The Emery County Public Lands Council met on August 4, 2026, to address several regional concerns ranging from wildfire management to public land access and water storage solutions for the Town of Emery. The meeting, held at the Emery County Courthouse, included reports from various state and federal agencies.
The Manti-La Sal National Forest reported on the Black Canyon Fire, which was started by lightning and spread due to dry conditions and strong winds. The fire was estimated at approximately 1,100 acres with roughly 170 personnel assigned to the incident. Discussion was held regarding the existing Black Canyon timber contract, noting that logging has been completed in portions of the upper area to reduce fuels, while steeper portions remain unfinished due to the loss of specialized equipment by the contractor.
Utah State Parks reported that activity at campgrounds and golf courses has been slower due to extreme heat. Officials also noted relatively low search and rescue activity at Goblin Valley.
Regarding water storage, the council discussed potential projects for the Town of Emery, including repairs to Henningsen Reservoir and Spinner's Reservoir. LIDAR imagery has identified evidence of an old ditch that may have historically supplied water to Spinner's Reservoir and could potentially be restored.
The Utah Trust Lands Administration reported a proposal for a mineral lease for lithium brine exploration in the Green River area. The proposed project covers approximately 300 acres in Emery County and 3,000 acres in Grand County and is currently in the exploration stage.
In wildlife management, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reported that ongoing drought conditions have led to an increased number of nuisance bear calls. The division's aquatic section has moved from fish monitoring in the Muddy Creek drainage to the Huntington drainage.
Concerns were raised regarding public access through Meeting House Canyon, where a new property owner reportedly intends to restrict access through private property. Council members discussed the importance of gathering documentation to support potential prescriptive easements or other legal rights to protect continued public access.
The Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office is working to assist the Town of Emery with identifying funding and solutions for water storage needs. Additionally, members discussed the importance of preparing for potential post-fire flooding, debris flows, and sediment following the Black Canyon Fire.
