By Charles Pekow — The 249,572-acre Lower Bear River Watershed in Box Elder County, UT, may eventually feature a new bike trail. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced plans to prepare an environmental impact statement aimed at managing the watershed while enhancing recreational opportunities in Tremonton, Elwood, Bear River City, Garland, and unincorporated parts of the county.
However, the NRCS estimates that implementing the plan could cost over $25 million, requiring Congress to allocate funds in next year’s Agriculture spending bill. Although a measure approved by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies in June doesn’t mention this project, the bill is not yet final.
The plan includes three alternatives, one of which is a no-action option. The other two propose building a new recreational trail along a railway and a canal through Tremonton. These plans are still subject to change.
For more details, see https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-06-14/html/2024-13062.htm
