Trail Development in the Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management April 2021

Trail Development in the Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh Management Area and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons DOI-BLM-UT-W010-2020-0007-EA Environmental Assessment Cost Estimate $ 9,960.00

Salt Lake Field Office

2370 South Decker Lake Boulevard West Valley City, Utah 84119 Phone: (801) 977-4300 Fax: (801) 977i -4397 Table of Contents Chapter 1. Purpose & Need ...... 4 1.1 Background ...... 4 1.2 Purpose and Need ...... 6 1.2.1 Decision to be Made ...... 6 1.3 Conformance with BLM Land Use Plan(s) ...... 6 1.4 Relationship to Statutes, Regulations, or Other Plans ...... 7 1.5 Identification of Issues ...... 10 1.5.1 Issues Analyzed in Detail ...... 11 1.5.2 Issues Not Analyzed in Detail...... 11 Chapter 2. Description of Alternatives ...... 13 2.1 Alternative A – No Action ...... 13 2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action ...... 13 2.3 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated ...... 14 Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Impacts ...... 16 3.1 Background ...... 16 3.2 Analysis Assumptions and Methodology ...... 17 3.3 Recreation ...... 18 3.3.1 Affected Environment ...... 18 3.3.2 Impacts ...... 20 3.3.2.1 Alternative A – No Action ...... 20 3.3.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action ...... 20 3.4 Visual Resources ...... 21 3.4.1 Affected Environment ...... 21 3.4.2 Impacts ...... 22 3.4.2.1 Alternative A – No Action ...... 22 3.4.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action ...... 22 3.5 Lands and Access ...... 23 3.5.1 Affected Environment ...... 23 3.5.2 Impacts ...... 24 3.5.2.1 Alternative A – No Action ...... 24 3.5.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action ...... 24

i 3.6 Wildlife/Migratory Birds/Special Status Species ...... 25 3.6.1 Affected Environment ...... 25 3.6.2 Impacts ...... 30 3.6.2.1 Alternative A – No Action ...... 30 3.6.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action ...... 30 3.7 Vegetation ...... 34 3.7.1 Affected Environment ...... 34 3.7.2 Impacts ...... 36 3.7.2.1 Alternative A – No Action ...... 36 3.7.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action ...... 36 Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination...... 39 4.1 Persons, Groups, and Agencies Consulted ...... 39 4.2 Public Participation ...... 41 4.3 NHPA Compliance ...... 42 4.4 Preparers ...... 43 Chapter 5. References, Acronyms/Abbreviations, & Appendices ...... 44 5.1 References ...... 44 5.2 Acronyms/Abbreviations ...... 48 5.3 Appendices ...... 49 Appendix A. Figures (Maps) ...... 50 Appendix B. Interdisciplinary Team Checklist ...... 57 Appendix C. Protective Measures...... 63 Appendix D. Comments/Responses...... 68

List of Figures Figure 1. Analysis Area...... 51 Figure 2. VRM Class II areas...... 52 Figure 3. Crucial Mule Deer Habitat...... 53 Figure 4. Big Game Migration and Stopovers...... 54 Figure 5. Crucial Rocky Mountain Elk Habitat...... 55 Figure 6. Crucial Pronghorn Habitat...... 56

ii List of Tables Table 1. Statute, Regulation, Policy and Other Plans by Resource...... 7 Table 2. Issues Identified for Detailed Analysis...... 11 Table 3. Issues Considered and the Rationale for Elimination...... 12 Table 4. Reasonably Foreseeable Actions...... 16 Table 5. Linear Rights-of-Ways...... 23 Table 6. Potentially Occurring Priority Bird Species (Non-Sensitive)...... 26 Table 7. Potentially Occurring BLM Sensitive Species...... 27 Table 8. Crucial Big Game Habitats Acreages...... 28 Table 9. NOMA - Vegetation Land Cover...... 34 Table 10. Lake Mountains - Vegetation Land...... 35 Table 11. Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons - Vegetation Land Cover...... 36 Table 12. Impacts to Vegetation under the Proposed Action...... 37 Table 13. BLM Activities that Impact Vegetation...... 38 Table 14. List of Contacts and Findings...... 39 Table 15. List of Preparers...... 43

iii March 2021

Environmental Assessment

Trail Development in the Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh Management Area and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons DOI-BLM-UT-W010-2020-0007-EA

Chapter 1. Purpose & Need

1.1 Background This environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared to disclose and analyze the environmental consequences of the proposed development of trails that could be situated to avoid or minimize impacts to identified sensitive resources within the identified analysis area (AA) (Figure 1).1 Trail development would follow industry standards such as Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experience (BLM, IMBA, 2018) and comply with the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas, as appropriate. Trail tread width would generally be between 12-36 inches wide; trails could be sited to avoid mature vegetation such as tall trees or bushes, but vegetation that presents a hazard to trail users (e.g., woody shrubs or tree branches) would be cleared for approximately 2-4 feet on either side of the trail. The BLM is also considering how to best comply with Secretarial Order 3376 – Increasing Recreational Opportunities through the Use of Electric Bikes; the current proposed action would consider the use of Class 1 electric bicycles on appropriate trails. The BLM anticipates that up to 25 miles of new, single-track, trails would be constructed within the Lake Mountains, up to 15 miles would be constructed within the North Oquirrh Management Area (NOMA), and up to 15 miles would be constructed within Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons.2 The BLM would also consider associated needs for parking, signage and interpretive or area information, and for the sanitary disposal of human waste, which may necessitate the development of restroom facilities. In cases where public access is limited, the BLM would pursue access easements from adjacent willing landowners. The BLM would identify appropriate stipulations to protect cultural resources, historic properties, wildlife habitat, water quality, soils and vegetation, visual and other resources, and disclose impacts to resources that are present with a potential for relevant impact that need to be analyzed in detail in this EA. The BLM may offer no-cost rights-of-way to municipalities (likely 10 feet in width) for the construction and maintenance of trails. BLM can share the financial burden of costs for signage, equipment, volunteer workdays, etc.

1 Consistent with the 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 1500 through 1508; § 1501.3 and § 1501.5. 2 User-created, unplanned trails currently exist in all three areas. Existing trails that do not conform to the protective measures in Appendix C would be reclaimed or rerouted, while currently existing trails that are in concert with the protective measures could be incorporated into the overall trail network, and would not be considered “new” construction. Existing or designated two-tracks or motorized routes would also not be considered “new” construction for the purposes of analysis. The BLM will rely on satellite imagery or the most recent trail data collected by the agency or Cooperating Agencies prior to the scoping period for this EA to determine “existing” trails.

4 March 2021

The general discussion and legal land description for the AA is as follows: • Lake Mountains, Utah County. Approximately 17,250 acres in Township 5 South, Range 1 West; Township 6 South, Range 1 West; Township 7 South, Range 1 West; Township 7 South, Range 1 East; Salt Lake Meridian. • North Oquirrh Management Area, Tooele County. Approximately 5,285 acres in Township 1 South, Range 4 West; Township 2 South, Range 4 West; Township 2 South, Range 3 West; Township 3 South, Range 4 West; Township 3 South, Range 3 West Salt Lake Meridian; west of the ridgeline and at elevations lower than approximately 6,200 feet. • Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons, Salt Lake County. Approximately 1,520 acres in Township 4 South, Range 2 West; Salt Lake Meridian. All three areas vary in elevation from 4,400 feet to 7,690 feet at the highest point on Lake Mountain. The ecology is a sagebrush steppe ecotype. Scattered conifers are found on the upper elevations with juniper scrub oak on the lower slopes. Cheatgrass and other non-native species are spread throughout the AA. There are winter livestock grazing allotments in the areas and year-round habitats supporting game and non-game wildlife. Various avian wildlife species are also found including raptors and passerine birds. These areas are located in or near the Wasatch Front and currently provide nearby residents with opportunities for dispersed recreation. Housing developments are immediately adjacent to all three areas. For each area, the BLM has been coordinating with the appropriate municipal government(s) on provision of planned recreation infrastructure to meet the needs of their growing communities. This EA is a site-specific analysis of potential impacts that could result with the implementation of a proposed action or alternatives to the proposed action. The EA assists the BLM in project planning and ensuring compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and in making a determination as to whether any “significant” impacts could result from the analyzed actions. An EA provides evidence for determining whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a statement of “Finding of No Significant Impact” (FONSI). If the decision maker determines that this project has “significant” impacts following the analysis in the EA, then an EIS would be prepared for the project. If not, a Decision Record (DR) may be signed for the EA approving the selected alternative, whether the proposed action or another alternative or a combination of the alternatives. A DR, including a FONSI statement, documents the reasons why implementation of the selected alternative would not result in “significant” environmental impacts in accordance with the management prescriptions contained in the Pony Express Resource Management Plan (RMP), as amended (BLM, 1990). The organizational structure of this EA is as follows: Chapter 1 presents the purpose and need for agency action, land use plan conformance, relationship to other guidance, as well as the relevant issues that could be affected. Chapter 2 presents the description/range of alternatives, including alternatives that were considered but eliminated. Chapter 3 presents the affected environment and potential environmental impacts or consequences resulting from the implementation of each alternative considered. Chapter 4 presents the consultation/coordination efforts, including the public outreach. Chapter 5 presents the references, acronyms/abbreviations and appendices used in preparing this EA. Appendix A contains the figures/maps used. Appendix B contains the interdisciplinary team (IDT) checklist. Appendix C contains the identified protective measures.

5 March 2021

The State of Utah’s Public Land Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO), the State of Utah’s School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), Tooele County Commission, Tooele County Health Department, Utah County Commission, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Department, Eagle Mountain City, City of Saratoga Springs, Fairfield Town, City of Herriman, Tooele City, National Park Service (National Trails Office and Rivers Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program), and Utah Army National Guard (Camp Williams) were invited to serve as cooperating agencies in the preparation of this EA. Additional information is presented in Section 4.1. The Utah State Historic Preservation Office, State of Utah’s Public Land Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO), Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, National Park Service (National Trails Office), Utah Rock Art Research Association, Utah Statewide Archaeological Society, Utah Professional Archeological Council, National Pony Express Association, Oregon-California Trail Association, Tooele County Historic Preservation Commission, Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, Hopi Tribe, Pueblo of Jemez, Skull Valley Band of the Goshutes and the Ute Tribe were invited to participate as consulting parties under the National Historic Preservation Act. Additional information is presented in Section 4.3. 1.2 Purpose and Need The purpose and need is to respond to consistent expressions of interest from multiple user groups in adjacent, growing communities to expand opportunities for backyard to backcountry trails recreation. Action is necessary to curtail the development of additional unplanned or user- created trails, reduce the proliferation of substandard trails, while providing for safe recreational experiences and the protection of resources. The BLM is seeking to develop sustainable trail systems that minimize impacts to resources, offer safe access on public lands, and cultivate user groups that can assist in meeting stewardship goals. 1.2.1 Decision to be Made The decision to be made is to determine if trail systems, including any associated facilities, would be constructed, and if any rights-of-ways would be issued, and what terms and conditions would be applied. 1.3 Conformance with BLM Land Use Plan(s) The alternatives are in conformance with the land use planning decisions in the Pony Express (RMP), as amended (BLM, 1990; BLM, 1992; BLM, 1997; BLM, 2018), and is consistent with the following objectives, goals, and decisions of the approved plan:

