Uintah County is officially in control of the Ashley Springs watershed. The Bureau of Land Management Vernal Field Office announced Monday that the conveyance to Uintah County of the 790 acres of property has been approved. The press release shared the following: This conveyance is a result of President Donald Trump signing into law the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act…Secretary Bernhardt signed Secretary’s Order 3374… [requiring] actionable steps be taken and an implementation plan created to make sure the Department met all timelines laid out by President Trump…Management of this land will be consistent with the Uintah County General Plan, which lists the Ashley Springs Protection Zone as not conducive to mining or mineral resource extraction. The property will allow for non-motorized public recreation and will not allow for new roads to be constructed. “We’re pleased to finalize this conveyance, which will enable the local community to manage the area to protect the underground aquifer and the fresh water it provides to the Valley, said Utah State Director Greg Sheehan. “We understand how important a secure water supply is in the West, and will continue to work with the county to coordinate management of adjacent lands to maximize outdoor recreation opportunities.”
