Monday’s transfer of 790.02 acres of the Ashley Gorge area to Uintah County was a moment years in the making. According to a press release from Uintah County issued on Tuesday, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019 was started by Congressman Rob Bishop over seven years ago with the creation of the Public Lands Initiative aimed at helping Utah counties have more say in managing public lands. Many years of work and collaboration finally paid off and the transfer was made official with the signature of State BLM Director Greg Sheehan while local officials gathered round for the exciting moment. Sheehan commented that the BLM is glad that Uintah County can serve as steward of the land for the future benefit of its citizens. Uintah County Commissioner Bill Stringer said that the signing is an example of what can happen when people work together. Uintah County Commissioner Brad Horrocks shared that the acquisition of the Ashley Gorge area will be a benefit to the county and that it is important that Uintah County and Vernal City have ownership of their own water source. Ashley Springs provides 25,000 residents with their water and with the transfer, the County not only will be able to control and maintain the water source but also provide wonderful recreation opportunities in the Ashley Gorge into the future.