Program Decision Page Title Number Number(s) Recreation 1 40, NOMA Special/Extensive Recreation Management Areas, including the NOMA 2 41, NOMA Off-Highway Vehicle Designations, including the NOMA Visual Resource 1 41, NOMA Visual Resource Management Classes Cultural Resource 1 49 Inventory and Evaluate 2 49 Evaluate Recorded Sites Transportation and 1 56, NOMA ROWs Within and Outside of Corridors, including the Utility Corridors NOMA

6 March 2021

Program Decision Page Title Number Number(s) Lands 7 14, NOMA Access, including the NOMA 8 14 Recreation and Public Purposes Hazardous Waste 1 29 Evaluate and Address Hazardous Waste Management Soil, Water, and Air 1 30 Evaluate on a Case-By-Case Basis Program 2 30 Acquire and Protect Water Rights 3 30 Monitor Water Quality and Comply with State Standards 4 30 Identify and Evaluate Erosion 5 31 Riparian Areas/Wetlands/Other Water Sources Objectives 6 Preserve/Protect/Restore Floodplains and Wetlands 7 31 Maintain or Improve Air Quality Wildlife and Fisheries 4 34 Protect Important Wildlife Habitat Program 5 37 Improve Crucial Habitats The action alternatives are also consistent with the objectives, goals and decisions related to the BLM’s programs (including but not limited to): Fire/Fuels Management, Invasive Species, Livestock Grazing, Travel/Transportation, Minerals, and Forestry. It has been determined that the alternatives would not conflict with other decisions throughout the land use plan, as amended. 1.4 Relationship to Statutes, Regulations, or Other Plans Implementation of the action alternatives is consistent with the applicable federal and state statues, regulations, policies, county ordinances and other plans to the maximum extent possible. Federal policies include BLM Manuals, Handbooks (H), Instruction Memorandum (IM) [Headquarters (HQ), previously Washington Office (WO), and Utah State Office (UTSO)], Executive Orders (EOs) and Secretarial Orders (SOs) (Table 1). Compliance with applicable statue, regulation, and policy includes the completion of procedural requirements, including consultation, coordination, and cooperation with stakeholders, interested publics, and Native American Tribes and completion of the applicable level of NEPA review. Table 1. Statute, Regulation, Policy and Other Plans by Resource. Policy* Authority All Resources ▪ Federal Lands Policy Management Act (FLPMA) ▪ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Statutes ▪ John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (“Dingell Act”) ▪ National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (“NDAA”). ▪ WO IM 2018-062 Addressing Hunting, Fishing, Shooting Sports, and Big Game Habitats, BLM WO IM and Incorporating Fish and Wildlife Conservation Plans and Information from Tribes, State Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Other Federal Agencies in BLM NEPA Processes Manuals or ▪ BLM Handbook 1790-1, BLM National Environmental Policy Act, Rel. 1-1710 dated Handbooks 01/30/2008 Recreation

7 March 2021

Policy* Authority Statute ▪ Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) ▪ 43 CFR §2930 Permits for Recreation on Public Lands CFRs ▪ 43 CFR §8360 Visitor Services ▪ 43 CFR §8365.1-6 Rules of Conduct - Supplementary Rules ▪ WO IM 2013-161 Processing and Approving Supplementary Rules BLM ▪ WO IM 2014-131 Implementation of the Federal Lands Hunting, Fishing and Shooting WO/UT IMs Sports Roundtable Memorandum of Understanding ▪ UT 2013-037 Utah Recreation Fee Program Toolbox ▪ BLM Manual 2930, Recreation Permits and Fees, Rel. 2-296 dated October 22, 2007 Manual / Handbook ▪ BLM Handbook 2930-1, BLM Recreation Permit and Fee Administration Handbook, Rel. 2-300 dated November 17, 2014 Visual Resources ▪ BLM Manual 8400, Visual Resource Management, Rel. 8-24, dated April 5, 1984 Manual / ▪ BLM Handbook 8431-1, Visual Resource Contrast Rating, Rel. 8-30, dated January 17, Handbooks 1986 ▪ BLM Handbook 8410-1, Visual Resource Inventory, Rel. 8-28, dated January 17, 1986 Wildlife/Migratory Birds/Special Status Species ▪ Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) Statutes ▪ Endangered Species Act (ESA) ▪ Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) EO ▪ EO 13186 Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds ▪ UT-BLM-2019-005 Updated Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sensitive Species List BLM UT IM for Utah Lands and Access ▪ SO 3373 Evaluating Public Access in Bureau of Land Management Public Land Disposals SO and Exchanges ▪ 43 CFR §2650.4-7 Public easements CFRs ▪ Part 2800 Rights-of-Way under the Federal Land Policy Management Act (43 CFR §2800) ▪ Part 2920 Leases, Permits and Easements (43 CFR §2920) Invasive/Noxious Weeds EO ▪ Control of Invasive Species (EO 13112) Vegetation (excluding special status species) ▪ Updated Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sensitive Species List for Utah, UT-BLM- BLM UT IM 2019-005 Air Quality Statutes ▪ Clean Air Act (CAA) ▪ Guidance for Conducting Air Quality General Conformity Determinations, WO IM 2013- BLM WO IM 025 Cultural Resources ▪ National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Statutes ▪ Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) EO ▪ Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (EO 13175 and 13084) * as amended.

8 March 2021

State of Utah Plans The State of Utah Resource Management Plan (Emery & Johnson, 2018) identifies considerations, objectives, policies and guidelines regarding the management of multiple resources and land uses within Utah, including Recreation and Tourism on public lands. The State of Utah supports BLM to provide a satisfying visitor experience on Utah’s public lands. Local land use plans considered during environmental review process include the following: • Salt Lake County RMP (2017) • Tooele County General Plan (2016) and Tooele County RMP (2017) • Utah County General Plan (2021) and Utah County RMP (2017) Salt Lake, Tooele and Utah County Plans The Salt Lake County RMP (2017) identifies the County’s resource management plan with existing conditions, desired future conditions, and monitoring. The proposed activities are consistent with the County’s management objectives for Recreation and Tourism. Specific objectives are to 1. Engage recreation users, resource managers, and local residents in developing strategies for managing recreation to meet desired future conditions and address recreation pressure and demands 2. Encourage education in values of outdoor education 3. Improve the quality of recreation experience for visitors and residence. Chapter 20.2 indicates that Salt Lake County desired future state is to provide high-quality recreational experiences for visitors and residents. To accomplish this, the county desires a recreation system that is balanced, sustainable, and provides a range of settings that accommodates for year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. The recreation system must account for heavy and increasing demands with sufficient facilities, maintenance, and transportation to support high levels of use at locations with convenient access. The system should also be capable of providing opportunities for environmental education, backcountry experiences, and cultural resource protection. The Tooele County General Plan (2016) identifies the County’s resource management plan with existing conditions, desired future conditions, and monitoring. The proposed activities are consistent with the County’s management objectives for Recreation and Tourism. Specific objectives are to: 1. Support and manage existing recreational infrastructure in order to provide a high degree of user satisfaction, maintain facilities, mitigate user conflict, minimize resource impacts, and reduce trespass to private property. 2. Support the development of new recreational opportunities to support growing demand in the region. 3. Support tourism in the region. 4. Actively participate in public land planning processes to ensure county goals for recreation and tourism are incorporated in future land use plans. 5. Develop a recreation corridor extending from the northern shore of Stansbury Island south to the southern end of the county in the Rush Valley, Skull Valley, and West Desert planning districts. Chapter 20.2 indicates that Tooele County desired future state is to support existing recreational infrastructure to provide a high degree of user satisfaction, maintain facilities, mitigate user conflict, minimize resource impacts, and reduce trespass to private property. The county also supports the creation, development, and maintenance of new recreation opportunities on public lands to benefit residents as well as attract tourists and visitors. Recreation opportunities should be available to all individuals regardless of age and/or physical ability. These opportunities should occur in a resource- sensitive manner with minimal conflict among uses/users. Tooele County supports the creation of a recreation corridor, extending from the northern shore of Stansbury Island south to the southern end of the county in the Rush Valley, Skull Valley, and West Desert planning districts, which would

9 March 2021 support a wide variety of recreation uses and provide the county with tourism benefits. Tooele County desires to actively participate in agency planning activities related to recreation and tourism. The Utah County General Plan (2021) identifies the County’s resource management plan with existing conditions, desired future conditions, and monitoring. The proposed activities are consistent with the County’s management objectives for Recreation and Tourism. Specific objectives are to 1. The health and quality of wildlife, land, air, and water are the foundations of a sound recreational infrastructure. Page 72 indicates that Utah County desired future state is to Develop appropriate facilities on public lands where the present facilities are not meeting the demand and where it meets the highest net public benefit. The following NEPA documents are incorporated by reference: • North Oquirrh Mountains Pony Express Plan Amendment EA and DR – UT-020-96-36. Addressed Lands, Recreation and Wildlife. (BLM, 1997) (Refer to pages 4 to 8). • Eastern Lake Mountains Target Shooting Plan Amendment EA, FONSI, and DR – DOI- BLM-UT-W010-2015-0023-EA. Addressed target shooting and supplementary rules. (BLM, 2018) (Refer to pages 1 to 6). • Off-Highway Vehicle Designations EA, FONSI, and DR – UT-020-90-11. Addressed OHV designations for public lands governed by the Pony Express RMP (BLM, 1992). (Refer to all pages). 1.5 Identification of Issues Identification of issues requiring analysis was accomplished through internal review/discussion, coordination with cooperating agencies and consulting parties and through addressing scoping comments submitted from the public. The IDT identified resources within the AA, which might be affected, and considered potential impacts using current office records, geographic information system (GIS) data, site visits, and information received from the public. The results of this review are summarized in the IDT Checklist (Appendix B) and in the Scoping Report (BLM, 2020). Resources determined to be present and potentially affected by the alternatives are carried forward for analysis (Section 1.5.1). Where resources are present but not determined to be impacted or resources are determined not to be present, a rationale for not considering them further is provided in the IDT Checklist (Appendix B), Section 1.5.2 and the Scoping Report (BLM 2020).

10 March 2021

1.5.1 Issues Analyzed in Detail Based on scoping comments, internal review, including Cooperating Agency input, the following key issue statements and corresponding impact indicators were developed (Table 2): Table 2. Issues Identified for Detailed Analysis. Resource Issue Statement Lands/Access and Property Boundary How would the proposed new recreation developments/facilities Evaluation affect authorized and new land uses (e.g., rights-of-way)? Migratory Birds How would recreational use affect nesting birds? How would development of new recreational facilities affect nesting birds and bird habitats? Recreation How would the recreational developments/facilities affect the recreational experience of public land users? Threatened, Endangered, Candidate or How would recreational facility development and recreational use Special Status Animal Species (Aquatic affect sensitive species? and Terrestrial) Vegetation How would new recreational trails and infrastructure impact vegetation?

Visual Resources How would new recreational trails and infrastructure impact visual resources? What trail layout/design attributes can be utilized to minimize visual contrast in sensitive areas?

