6.2.1.3.2 Coordination with UDOT

Coordination with UDOT for trails efforts is important to these projects moving forward. Good coordination with UDOT can translate to inclusion of local priorities being incorporated, where possible, into upcoming UDOT projects. Elected officials and the transportation district in Duchesne County should take every opportunity to coordinate with UDOT management in communicating their communities needs and wants concerning trails. Review and discussion of this plan will be an important part of the discussions between Duchesne County entities and UDOT.

6.2.1.3.3 Coordination with BLM

As previously mentioned, the BLM is interested in increased coordination efforts and community outreach concerning recreation opportunities in Duchesne County. All entities interested in improving trails on public lands surrounding their communities would be well advised to be involved in the BLM’s travel management planning processes and to keep conversations open with the BLM on trails and connected route improvements. Examples of successful coordination in vernal Field Office are already being seen on the Badlands Trail, the Wrinkles Road signing efforts and other areas of community interest.

The process of implementing a trail project with the BLM begins with a formal meeting between the BLM recreational staff and their managers along with representatives from the proposing committee or entity. In that meeting, the trail project is presented to the BLM and it is shown how it will benefit the community and public lands. An ideal project will have a clear purpose to benefit the public and BLM; will fulfil the goals and objectives of the committee/entity; and will provide public land access for hunting, fishing, and site seeing. Once the trail project has been submitted to the BLM that meets their requirements, the BLM can begin their environmental assessment (EA). Upon completion of the environmental assessment, the BLM can provide letters of support for the project and assist in applying for funding to implement the trail. Upon completion of the trail the BLM would then designate the trail and include it in their maps.

The BLM has expressed that the trails along existing open roads make the most sense for OHV use and would be the easiest to implement. Along existing roads, the EA's are more streamlined, and the projects are more likely to be eligible for categorical exclusions. Once routes are picked on existing roads, and the EA's are completed, the BLM can designate trails, include them in their maps, and add signage. There are currently restrictions for motorized use within an 1/4-mile buffer on each side of the Green River. Any motorized trail projects within this buffer are unlikely to be accepted by the BLM. Additionally, the BLM has expressed concern that in areas where their land borders tribal land, people have often crossed that border with OHV's and trespassed on tribal lands. To avoid this conflict, the BLM has recommended that any OHV trail project proposed on their land avoid any potential connections onto neighboring tribal lands.

Another positive aspect of being involved in the BLM community outreach efforts would be the obtaining of grant funds for trails. A common challenge experienced by the BLM and communities pursuing trails is that both often cannot find a match for grant funding they seek. Working cooperatively there are opportunities for using federal dollars to match local grants or contributions and vice versa.