The Uintah County Commission will consider a resolution to authorize legal steps to secure permanent access along the existing Ashley Gorge Road. This action seeks to protect public interest in the Ashley Gorge Property, formerly known as the Ashley Springs Property.
Commission Chair John Laursen stated that the Commission remains committed to finding a voluntary resolution while fulfilling its obligation to protect the land, respect private property rights, and preserve public access. The County seeks to protect interests for the long term beyond immediate disagreements.
The effort relates to a process that began in 2019 following the signing of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. That Act directed the transfer of 790 acres in Ashley Gorge to Uintah County. As part of the 2020 conveyance by the Bureau of Land Management, the County must protect the aquifer, underground karst system, and watershed, prohibit mineral development, and allow public access for non-motorized recreation.
Access is required for the County to manage the property and meet federal conveyance purposes. Uintah County maintains that it and the public have existing rights to the Ashley Gorge Road, which is a Class D county road. The proposed resolution does not waive or abandon these claims.
Previous attempts to secure easement rights from two adjoining property owners included multiple proposals, notices, an independent appraisal, and offers to engage in mediation through the Utah Property Rights Ombudsman. While those negotiations have not yet reached an agreement, the new resolution directs staff and legal counsel to continue pursuing a voluntary agreement or other acceptable access.
A hearing regarding the proposed action is scheduled for September 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. in the Uintah County Commission Chambers located at 147 East Main Street, Vernal, Utah 84078.