Wetlands / Riparian Zones & Floodplains How would trail crossings of intermittent and perennial streams affect riparian habitats? Wildlife (Aquatic and Terrestrial) How would recreational facility development and recreational use Excluding Special Status Species affect deer migratory behavior? How would recreational facility development and recreational use near fawning areas affect deer reproductive success? How would recreational facility development and recreational use affect deer and elk use of winter range and overwinter survival? 1.5.2 Issues Not Analyzed in Detail Resource issues considered but not carried forward for detailed analysis are listed in the IDT Checklist (Appendix B) with supporting rationale (Not Present or Not Impacted) and the Scoping Report (BLM, 2020). Some of these issues include statements of support or opposition, and user preferences/frustrations/complaints. These issues were eliminated from further analysis as they do not provide information that is: essential to make a reasoned choice among the alternatives, important to potential impacts of the alternatives; or relevant to responding to the BLM’s purpose and need for the proposed project (Table 3).

11 March 2021

Table 3. Issues Considered and the Rationale for Elimination. Resource Issue Statement Rationale for Not Analyzing in Detail Historic What are the The Cultural Resources and Tribal Consultation Stipulation (H 3120-1) Properties potential impacts is applied across all parcels. This stipulation states that the area(s) may from ground be found to contain historic properties and/or resources protected under disturbing activities the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), American Indian to sites eligible for Religious Freedom Act, Native American Graves Protection and listing on the NRHP Repatriation Act, Executive Order 13007, or other statutes and and sites that are not executive orders. The BLM will not approve any ground-disturbing eligible for listing on activities that may affect any such properties or resources until it the NRHP? completes its obligations (e.g., State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and tribal consultation) under applicable requirements of the NHPA and other authorities. The BLM may require modification to development proposals to protect such properties, or disapprove any activity that is likely to result in adverse effects that cannot be successfully avoided, minimized, or mitigated. Motorized Why doesn’t the Motorized use is outside of the scope of this EA. A portion of the Use BLM consider NOMA is limited to designated routes, with seasonal closures for Big additional motorized Game Winter Range on the low elevation levels. Approximately 12,445 trails? acres of the NOMA is closed to OHV use (BLM 1997). BLM-managed lands in the Rose and Yellow Fork Canyon and the Lake Mountains are designated as limited to existing routes for OHVs (BLM 1992). This project would not affect motorized access or travel management designations as it does not include any changes to the OHV designations. Future planning for motorized uses across the Salt Lake Field Office would most appropriately occur through the travel management planning process under 43 CFR §8342.

12 March 2021

Chapter 2. Description of Alternatives

2.1 Alternative A – No Action Under the no action alternative, the BLM would not authorize the construction of any new trails nor associated infrastructure within the Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh Management Area (NOMA), or Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons. Planning for additional trails may be completed on an individual, site-specific basis. Visitors would continue to be able to travel cross-country for trail uses and would continue to use the existing network of user-created trails. Repeated use in certain areas would likely expand the existing trail network, absent of planning or design and the application of any protective measures. The BLM would not grant rights-of-way for the construction or continued maintenance of trails, and protective measures (mitigation), monitoring, and compliance would not be applied. 2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action The BLM would authorize the construction and maintenance of up to 25 miles of new, singletrack, trails within the Lake Mountains, up to 15 miles within the NOMA, and up to 15 miles within Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons, subject to the protective measures identified in Appendix C. The BLM would offer rights-of-way to entities such as municipal governments to develop (construct and maintain) trails to facilitate new outdoor recreation opportunities on BLM- managed lands within the Lake Mountains, NOMA, and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons. This EA does not propose an exact centerline alignment for future trails, rather it establishes the conditions under which trail development may occur in the AA. The project would not change the availability of any existing motorized access, but would expand a trail system that supports hiking, biking, horseback riding, or other human-powered recreational uses. Similarly, currently existing trails3 that are in concert with the protective measures could be incorporated into the overall trail network, and would not be considered “new” construction. Existing or designated two-tracks or motorized routes would also not be considered “new” construction for the purposes of analysis. However, any existing trails that do not conform to the protective measures in Appendix C would be reclaimed or rerouted. Trail development would follow industry standards such as Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experience (BLM, IMBA, 2018)4 and comply with the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas,5 as appropriate. Trail tread width would generally be between 12-36” wide; trails would be sited to avoid mature vegetation such as tall trees or bushes to the greatest extent practical, but vegetation presenting a hazard to trail users (e.g., woody shrubs or branches) would be cleared for approximately 2-4 feet on either side of the trail.

4 https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/Guidelines-for-a-Quality-Trail-Experience-2017.pdf 5 https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/recreation-facilities/outdoor-developed-areas/final- guidelines-for-outdoor-developed-areas

13 March 2021

Under the proposed action, the BLM could authorize the use of Class 1 electric bicycles6 on trails that are developed by the BLM specifically for bicycle use, or on trails that are authorized under rights-of-way to other entities, when the ROW applicant has specifically requested the authorization of Class 1 electric bikes. Class 1 electric bikes may be considered with further review and route analysis. Within the target shooting closure area of the Lake Mountains (an area with high rock art density), the BLM would not authorize any bicycle use on interpretive trails that are specifically intended for access to cultural resources such as rock art, in order to preserve the integrity of the cultural setting. The BLM could authorize new trailheads, or the improvement of current areas where the public is parking to access public lands, with associated short access roads and parking areas (an anticipated 1-5 acres each) that may include restroom facilities (e.g., single- or double-vault outhouses). Under the proposed action, the BLM could authorize up to three trailheads with parking areas, short access roads, and restrooms on BLM-managed lands in the Lake Mountains, two within the NOMA, and one within Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons. The BLM could also authorize the development of trailhead information kiosks at each developed trailhead and additional signage along trails (e.g., brown fiberglass posts) for trail marking purposes. Future recreation events on new or existing trails on BLM-managed surface would be considered under BLM’s 43 CFR §2930 regulations for special recreation permits. The BLM would engage with any adjacent willing landowners, local governments, and state agencies to identify and implement mutually beneficial partnerships to enhance public recreational opportunities, access, and experiences while maintaining other important resources and public land uses within the Lake Mountains and the NOMA. The BLM would also pursue access easements from willing adjacent landowners to ensure legal public access and to prevent inadvertent trespass, or enter into Memorandums of Understanding for easements obtained by other entities (e.g., state or local governments) that pertain to access to BLM-managed public lands in the AA. The BLM would apply appropriate protective measures (mitigation) (Appendix C) to protect cultural resources, wildlife habitat, water quality, soils and vegetation, visual and other resources. Resource specific requirements are addressed in the applicable subsections within Chapter 3 and based on Appendix B. 2.3 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated Stabilization of the Historic Tram Building in the NOMA The BLM considered changes to the historic and defunct tram building within the NOMA. In consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and all identified consulting parties concerns regarding long-term management of the tram were expressed. The tram was constructed in the 1950s when KSL-TV installed a transmitter on top of Farnsworth Peak to transport technicians working on the transmitter site. The base building has been damaged by fire and vandalism in the years since the tram ceased operation.

6 https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so_3376_- _increasing_recreational_opportunities_through_the_use_of_electric_bikes_-508_0.pdf and in https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-22239.

14 March 2021

The BLM considered removing the existing perimeter fence, the adjacent concrete building, and the outer metal shell of the tram building. The BLM also considered stabilizing the framework of the building, potentially removing part of the unsafe stairway and moving the existing machinery to the ground floor for interpretive opportunities. Any future development that would include demolition or stabilization of the Tram building would be appropriately analyzed in accordance with NEPA and NHPA regulations prior to implementation of such development. This alternative was eliminated from detailed analysis because it would not respond to the purpose and need for agency action (Sections 1.2 and 1.2.1).

15 March 2021

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Impacts

3.1 Background Affected Environment The affected environment discussion succinctly describes the existing condition/trend of the environment of the area(s) to be affected or created by the alternatives under consideration, including the reasonably foreseeable environmental trends and planned actions in the area(s). It provides the basis for identifying and interpreting potential impacts. When applicable, biological, physical, or regulatory thresholds are identified. Environmental Consequences Effects or impacts means changes to the human environment from the proposed action or alternatives that are reasonably foreseeable and have a reasonably close causal relationship to the proposed action or alternatives, including those effects that occur at the same time and place as the proposed action or alternatives and may include effects that are later in time or farther removed in distance from the proposed action or alternatives. Reasonably Foreseeable Actions Unless otherwise stated below, the AA for each resource is shown in Figure 1. The period of time is 30 years, which coincides with the average term of a ROW at issuance. Past or ongoing actions that affect the same components of the environment as the alternatives include land exchanges, livestock grazing, recreational use (SRPs, photography, OHVs, etc.), rights-of-way (roads, power lines etc.), habitat restoration and rehabilitation, drought, and wildfire (Table 4). Any future proposed project within the AA would be analyzed in an appropriate environmental document following site specific planning. Future project planning would also include public involvement; including during future NEPA review of ROW applications and notifications via letter or other means to individuals or groups identified on the project’s mailing list. Additionally, applicants have included, or will likely include, public input on the development of proposals. Proposals could include any activity from a right-of-way, a special recreation permit, and oil/gas leasing and/or development, to a land use plan revision. The reasonably foreseeable actions applicable to the AA are identified in Table 4. Table 4. Reasonably Foreseeable Actions. Action Past Present Future Land use planning.   Livestock grazing authorizations and permit issuance.    Recreation use (dispersed and Special Recreation Permits).    Invasive/noxious weed inventory and treatments.    Hazardous fuels and habitat restoration treatments.    Wildfire stabilization and rehabilitation treatments.    Land tenure adjustments (land exchanges such as the Dingell Act and NDAA).    Right-of-way (facilities, roads, pipelines, powerlines, etc.) authorizations.    Travel and transportation management.  

16 March 2021

Action Past Present Future Mineral materials, mining claims, and other minerals authorizations.    General Setting The Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh Management Area, and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons are all located near rapidly expanding population centers in Utah, Tooele and Salt Lake Counties. The proposed trail development AA boundary would include approximately 17,250 acres of BLM-managed lands in the Lake Mountains, approximately 5,285 acres (west of the ridgeline and at elevations lower than approximately 6,200 feet) in the NOMA, and approximately 1,520 acres in Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons (approximately 24,055 total acres). Refer also to Section 1.1 and Appendix A. The AA’s landscape is typical for the Basin and Range Physiographic Province, including its flora and fauna. Most access points to public lands come from adjacent single-family home developments or trailheads on private lands. Residential development in the areas continues to expand and homes are planned or constructed very near the edge of public/private land boundaries in all three areas. Trails are already being established and used by recreationists largely from the nearby communities. Local service industries provide goods and services for recreationists. As the population grows, individuals, families and groups naturally seek recreational activities to fulfill interests and improve the quality of their lives; public lands have fulfilled this purpose and provided this opportunity for many years. As adjacent communities undertake long-term or master planning, demand for a safe and sustainable trail system has become a focus for municipal governments. 3.2 Analysis Assumptions and Methodology The following assumptions were applied during analysis: • Population growth would continue to increase at current rates in nearby communities. • Public use of, and demand for recreational opportunities on, BLM-managed public lands would continue to grow with urban expansion and the increasing popularity of recreational activities. • New forms of outdoor activities and equipment would continue to be developed. • Proposed management actions are intended for current and expected increases in visitation over the next 10-20 years. • Planned improvements and developments would be funded and implemented over several years, either through rights-of-ways granted to external entities, or by BLM, in partnership with state and local agencies and other organizations. • Available grazing permits and current AUMs (animal unit months) on allotments on federal land would remain constant, provided that allotments continue to meet Rangeland Health Standards. Current authorized uses on lands within the AA would continue until permit expiration. Permit renewals would generally be dependent upon the BLM’s’ current policies and regulations. • This proposed action would be subject to valid existing rights and outcome of the land exchanges contained within the Dingell Act and NDAA. Any proposals for trails within or adjacent to lands slated for exchange or conveyance to the State of Utah would either be authorized in coordination with SITLA or not considered.

