forest lands.

Currently the committee is working on a 90 mile loop that would take users along Argyle canyon to Nine-Mile Canyon and up to the badlands overlooking Argyle and Nine-mile canyons. The majority of the route follows existing county, BLM, and forest roads. There are a few sections that are not in place yet including a connection between the badland cliffs and Argyle Canyon on the West side of the route. The committee is working with Duchesne County and land owners to identify possible solutions.

The committee has identified other trail priorities in the county to connect users to Starvation State Park and Duchesne City. The Inclusion of the county commissioners from both counties has been a crucial part in the successes that the committee has already had with the Badlands Trail. They seek to provide a safe experience for OHV users so they can enjoy the beauty, wonder, and learning what the area has to offer.

2.2.3 Neola Community Park District

The Neola park district oversees the park and rodeo arena in Neola. The district also has an interest in outdoor recreation and trails in the Neola Area. Linda Crozier is the board chair for the district and has provided input from the district regarding trails and routes that locals use for cycling and walking. Many residents in the area use the county and state roads for their walking routes. Additionally, there are many cyclists that have been observed using the North Crescent Road to travel between Neola and Roosevelt. The district has also made note that kids that walk to the elementary school in Neola often travel through the park and rodeo grounds to get to the school rather than using the sidewalks along Highway 121. The district has identified that improving the routes for these three uses would improve safety and the way of life for the community.