17 March 2021

• Associated long-term surface disturbance would generally not exceed a total of approximately 100 acres, as follows: . Trails – up to approximately 60 acres of total new disturbance (up to 55 total miles/264,000 feet in length × 10 foot width for the right-of-way (incorporates total trail tread and vegetation removal, which would generally be less than 10’ wide). . Parking and Restrooms – up to approximately 30 acres (up to 5 acres each, by up to 6 trailheads with parking, restrooms, and kiosks). . Access Roads – 10.3 acres (an estimated up to 2,500 feet in length × 30 feet in width feet × 6 new trailheads). . Kiosks – <0.1 additional acres outside of new developed trailheads . The actual area of disturbance will likely be substantially less than the totals listed above. 3.3 Recreation 3.3.1 Affected Environment The NOMA, Lake Mountains, and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons are currently being used for semi-primitive recreation opportunities primarily including hiking, biking, equestrian use, hunting, and wildlife viewing. An existing network of unplanned, user-created trails provides access to these areas, particularly in the area of the Lake Mountains closest to Eagle Mountain City, across Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons, and on the low-elevation benches of the NOMA. Motorized use is authorized and occurs on existing and designated routes within all three areas, except for approximately 12,445 acres of the NOMA, which is closed to OHV use (BLM, 1997). Each of these areas has also experienced unauthorized cross-country motorized use away from existing or designated routes. Much of the AA is impacted by decades of largely unmanaged recreational use and associated urban interface impacts and issues. Existing impacts from recreational use include user-created routes or trail proliferation and associated erosion; surface disturbance, soil compaction, and loss of vegetation/ground cover associated with recreational activities (e.g., camping, OHV use, etc.); damage to cultural resources; litter, and vandalism or property damage. Existing urban interface issues include illegally dumped garbage including occasional hazardous waste, household waste and appliances, animal carcasses, and abandoned vehicles. The Lake Mountains have specifically experienced an increase in target shooting demand and illegal dumping of garbage; the NOMA and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons experience illegal dumping but to a lesser extent. Visitation The amount of recreational use has grown and continues to grow due to the proximity to rapidly developing urban areas. The BLM estimates approximately 41,600 visits per year at the Lake Mountains. The NOMA currently receives an estimated 4,015 visitors annually. Rose and Yellow Fork do not have specific visitation estimates from the BLM or Salt Lake County; use in this area is compiled with our general dispersed recreation estimates.

18 March 2021

This use has increased over the years and is expected to continue to increase with the increasing populations and nearby urban developments of Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah counties. The Kern C. Gardner Policy Institute projects a large percent change in population for these counties in the coming decades (Salt Lake 54.7%, Tooele 112.2%, Utah 176.6%) (2017). Visitation occurs year- round, with the highest use on weekends in the spring and fall, and on holiday weekends. Most visitors to these areas are residents from nearby cities and towns. Recreational Activities & Experiences The topography and existing roads and trails in the AA provide recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Each of the areas contains an existing network of unplanned, user-created trails and routes that continue to expand. Social media apps such as Strava and Trailforks indicate regular mountain biking use in several areas; local mountain biking organizations also host annual high school mountain biking team events on existing two-tracks in the Lake Mountains under a letter of agreement with the BLM. The Lake Mountains, NOMA and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons are located within UDWR hunting units which are open to archery, rifle, and muzzle loader hunting beginning in late August and ending generally in early November. Hunters have generally been displaced from Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons due to lack of legal access across private property. Provision of visitor facilities and services is expected to positively impact local economies from regional visitors stopping to purchase goods and services, particularly in Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Lake Point, Tooele, and Herriman. Visitor services Currently, the NOMA, Lake Mountain and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons include basic signage to support visitor information, public safety, law enforcement patrols, and support for emergency services. There are no existing restroom facilities on BLM-managed lands within the AA. Salt Lake County maintains restrooms at a single trailhead at Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons located on Salt Lake County owned lands. Site-Specific Conditions of Use and Rules of Conduct Currently, management of recreational users within the areas is limited to the standard BLM regulations (43 CFR §2930 and §8500) for recreation management and rules of conduct for public safety and resource protection that apply to all BLM-managed public lands. The NOMA is closed to the discharge or use of firearms or dangerous weapons for the purposes of target shooting (BLM, 2000). Approximately 2,004 acres of BLM-managed lands in the Lake Mountains, and an additional 1,530 acres of lands managed by SITLA are closed to target shooting to protect cultural resources (BLM, 2018) (BLM, 2018). Under all alternatives these existing closures would remain in effect. Elsewhere in the Lake Mountains, target shooting activities have displaced motorized and non- motorized types of recreation to those areas and/or in times where and when less target shooting occurs. The target shooting closure does not prohibit the use of firearms for hunting (BLM, 1997) (BLM, 2018). Under 43 CFR §2930, special recreation permits (SRPs) and associated fees are required for all commercial, competitive, and organized group events conducted on BLM-managed public lands; this would also apply to events on trails for which BLM grants a ROW to other entities.

19 March 2021

3.3.2 Impacts 3.3.2.1 Alternative A – No Action Under this alternative, the current management situation of an existing, unplanned and unmaintained user-created trail system with minimal services for approximately an estimated ~50,000 visitors annually would continue. The NOMA, Lake Mountain, and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons would remain largely unmanaged public lands supporting dispersed recreation activities. No additional management would be provided beyond that which is currently in place. No other additional visitor services or recreational developments, including parking lots or restroom facilities would be constructed, and no additional resource protection measures would be instituted. The unplanned, user-created trail network would likely continue to expand through unauthorized trail construction or through repeated use in an area, but trails would not be constructed subject to any protective measures, and the BLM would not institute additional management measures to address or mitigate such impacts. With the high and continued increase in recreational use of the areas, public safety concerns, user conflicts, and resource damage are also expected to continue to increase, particularly absent the protective measures and planned infrastructure that can assist in creating safe and developed recreational experiences. These include illegal target shooting, vandalism and resource destruction, and increased or more complicated emergency responses (e.g., search and rescue actions on more varied/difficult terrain). Some users prefer an undeveloped setting for recreation, and therefore some recreationists, particularly hunters, may prefer this alternative and the avoidance of the construction of new trails. However, other users prefer a clear and planned network of trails and would seek recreation experiences in other developed areas, or may attempt to create trails absent of BLM authorization or review. The no action alternative would contribute to undesirable recreation impacts. The population trends and expected growth would still occur within these counties. It is reasonable to expect that a portion of the county populations would participate in outdoor recreation activities at the same rates as present. This would cause additional, unplanned trail activity. 3.3.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action The proposed action would develop trails and associated infrastructure to facilitate outdoor recreation opportunities. The trails would generally be authorized under a right-of-way to a municipal government, and/or may be built with BLM, contracted, or volunteer labor. The proposed improvements would have both positive and negative effects on the recreational experience of visitors to the area. The proposed improvements would enhance the recreational experience of those in support of trails, and is expected to result in an overall increase in visitation and visitor satisfaction in the AA. However, the proposed action may detract from the recreational experience of those opposed to them, particularly those who do not want to see any changes to the status quo nor increase in visitation. The majority of respondents during public scoping for this project express a desire for additional recreation amenities and services within the AA (BLM, 2020).

20 March 2021

The development of a planned network of trails is anticipated to provide quality opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and result in an increase in visitation on trails and within trailhead areas. Some trails could be designed to provide downhill treks and support NICA (or similar) opportunities. The potential for user conflicts exist however a majority of users would benefit from the experience provided. Some trails could be established for single-use or multiple-use depending on the terrain or another parameter applied for in a future ROW application. Some trails could be established for single or two directions. There are areas available for dispersed types of recreation on public lands. The BLM anticipates an increase in SRP applications for events on trail networks. Permits may be issued on a discretionary basis as determined by the authorized officer. SRP would include Utah BLM standard stipulations and any additional limitations to protect for resource values (Appendix C). Events would be scheduled and signed to minimize user conflicts and safety concerns with other users. Additionally, the provision of restroom facilities would reduce the potential for inappropriate human waste disposal currently occurring in areas of concentrated use. A planned network of trails and associated signage can also positively impact adjacent private landowners by decreasing the likelihood of trespass onto adjacent or nearby private property. Reasonably foreseeable actions are listed in Section 3.1. The development of land for roads, pipelines, electrical transmission, minerals, etc. could remove or restrict public access or impact visitors’ recreational experiences, though these impacts would generally be only temporary during construction and/or other times to protect public safety. However, the impacts are expected to be relatively minor due to the large extent of land available for recreation in the AA and the application of design features and mitigation measures (e.g., siting considerations, avoidance measures). Other types of reasonably foreseeable actions identified in Section 3.1 are not expected to cause a substantial impact to the recreation setting or visitors’ recreational experiences, or would avoid substantial impacts through application of design features and mitigation measures (e.g., siting considerations, avoidance measures). While there would be some impacts to visitors’ recreational experiences and the recreation setting from the proposed action, and some potential impacts from present and reasonably foreseeable actions, these impacts would not be expected to increase effects to levels that would compromise the overall availability of recreation opportunities within the AA. 3.4 Visual Resources 3.4.1 Affected Environment The AA occurs within VRM Class II (approximately 75 acres in Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons, and all lands above 5,200 ft elevation within the NOMA), Class III (lands below 5,200 ft elevation in the NOMA), and VRM Class IV (the Lake Mountains and majority of Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons). The objective of VRM Class II areas is to retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be low. Management activities may be seen, but should not attract the attention of the casual observer. Any changes must repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, and texture found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

21 March 2021

The objective of VRM Class III areas is to partially retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be moderate. Management activities may attract attention but should not dominate the view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape. The objective of VRM Class IV areas is to provide for management activities which require major modification of the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape can be high. These management activities may dominate the view and be the major focus of viewer attention. However, every attempt should be made to minimize the impact of these activities through careful location, minimal disturbance, and repeating the basic elements (BLM, 1984). 3.4.2 Impacts 3.4.2.1 Alternative A – No Action The no action alternative would not contribute to any impacts for visual resources. No new trails would be constructed, but use would continue on existing trails. 3.4.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action A Visual Contrast Rating (VCR) would be conducted for proposed centerline alignments in VRM Class II areas (Appendix C) to assist in determining final layout of each trail, incorporating information from the most recent visual resources inventory at appropriate key observation points (BLM, 2011). Additional information is shown in Figure 2. Trails are linear features that have the potential to disrupt the existing form, line, color and texture of the landscape. Additionally, people using the trails will be visible from key observation points along nearby roads, trailheads, or residences, unless topographical features or vegetation is present in a location that provides screening. In the benchlands of the NOMA and the Lake Mountains, it is reasonable to expect that trails will be visible from residential developments, but that the application of protective measures will assist in screening to the greatest practical extent. In Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons, vegetation will generally screen trail users except in open clearings. The placement of trails would avoid breaking the visual horizon wherever possible. Trails would flow with natural topography to the greatest extent practicable, and be designed to minimize contrast to the form, line, color and texture of the existing landscape. Implementation of these protective measures would mitigate impacts to visual resources and ensure that trail and infrastructure construction and maintenance is consistent with the established VRM Class objectives. Reasonably foreseeable actions are listed in Section 3.1. Very few other actions are expected to occur in VRM Class II areas in the NOMA. The development of land for roads, pipelines, electrical transmission, minerals, etc. generally impacts the visual characteristics of the landscape. Overall impacts to visual resources are expected to be relatively minor due to the application of design features and mitigation measures (e.g., siting considerations, avoidance measures). While there would be some impacts to visual resources from the proposed action and some potential impacts from present and reasonably foreseeable actions, these impacts would not be expected to increase effects to levels that would compromise the scenic quality ratings of lands within the AA.

22 March 2021

3.5 Lands and Access 3.5.1 Affected Environment The AA contains twenty-eight (28) existing/operating rights-of-way (ROWs) (Table 5). Most of these authorizations are linear features, which include power/transmission lines, water or gas pipelines, access roads, etc. There are also several storage areas and water tanks authorized on public lands. Several of these ROWs are considered major utility ROWs, providing services across Utah. Table 5. Linear Rights-of-Ways. Factor Number of ROW Approximate miles (+/-)* 1. NOMA 9 8.2 miles 2. Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons 6 1.5 miles 3. Lake Mountains 13 20.3 miles There are certain parcels (acreages) of land that are specifically identified in the Dingell Act and NDAA that are to be exchanged between SITLA and BLM ownership. Section 1005 of the Dingell Act provides for the State of Utah to make selections for State land grants within certain BLM-administered lands in Utah County. On June 26, 2020, SITLA formally requested the conveyance of the following BLM lands with the Lake Mountains planning area under this provision of the Dingell Act. This case has been assigned BLM serial number UTU-94842. Township 6 South, Range 1 West, SLM Section 8: Lots 3, 4, 7, 8, SW¼NE¼, E½NW¼, NE¼SW¼, W½SE¼ Section 10: E½NE¼ Containing 483.20 acres, m/l Section 1255 of the Dingell Act provides for the exchange of specifically identified state trust lands and BLM-administered lands in the State of Utah, including 261.53 acres of BLM- administered land within the Lake Mountains planning area. The act states “If the State offers to convey to the United States title to the non-Federal land, the Secretary, in accordance with this section, shall (A) accept the offer; and (B) on receipt of all right, title, and interest in and to the non-Federal land, convey to the State (or a designee) all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal Land.” On August 3, 2020, the State of Utah, through SITLA, formally offered to convey title to the non-Federal lands in the exchange to the United States via letter submitted to the Secretary of the Interior, thereby officially setting this congressionally mandated exchange in motion. The BLM-administered lands within the Lake Mountains planning area that will be conveyed to SITLA under the Dingell Act are as follows: Township 6 South, Range 1 West, SLM Section 4: Lots 1-7, SW¼NE¼, SE¼NW¼ Containing 261.53 acres, m/l Sections 3011-3014 of the NDAA provides for the exchange of specifically identified state trust lands and BLM-administered lands in the State of Utah. This exchange, known as the Utah Test and Training Range/West Desert Land Exchange (“UTTR Exchange”), includes 215.05 acres of BLM administered lands adjacent to the NOMA planning area as described below:

23 March 2021

Township 3 South, Range 4 West, SLB&M Section 11: Lots 1-7, N½NE½ [less patented mining claims] Containing 215.05 acres, m/l Implementation of the congressionally mandated UTTR Exchange is nearing completion. A binding exchange agreement was executed between SITLA and the BLM on November 3, 2020, locking in the lands to be exchanged and the valuation of those lands. 3.5.2 Impacts 3.5.2.1 Alternative A – No Action The existing ROWs would remain in their present status and any new applications would be analyzed independently on a case-by-case basis. The BLM would not grant any new ROWs for trails nor associated infrastructure. The no action alternative would not contribute to any impacts for lands. Land exchanges as identified in the Dingell Act and NDAA would still proceed. 3.5.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action The BLM would consider additional rights-of-way to municipalities to authorize the construction and maintenance of some or all of the trails. No impacts to existing right-of-way holders or other authorized users are anticipated, as valid existing rights would be recognized. Protective measures would be applied (Appendix C), which would mitigate impacts to the lands and realty resource and to valid existing rights. Reasonably foreseeable actions are listed in Section 3.1. It is possible that reasonably foreseeable future land tenure changes (e.g., federal or SITLA to private ownership) could remove or limit access to lands available for land use authorizations, as the future landowner may not permit access or land use authorizations. Similarly, the development of land for roads, pipelines, electrical transmission, etc. may limit future access or future authorizations, if those types of development are incompatible with the proposed uses of the trail network or require exclusive use. Land exchanges as identified in the Dingell Act and NDAA would also proceed under this alternative. Any applications for ROWs proposing trail development on lands within or adjacent to parcels identified for exchange or conveyance would either be authorized in coordination with SITLA, or not considered. While the type and magnitude of these impacts cannot currently be quantified, land tenure changes, such as parcels slated to be transferred to SITLA, and the development of land in the AA are expected to continue and have potential to reduce access and/or limit lands available for land use authorizations within the AA. However, the impacts are expected to be relatively minor due to the large extent of land available for public access and land use authorizations in the AA and the application of design features and mitigation measures (e.g., siting considerations, avoidance measures).

24 March 2021

3.6 Wildlife/Migratory Birds/Special Status Species 3.6.1 Affected Environment The majority (96%) of wildlife habitat on public lands in the AA consists of seven land cover types: sagebrush (9,071 acres), pinyon-juniper (5,736 acres), non-native grassland (3,644 acres), forest and woodland (2,916 acres), montane shrubs (1,065 acres), grassland (453 acres), and desert shrubs (354 acres). The distribution of habitat types varies between the three geographically distinct areas. The NOMA has a large component of nonnative grasses as well as forest and woodland, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper; the Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons are largely pinyon-juniper with smaller areas of sagebrush and nonnative grasses; and the Lake Mountains are dominated by sagebrush with substantial areas of pinyon juniper and nonnative grasslands (Table 9 through Table 11 in Section 3.7). Riparian habitat is rare (0.2 percent) and is primarily located in the NOMA. Habitat quality varies across the AA; in many areas non-native species, such as cheatgrass and noxious weeds, are invading. Native species (pinyon-juniper) are encroaching into native shrub habitats and are degrading and fragmenting the habitat, as well as changing the frequency and intensity of fires. The NOMA and Lake Mountains support the largest areas of nonnative grasses. Other historic and/or ongoing uses influencing the quality and distribution of wildlife habitats in the AA are fence lines, powerlines, fires, hazardous fuels, habitat restoration treatments and seedings, roads, recreational use, and mining. Developments on nearby private lands affect the quality and availability of wildlife habitats in the project vicinity because they reduce and fragment habitat, in addition to creating noise disturbances and traffic hazards. A large (>8,000 acre) open pit copper mine is located on private surface between the NOMA and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons area. Urbanization from the rapidly growing Tooele Valley, Salt Lake Valley, and Utah Valley areas is encroaching on wildlife habitats on adjacent private lands. Migratory Birds A variety of migratory songbird species use habitats within the AA for breeding, nesting, foraging, and migratory habitats. Migratory birds are protected under the MBTA. The MBTA makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, kill, capture, possess, buy, sell, purchase, or barter any migratory bird, including the feathers or other parts, nests, eggs, or migratory bird products, unless it is a permitted action. The Executive Order 13186 sets forth the responsibilities of federal agencies to further implement provisions of the MBTA by integrating bird conservation principles and practices into agency activities and by ensuring that federal actions evaluate the effects of proposed actions and agency plans on migratory birds. BLM’s role under the MBTA is to adequately manage migratory birds and their habitats, and to reduce the likelihood of a sensitive bird species from being listed under the ESA. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the BLM and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (BLM, 2010) provides BLM further direction for project-level NEPA guidance for meeting MBTA conservation and compliance. The emphasis is on the identification of sensitive bird species and habitats using the USFWS 2008 Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) (2008), the Utah Partners in Flight (UPIF) (Parrish, 2002) (BLM, 2010) that avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse impacts for migratory birds and habitats that are most likely to be present in the AA.

25 March 2021

The AA is within the Great Basin Bird Conservation Region (USFWS, 2008). Priority species that could occur within the parcels were identified by the BCC lists for this region (USFWS, 2008), UPIF Priority Species List (Parrish, 2002), Raptor Inventory Nest Survey database (RINS, 2018), Utah Natural Heritage Database (UDWR, 2013), Breeding Bird Survey records (Pardieck, 2018), and eBird records (eBird, 2020). Table 6 lists the 17 non-sensitive priority bird species potentially occurring within the AA. BLM sensitive bird species are discussed in the subsection on Special Status Terrestrial Species. Table 6. Potentially Occurring Priority Bird Species (Non-Sensitive). 1st 2nd Wintering Common Name Scientific Name Status Breeding Breeding Habitat Black Rosy-Finch Leucosticte atrata BCC Alpine Alpine Grassland Black-throated Pinyon- Mountain Setophaga nigrescens UPIF Migrant Gray Warbler Juniper Shrub High Desert Brewer's Sparrow Spizella breweri BCC, UPIF Shrubsteppe Migrant Scrub Broad-tailed Lowland Mountain Selasphorus platycercus UPIF Migrant Hummingbird Riparian Riparian Calliope Mountain Mountain Selasphorus calliope BCC Migrant Hummingbird Riparian Shrub Ponderosa Sub-Alpine Lowland Flammulated Owl Psiloscops flammeolus BCC Pine Conifer Riparian BCC, High Desert High Desert Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Cliff BGEPA Scrub Scrub Pinyon- Gray Vireo Vireo vicinior BCC, UPIF Northern Oak Migrant Juniper Green-tailed Mountain High Desert Pipilo chlorurus BCC Migrant Towhee Shrub Scrub High Desert Pinyon- High Desert Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus BCC Scrub Juniper Scrub Lowland Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus BCC Cliff Wetland Riparian Gymnorhinus Pinyon- Ponderosa Pinyon Jay BCC Pinyon-Juniper cyanocephalus Juniper Pine Sagebrush Artemisiospiza High Desert Low Desert BCC, UPIF Shrubsteppe Sparrow nevadensis Shrub Shrub High Desert Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus BCC Shrubsteppe Migrant Shrub Northern Pinyon- Virginia's Warbler Leiothlypis virginiae BCC, UPIF Migrant Oak Juniper Williamson's Sub-Alpine Sphyrapicus thyroideus BCC Aspen Migrant Sapsucker Conifer Lowland Mountain Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii BCC Migrant Riparian Riparian

26 March 2021

Sixty-three percent of the AA provides Priority Bird Habitat (Parrish, 2002), specifically shrubsteppe, pinyon-juniper, desert scrub, and riparian habitats. Nine percent of the AA is within Bird Habitat Conservation Areas (BHCA), specifically the Utah Lake/Mona Lake/TinticValley and RushValley/Tooele Valley BHCAs (Evans, 2008). Special Status Terrestrial Species Special Status Animal Species include the following: federally threatened, endangered, proposed, or candidate species, and BLM sensitive species. Section 7 of the ESA requires BLM land managers to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by the BLM is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any threatened or endangered species. Consultation with USFWS is required on any action authorized by the BLM or another federal agency that affects a listed species or that jeopardizes or modifies critical habitat. The management of special status species is guided by the BLM 6840 Manual, Special Status Species Management (BLM, 2008). The objective of the 6840 Manual is: 1) to conserve and/or recover ESA-listed species and the ecosystems on which they depend so that ESA protections are no longer needed for these species, and 2) to initiate pro-active conservation measures that reduce or eliminate threats to BLM sensitive species to minimize the likelihood of and need for listing of these species under the ESA. There are no federally listed or proposed terrestrial species or critical habitat occurring in the AA (USFWS, 2020). The IPaC report listed two federally listed species to be considered in the effects analysis of the project, the yellow-billed cuckoo and the June sucker (USFWS, 2020). However, there are no cuckoo records in the project area, nor is there suitable or critical cuckoo habitat. Riparian protective measures will eliminate any potential effects to the June sucker in Utah Lake. Therefore, no effects from the proposed project to these species are expected, and these species will not be considered further in this EA. There are 20 terrestrial wildlife species that are designated sensitive by the BLM that potentially occur within the AA (Table 7). Table 7. Potentially Occurring BLM Sensitive Species. Species Scientific Name Status Habitat Birds American Three- Picoides dorsalis SENS Sub-alpine conifer, lodgepole pine. toed Woodpecker Haliaeetus Bald Eagle SENS Lowland riparian leucocephalus Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia SENS High desert scrub, grasslands Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis SENS Open country in a variety of habitats; isolated juniper trees Grasshopper Ammodramus SENS Grasslands Sparrow savannarum Lewis's Melanerpes lewis SENS Ponderosa pine, lowland riparian. Woodpecker Numenius Long-billed Curlew SENS Grasslands, desert shrub americanus Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis SENS Mature mountain forests and riparian zones, aspen

27 March 2021

Species Scientific Name Status Habitat Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus SENS Wetland, grassland, shrubland Insects Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus SENS Mesic habitats supporting milkweed and nectar species. Meadow complexes with a variety of habitats. Needs floral Western Bumble Bombus SENS resources throughout breeding season and small mammal Bee occidentalis burrows. Mammals Allen's Big-eared Idionycteris Lowland riparian and desert shrub to mountain brush and SENS Bat phyllotis mixed forest. Nyctinomops Big Free-tailed Bat SENS lowland riparian, desert scrub, montane forest macrotis Many habitats with roost sites (caves, cliffs, mines, Fringed Myotis Myotis thysanodes SENS building, cavities in decadent trees and snags) Kit Fox Vulpes macrotis SENS Sparsely vegetated arid habitat Preble's Shrew Sorex preblei SENS Many habitats, especially wetland areas. Brachylagus Pygmy Rabbit SENS Areas of tall dense sagebrush with loose soils idahoensis Euderma Spotted Bat SENS Many habitats with tall cliffs maculatum Townsend's Big- Corynorhinus Many habitats with roost sites (caves, cliffs, mines, SENS eared Bat townsendii building) Lasiurus Western Red Bat SENS Cottonwood groves in lowland riparian blossevillii Non-Special Status Terrestrial Species Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus), and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are the big game species found within the AA (Table 8). UDWR has identified areas of crucial habitats that are considered essential to the life history requirements of big game species, such that continued degradation and loss of crucial habitats would lead to declines in carrying capacity and/or numbers of big game species. In addition, recently UDWR has been radio-collaring deer in the Eagle Mountain area and using the location data to identify migration corridors (UDWR, Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative, 2020). Table 8. Crucial Big Game Habitats Acreages. Rose/Yellowfork Lake Type Total NOMA Source Canyons Mountains Mule Deer Crucial Winter 3,501 3,114 387 0 UDWR 2015 Crucial Yearlong 10,721 0 0 10,721 UDWR 2015 Migration Corridor - High Use 3,507 Not Available Not Available 3,507 UDWR 2020 Migration Corridor - Medium Use 6,796 Not Available Not Available 6,796 UDWR 2020 Migration Corridor - Low Use 3,493 Not Available Not Available 3,493 UDWR 2020 Migration Corridor - Stopover 6,084 Not Available Not Available 6,084 UDWR 2020

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Rose/Yellowfork Lake Type Total NOMA Source Canyons Mountains Pronghorn Crucial yearlong 232 0 0 232 UDWR 2018 Elk Crucial winter 4,339 4339 0 0 UDWR 2013

The rapid urbanization in the Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah Valleys has created human/deer conflicts in the region. The Eagle Mountain area has experienced high rates of deer/vehicle collisions along a deer migration corridor, and a cooperative effort to protect green spaces and create safe crossings is ongoing. In response to deer/human conflicts (property damage and vehicle collisions) in the town of Herriman, UDWR has instituted an extended archery hunt in the Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons portion of the AA to reduce the deer population. Most of the AA (80 percent) is within either crucial winter or crucial yearlong mule deer habitats (UDWR, Mammal Habitat Coverages, Mule Deer Habitat, 2015) or within a migration corridor (UDWR, Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative, 2020) (Figure 3 and Figure 4). Migration corridor data is extracted from location records for deer that were radio-collared in the Eagle Mountain area, and so it only provides substantial information for the Lake Mountain area. Some of the collared Eagle Mountain deer do occur near or within the Rose and Yellow Fork Canyon area, but this appears to be the extreme northern end of the range for this population. Radio-collar data for adult does occurring (during the fawning season) near the southern portions of the Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons area suggest that this area may provide fawning habitat. Migration use of the AA by non-collared deer from the Eagle Mountain area or elsewhere is not known at this time. The AA within the NOMA provides some of the most important winter big game range in the Oquirrh Mountains. Even though vegetative communities vary throughout the range of mule deer, habitat is nearly always characterized by areas of thick brush or trees interspersed with small openings. The thick brush and trees are used for escape and thermal cover, whereas the small openings provide forage and feeding areas. Mule deer do best in habitats that are in the early stages of plant succession (UDWR, 2019). Eighteen percent of the project contains designated crucial winter range for elk, located entirely within the NOMA (UDWR, 2013) (Figure 5). Elk are a generalist ungulate, having a varied diet of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Although elk inhabit most habitat types in Utah, they prefer to spend their summers at high elevations in aspen/conifer forests. Stands of aspen provide forage and cover and are used for calving in the spring. Water is an important habitat component for elk; in Utah, elk on summer ranges were found to prefer habitat within 0.33 miles of water. Elk will spend the winter months at mid to low elevation habitats that contain mountain shrub and sagebrush communities (UDWR, 2015).

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The only designated pronghorn habitat in the AA is a small area (232 acres of crucial yearlong habitat) on the lower elevations of the west side of the Lake Mountains (UDWR, 2018) (Figure 6). This habitat is peripheral to the areas in the Cedar Valley that are used most heavily by pronghorn. In Utah, nearly all pronghorn populations occur in shrub-steppe habitat. Large expanses of open, low rolling, or flat terrain characterize the topography of most of these habitats. Of particular importance in sustaining pronghorn populations is a strong forb component in the vegetative mix. The presence of succulent forbs is essential to lactating does and thus fawn survival during the spring and early summer. High quality browse protruding above snow level is especially critical to winter survival of pronghorn (UDWR, 2017). 3.6.2 Impacts 3.6.2.1 Alternative A – No Action Migratory Birds/Special Status Terrestrial Species/Non-special Status Terrestrial Species Under the no action alternative current authorized actions would continue. There would be no new construction associated with newly authorized trails under the no action alternative. Current and ongoing actions on BLM lands, such as motorized and nonmotorized recreation, rights-of- way, mineral exploration/extraction, livestock grazing, and fuels reduction and habitat restoration projects would continue. Under the no action alternative, impacts would be similar to those described in Section 3.6.1. Current use and management would not change; although increased urbanization of the Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah Valleys would increase demand for construction materials, utility rights- of-way, and recreation, as well as increasing traffic in the region. Reasonably foreseeable actions would continue to degrade migratory bird, sensitive species, and big game habitats, particularly the rapid urbanization of adjacent areas. The unauthorized expansion of trails into BLM lands is currently occurring and reasonably foreseeable, given the increasing demand for recreational opportunities in the area. These trails would likely not be constructed according to industry standards or be subject to protective measures to minimize damage to wildlife habitat or disturbances to wildlife. Unauthorized, user-created trails would likely cause more habitat loss and wildlife disturbance than the proposed action. 3.6.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action Migratory Birds The proposed action could result in the loss or degradation of up to 101 acres of migratory bird habitat as described in Sections 3.1 and 3.7.2.2. In addition, trails affect bird communities by increasing nest predation through increased corridors and causing disturbance effects, which result in altered bird community composition, favoring habitat edge species over habitat interior species (Miller, Knight, & Miller, 1998). The zone of influence in the Miller study for most negatively affected species was 75 meters; although some species were affected as far as 100 meters away. Using these distances to estimate minimum and maximum areas of disturbance, and assuming the maximum distance of trail is developed in each area of the project, 3,262 to 4,351 acres of bird habitat in the entire AA would be subject to disturbance effects, or 14 to 18 percent overall. This area of disturbance is not distributed evenly among the three areas – the disturbed area in the smaller Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons area would represent 58 to 78 percent of that area. Seventeen to 22 percent of the NOMA and nine to 11 percent of the Lake Mountains would be affected. These are simplified estimates that calculate a maximum area of

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disturbance based upon a straightline length of trail and do not take into account the fact that trail features, such as curves and switchbacks create overlapping areas of disturbance, therefore the total area affected may be lower than the straight-line estimate. The estimates also do not take into account the influence of terrain features that could either buffer or increase disturbance effects. Romin and Muck provides guidelines for raptor protection from human disturbances. Out-of- vehicle recreational activities are generally considered more disturbing to raptors than in-vehicle activities, although raptor tolerance levels can vary by species (2002). Recommended spatial buffers for most nesting raptor species occurring within the AA range from 0.25 to 0.50 mile, although buffers for the less common peregrine falcon and bald eagle are 1 mile. Raptor nesting inventories for the AA have not been performed. Assuming that the entire AA provides potential raptor nesting habitat and using the 0.25 to 0.50 mile buffer distances for the most commonly nesting raptors to estimate minimum and maximum areas of disturbance, 17,396 to 34,793 acres of raptor habitat in the AA would be subject to disturbance, or 72 to 144 percent overall. This area of disturbance is not distributed evenly among the three areas – the disturbed area in the smaller Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons area would represent 311 to 623 percent of that area. Ninety to 180 percent of the NOMA and 46 to 91 percent of the Lake Mountains would be affected. These are simplified estimates that calculate a maximum area of disturbance based upon a straight-line length of trail and do not take into account the fact that trail features, such as curves and switchbacks, create overlapping areas of disturbance, and therefore the total area affected may be lower than the straight-line estimate. The estimates also do not take into account the influence of terrain features that could either buffer or increase disturbance effects. Resource protective measures in Appendix C would minimize the risk of direct injury, mortality, or nest loss due to construction of new recreation developments. These measures would also minimize the risk of habitat loss or disturbance to nesting pinyon-jay due to construction of new roads and trailheads, as recommended in the Conservation Strategy for the Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (Somershoe, et al., 2020). In addition, the development of a maintained trail system would discourage cross-country travel in the AA. This would potentially reduce habitat loss from the proliferation of unauthorized substandard trails as well as minimize disturbances from recreational use. Some bird species can habituate to regular activity, such as along trails, but react more strongly to more irregular and unpredictable activity, such as in off- trail areas (Knight & Miller, 1996). The AA for migratory bird species is all of the Great Basin Bird Conservation Region within Tooele, Utah, and Salt Lake counties (USFWS, 2008). Reasonably foreseeable actions are listed in Section 3.1. In addition, the rapid urbanization of the adjacent areas of the Tooele, Salt Lake, and Utah valleys is expected to continue – in the 20 years between 2015 and 2035 the populations of Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah Counties are projected to increase by approximately 24, 62, and 64 percent, respectively (Perlich, Hollingshaus, Harris, Tennert, & Hogue, 2017). This would result in the development of large areas of currently rural land, higher demands for utility rights-of-way, increased demands for construction materials, increasing pressure on undeveloped lands for recreation, and associated increases in vehicle traffic along nearby roads, all of which would negatively affect local migratory bird populations.

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Overall, the project would add to the effects of historical and ongoing activities in the AA that have degraded habitat and created disturbances to migratory bird species. Relative to the areas affected by foreseeable actions within the AA (Section 3.7.2.2) and the adjacent rapidly urbanizing areas, the area of migratory bird habitat directly affected by the project (101 acres) is a relatively small area. Complete implementation of project design features to mitigate impacts to migratory bird species would reduce the project’s long-term effects to the point that effects would not be expected to compromise the viability of these species within the AA. Special Status Terrestrial Species The proposed action could result in the loss or degradation of up to 101 acres of sensitive species habitat as described in Section 3.7.2.2. Sensitive bird species would be subject to disturbances by recreationists as described in the Migratory Bird subsection. Resource protective measures in Appendix C would minimize the risk of direct injury, mortality, or nest loss due to construction of new recreation developments. Prioritization of the bat- compatible closure of any future newly identified abandoned mine land (AML) features within the AA would reduce the risk of disturbances to sensitive bat species from recreational users. Pre-construction surveys and avoidance buffers would minimize risks to pygmy rabbits and kit foxes from the installation of the proposed facilities, although risks from noise and habitat disturbances from recreational users would continue. The development of a maintained trail system would discourage cross-country travel in the AA. This would reduce habitat loss from the proliferation of unauthorized substandard trails as well as minimizing disturbances from recreational use. Some wildlife species can habituate to regular activity, such as along trails, but react more strongly to more irregular and unpredictable activity, such as in off-trail areas (Knight & Miller, 1996). The AA for special status species is all of the Great Basin Bird Conservation Region within Tooele, Utah, and Salt Lake counties (USFWS, 2008). Reasonably foreseeable future actions are listed in Section 3.1. In addition, the rapid urbanization of the adjacent areas of the Tooele, Salt Lake, and Utah valleys is expected to continue – in the 20 years between 2015 and 2035 the populations of Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah Counties are projected to increase by approximately 24, 62, and 64 percent, respectively (Perlich, Hollingshaus, Harris, Tennert, & Hogue, 2017). This would result in the development of large areas of currently rural land, higher demands for utility rights-of-way, increased demands for construction materials, increasing pressure on undeveloped lands for recreation, and associated increases in vehicle traffic along nearby roads, all of which would negatively affect sensitive species populations. Overall, the project would add to effects to historical and ongoing activities in the AA that have degraded habitat and created disturbances to sensitive wildlife species. Relative to the areas affected by foreseeable actions within the AA (Section 3.7.2.2) and the adjacent rapidly urbanizing areas, the area of sensitive species habitat directly affected by the project (101 acres) is a relatively small area. Complete implementation of project design features to mitigate impacts to sensitive species would reduce the project’s additive effects to the point that effects would not be expected to compromise the viability of these species within the AA.

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Non-Special Status Terrestrial Species The proposed action could result in the loss or degradation of up to 101 acres of big game habitat as described in Section 3.7.2.2. In addition, big game would be subject to disturbances caused by recreationists using the AA. Knight and Miller found that pedestrians using trails caused deer to flush at distances of up to 33 meters; pedestrians with dogs on trails caused deer to flush at distances up to 120 meters (1996). Using these distances to estimate minimum and maximum areas of disturbance, 1,435 to 2,607 acres of mule deer habitat in the AA would be subject to disturbance effects, or six to ten percent overall. This area of disturbance is not distributed evenly among the three areas – the disturbed area in the smaller Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons area would represent 26 to 47 percent of that area. Seven to 13 percent of the NOMA and four to seven percent of the Lake Mountains would be affected. These are simplified estimates that calculate a maximum area of disturbance based upon a straight-line length of trail and do not take into account the fact that trail features, such as curves and switchbacks, create overlapping areas of disturbance, and therefore the total area affected may be lower than the straight-line estimate. The estimates also do not take into account the influence of terrain features that could either decrease or increase disturbance effects. Knight and Miller did not specifically look at seasonal variation in mule deer sensitivity to disturbance (1996). The AA includes crucial winter range, migration corridors, and fawning areas. Disturbances to deer during these sensitive periods could have greater impacts over larger areas than was observed by their study. The development of a maintained trail system would discourage cross-country travel in the AA. This would reduce habitat loss from the proliferation of unauthorized substandard trails as well as minimizing disturbances from recreational use. Knight and Miller (1996) demonstrated that deer react sooner and more strongly to off-trail recreational use than to on trail use. The AA for non-special status terrestrial species includes all big game habitat management units that overlap the AA (West Desert and Oquirrh-Stansbury). Reasonably foreseeable actions are listed in Section 3.1. In addition, the rapid urbanization of the adjacent areas of the Tooele, Salt Lake, and Utah valleys is expected to continue – in the 20 years between 2015 and 2035 the populations of Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah Counties are projected to increase by approximately 24, 62, and 64 percent, respectively (Perlich, Hollingshaus, Harris, Tennert, & Hogue, 2017). This would result the development of large areas of currently rural land, higher demands for utility rights-of-way, increased demands for construction materials, increasing pressure on undeveloped lands for recreation, and associated increases in vehicle traffic along nearby roads, all of which will negatively affect big game populations. The development of trails and access on BLM lands in the Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons area would contribute to the efficiency of ongoing deer control efforts for the town of Herriman and reduce the population of deer in this area. Overall, the project would add to effects of historical and ongoing activities in the AA that have degraded habitat and created disturbances to big game species. Relative to the areas affected by foreseeable actions within the AA (Section 3.7.2.2) and the adjacent rapidly urbanizing areas, the area of big game habitats directly affected by the project (101 acres) is a relatively small area. Complete implementation of project design features to mitigate impacts to big game species would reduce the project’s additive effects to the point that effects would not be expected to compromise the viability of these species within the AA.

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3.7 Vegetation 3.7.1 Affected Environment Because vegetation varied substantially from site to site, a breakdown of landcover at each location is detailed below. NOMA Forests and woodlands are the dominant vegetation cover type on the NOMA covering approximately 45% of the area, followed by grasslands at 32% and shrublands at 20% (Table 9). The NOMA was historically homesteaded and now consist primarily of non-native annual and perennial grasslands. The other common landcover types are Gambel Oak (25.4%), pinyon- juniper woodland (10.7%), and Wyoming big sagebrush (9.4%). The NOMA contains a population or groves of hybrid oak.( Quercus × pauciloba Rydb. (pro sp.) [gambelii × turbinella), a species of interest. Table 9. NOMA - Vegetation Land Cover. Landcover Acres* Percent Forest and Woodland Cover Types (45.4%) Aspen/Maple Woodland and Forest 427.7 8.1 Gambel Oak Woodlands 1,343.3 25.4 Mixed Conifer Forest 64.3 1.2 Pinyon-juniper Woodland 566.2 10.7 Shrub Cover Types (19.9%) Wyoming Big Sagebrush Steppe 495.9 9.4 Mixed Mountain Shrubland 306.9 5.8 Mountain Mahogany Shrubland 50.3 1.0 Semi-desert Mixed Shrubland 65.8 1.2 Salt Desert Shrubland 1.3 <0.1 Low/Black Sagebrush Steppe 132.8 2.5 Grass Cover Types (32.1%) Grassland 126.1 2.4 Non-native Annual and Perennial Grassland 1,571.4 29.7 Other Cover Types (2.5%) Human Disturbance 50.0 0.9 Recently Burned 16.9 0.3 Wetland or Riparian 50.9 1.0 Barren 16.9 0.3 TOTAL 5,284.1 100% Any acreage discrepancies are due to tessellation of raster datasets. Landcover is based on Landfire (www.landfire.gov) data from satellite imagery 2014. Landfire vegetation cover des.criptions can be found at: https://www.landfire.gov/documents/LF- GAPMapUnitDescriptions.pdf *on BLM-managed Public Lands.

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Lake Mountains Shrubland and shrubland steppe are the dominant vegetation cover type on the Lake Mountains, covering approximately 54% of the area, followed by forests at 28% and grasslands at 14% (Table 10). The Lake Mountains have been impacted by several wildfires over the past decade, but still retain substantial woody vegetation that is susceptible to, or intolerant of, fire. The most common landcover types are Wyoming big sagebrush (38.8%), pinyon-juniper woodland (23.4%), and non-native annual and perennial grasslands (11.9%). Table 10. Lake Mountains - Vegetation Land. Landcover Type Acres* Percent Forest and Woodland Cover Types (28%) Aspen/Maple Woodland and Forest 12.5 <0.1 Gambel Oak Woodlands 155.5 0.9 Mixed Conifer Forest 633.4 3.7 Pinyon-juniper Woodland 4,048.7 23.4 Shrub Cover Types (53.9%) Wyoming Big Sagebrush Steppe 6,709.9 38.8 Mixed Mountain Shrubland 263.8 1.5 Mountain Mahogany Shrubland 438.8 2.5 Semi-desert Mixed Shrubland 179.9 1.0 Salt Desert Shrubland 106.1 0.6 Greasewood Shrubland 4.0 <0.1 Low/Black Sagebrush Steppe 1,641.7 9.5 Grass Cover Types (13.8%) Grassland 323.1 1.9 Non-native Annual and Perennial Grassland 2,051.2 11.9 Other Cover Types (4.2%) Human Disturbance 64.7 0.4 Recently Burned 652.3 3.8 Wetland or Riparian 1.6 <0.1 Barren 13.6 <0.1 TOTAL 17,301.2 100% Any acreage discrepancies are due to tessellation of raster datasets. Landcover is based on Landfire (www.landfire.gov) data from satellite imagery 2014. Landfire vegetation cover descriptions can be found at: https://www.landfire.gov/documents/LF-GAPMapUnitDescriptions.pdf *on BLM-managed Public Lands. Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons Forests and woodlands are the dominant vegetation cover type in Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons covering approximately 92% of the area, followed by a scant amount of shrublands (6%) and grasslands (2%) (Table 11). The most common landcover types are pinyon-juniper woodlands (73.5%), Gambel oak woodlands (16.5%), and Wyoming Big Sagebrush Steppe (4.3%).

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Table 11. Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons - Vegetation Land Cover. Landcover Type Acres* Percent Forest and Woodland Cover Types (91.8%) Aspen/Maple Woodland and Forest 26.9 1.8 Gambel Oak Woodlands 252.2 16.5 Pinyon-juniper Woodland 1,120.9 73.5 Shrub Cover Types (6.2%) Wyoming Big Sagebrush Steppe 66.1 4.3 Mixed Mountain Shrubland <1 <0.1 Mountain Mahogany Shrubland 5.3 0.3 Semi-desert Mixed Shrubland 1.1 <0.1 Low/Black Sagebrush Steppe 25.1 1.6 Grass Cover Types (1.6%) Grassland 3.6 0.2 Non-native Annual and Perennial Grassland 21.8 1.4 Other Cover Types (<1%) Human Disturbance <1 <0.1 Wetland or Riparian 1.3 <0.1 TOTAL 1,525.2 100% Any acreage discrepancies are due to tessellation of raster datasets. Landcover is based on Landfire (www.landfire.gov) data from satellite imagery 2014. Landfire vegetation cover descriptions can be found at: https://www.landfire.gov/documents/LF-GAPMapUnitDescriptions.pdf *on BLM-managed Public Lands. 3.7.2 Impacts 3.7.2.1 Alternative A – No Action Under this alternative, the BLM would not authorize the development of any new trails. There would be no expected loss of vegetation due to the implementation of the no action alternative. There would be no expected loss of riparian/aquatic habitats or impacts to water quality due to the implementation of the no action alternative. 3.7.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action The proposed actions could result in the loss of up to approximately 33 acres of vegetation in the NOMA, 49 acres in the Lake Mountains, and 25 acres in Rose and Yellow Fork Canyon for a grand total of 107 acres (Table 12). In the NOMA, it is likely to be a loss of woodland, either Gambel oak or pinyon-juniper, and a loss of invasive and non-native grassland. In the Lake Mountains, it is likely to be a loss of Wyoming big sagebrush, pinyon-juniper woodland and invasive, non-native grassland. In Rose and Yellow Fork canyons, it is also likely to be a loss of woodlands including Gambel oak and pinyon-juniper. All three of these areas are adjacent to population centers where demand for public forest resources is highest. However, the total acres likely to be removed is small, and there are no current harvest units on public lands in the AAs. Therefore, there would be limited anticipated impact to forest resources in the foreseeable future.

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Possible impacts of the proposed action are: trampling of additional vegetation along the trail corridor by livestock and trail users, changes in microclimate after trail construction (i.e., small changes in temperature, moisture and nutrient flow from alteration of existing vegetation and soil), soil compaction/erosion impacts on future plant establishment, nutrient loading due to spread of manure and urine by livestock and trail users, and the introduction and spread of invasive species along trails. All of these impacts may cause a change in plant composition along the trail corridor (Dale & Weaver, 1974) (Beninger-Truax, Vankat, & Schaefer, 1992) (Chen, et al., 1999). Plant species may be reduced/removed because they are delicate or because they are woody and not resistant to trampling (Dale & Weaver, 1974) (Cole, 1978) (Tonneson & Ebersole, 1997). Further, nutrient enrichment has been shown to change species composition, diversity and increase alien species (Wedin & Tilman, 1996). So even though the corridor along the trails is not directly impacted by trail development, it may change substantially. However, outside the spread of non-native species, these impacts are generally within a meter or two from the trail (Dale & Weaver, 1974) (Van Winkle, 2014). Trails have also been shown to have higher densities of invasive species than random locations in the landscape (Davies, Nafus, & Madsen, 2013) and to serve as conduits for plant movement (Beninger-Truax, Vankat, & Schaefer, 1992). Non-native, invasive plants often outcompete native vegetation (e.g., cheatgrass over native bunchgrasses). Trails facilitate the movement of invasive plant seeds into areas native vegetation, which can result in plant establishment, spread of invasive species and loss of native vegetation communities. There may be loss of riparian vegetation at drainage crossings. Implementation of protective measures (Appendix C) would minimize these impacts. Trails would be constructed in a manner that a crossing runs perpendicular to a stream or drainage rather than parallel. A parallel crossing would increase streambank instability over a greater area as opposed to a crossing that intersects a stream or drainage at one point. Low wash crossings, bridges, or similar devices would be installed at crossings or as needed. Large overstory/canopy habitat would not be removed within the 1,200 feet buffer on either side of a stream. The grass/forb components of riparian habitat at a crossing could be lost due to an increase in recreation use. Approximately 53.8 acres of riparian habitat could be altered within the AA (Table 9 through Table 11). Additional information is shown in Table 12. Table 12. Impacts to Vegetation under the Proposed Action. Area Trail Construction Parking Area/Rest Access Road (1 per Total Rooms/Kiosks parking area) Acres NOMA Up to 15 miles = 18.2 ac Up to 2 = 10 ac Up to 2,500 ft = 5.2 ac 33.4 ac x 10 ft wide 5 ac each x 30 ft wide Lake Mountains Up to 25 miles = 30.3 ac Up to 3, = 15 ac Up to 2,500 ft = 3.4 ac 48.7 ac x 10 ft wide 5 ac each x 30 ft wide Rose/Yellow Up to 15 miles =18.2 ac Up to 1, = 5 ac Up to 2,500 ft = 1.7 ac 24.9 ac Fork Canyons x 10 ft wide 5 ac each x 30 ft wide TOTALS 66.7 acres 30 acres 10.32 acres 107 ac

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There are several current BLM-authorized activities within the AAs that impact vegetation (Table 13). The BLM hazardous fuels program has treated at least 1,600 acres in each of the units and approximately 5,600 acres total. Most treatments in the NOMA involved mowing (i.e., reducing the height and seed bank of annual rye grass), herbicide application, and seeding treatments in an effort to reduce the large amount of invasive, non-native grasslands due to historical uses. For Lake Mountains, a combination of treatments was implemented, including construction of fuel breaks, juniper mastication, and seeding. Last, for Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons, pinyon-juniper woodlands were thinned on BLM-administered lands surrounding private residences. The fuels program plans to continue treatments in the NOMA in the next several years and may implement treatment in the other AAs as required. In addition to fuels treatments, wildfire has impacted almost 18,000 acres of vegetation across the AAs since 1984. In response, over 11,000 of those acres have been treated through the Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) program to facilitate soil stability and recovery. Wildfires and ES&R treatments are unplanned, but would continue to occur. Other impacts to vegetation include rights-of-way (approximately 271 total acres) and livestock grazing activities. Both programs are expected to either increase (i.e., rights-of-way) or remain constant (i.e., livestock grazing). Table 13. BLM Activities that Impact Vegetation. Area Fuels ES&R Wildfire Acres Rights-of-way Total Treatments Treatments Acres* NOMA 2,156 acres 1,269 acres 1,269 acres 42,966 ft = 20 acres 4,714 ac 12 fires X 20 ft wide Lake Mountains 1,665 acres 10,127 acres 16,718 107,444 ft = 247 acres 28,757 ac 34 fires X 100 ft wide Rose/Yellow 1,778 acres Not Not Applicable 7,756 ft = 4 acres 1,782 ac Fork Canyons Applicable X 20 ft wide TOTALS 5,599 acres 11,396 acres 17,987 acres 271 acres 35,253 *Some areas had multiple impacts. For example, some wildfires were seeded through the ES&R program. The proposed alternative will countervail the ongoing impacts to riparian vegetation and water resources that are caused by user-created substandard drainage crossings by directing users to drainage crossings that are designed to minimize impacts to these resources.

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Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

4.1 Persons, Groups, and Agencies Consulted Persons, agencies, and organizations that were contacted or consulted during this EA are identified in Table 14. Table 14. List of Contacts and Findings. Name Reason Finding Salt Lake County Coordination with City and County A coordination letter was sent to Salt Lake County Government. Cooperating Agencies on Parks and Recreation, 6/10/2020. Follow-up video meeting was held on 6/25/2020. Martin Jensen, Division Director Comments were received and Walt Gilmore Planning Director: incorporated. CA information is Jon Ruedas, Project Manager summarized in Section 1.1. Herriman City Mayor David Watts Refer also to the content provided in the “Project Mailing List” row below. Tooele County Coordination with City and County A coordination letter was sent on Commissioner Kendall Thomas Government. 6/10/2020. Follow-up video Commissioner Tom Tripp meeting was held on 6/25/2020. Comments were received and Commissioner Shawn Milne incorporated. CA information is Tooele City Mayor, Debbie Winn summarized in Section 1.1. Tooele County Parks and Refer also to the content provided Recreation, Mark McKendrick & in the “Project Mailing List” row Darwin Cook below. Tooele County Health Department, Kim Clausing Utah County Coordination with City and County A coordination letter was sent on Commissioner Bill Lee Government. 6/10/2020. Follow-up video Commissioner Nathan Ivie meeting was held on 6/25/2020. Comments were received and City of Saratoga Springs, Mayor incorporated. CA information is Jim Miller summarized in Section 1.1. Eagle Mountain City, Mayor Tom Refer also to the content provided Westmoreland in the “Project Mailing List” row Fairfield City, Mayor Bradley below. Gurney Camp Williams, Paul Raymond Coordination with Federal Agency. A coordination letter was sent on 6/19/2020. Follow-up video meeting was held on 6/25/2020. Comments were received and incorporated. CA information is summarized in Section 1.1. Refer also to the content provided in the “Project Mailing List” row below. US National Park Service, Coordination with Federal Agency. A coordination letter was sent on Jill Jensen 6/10/2020. Follow-up video National Park Service meeting was held on 6/25/2020. Comments were received and

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Name Reason Finding Rivers, Trails and Conservation incorporated. CA information is Assistance Program, summarized in Section 1.1. Betsy Byrne Refer also to the content provided in the “Project Mailing List” row below. Utah Public Lands Policy Coordination with State A coordination letter was sent on Coordinating Office, Kathleen Government. 6/10/2020. Follow-up video Clarke meeting was held on 06/25/2020. Comments were received and incorporated. CA information is summarized in Section 1.1. Refer also to the content provided in the “Project Mailing List” row below. Utah Division of Wildlife Coordination with State A coordination letter was sent on Resources Government. 6/10/2020. Follow-up video meeting was held on 6/25/2020. Comments were received and incorporated. CA information is summarized in Section 1.1. The big game biologist for the area was contacted by email on 9/3/2020 and his recommendations were incorporated. Refer also to the content provided in the “Project Mailing List” row below. Utah School and Institutional Trust Coordination with State of Utah - A coordination letter was sent on Lands Administration, Ben SITLA. 6/10/2020. Follow-up video Stireman meeting was held on 06/25/2020. Comments were received and incorporated. CA information is summarized in Section 1.1. Refer also to the content provided in the “Project Mailing List” row below. Utah Division of State History, Consultation as required by NHPA CA/CP information is summarized State Historic Preservation Office, (16 U.S.C. 470) in Section 1.1. Chris Merritt Pueblo of Jemez, Skull Valley Band Consultation as required by the Invitations to consult letters were of Goshute, Confederated Tribe of American Indian Religious sent on 6/12/2020. Goshute, Paiute Indian Tribe of Freedom Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. Refer also to the content provided Utah, and Ute Indian Tribe. 1996) and NHPA (16 U.S.C. 470). in the “Project Mailing List” row below. WDD Media List Coordination with Media. Press Releases were issued on 7/1/2020 and 12/10/2020 for the initiation, scoping period, and comment period, respectively. Project Mailing List. Coordination with interested public. A scoping period notification letter was mailed to rights-of-way holders, grazing permittees, and

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Name Reason Finding mineral authorization holders on 6/30/2020. The recipients were notified of a 15-day scoping period and were invited to submit issues and alternatives that should be considered in the EA. A comment period notification letter was sent on 12/9/2020. The recipients were notified of a 30-day comment period and were provided the link to the EA/unsigned FONSI on the NEPA Register. 4.2 Public Participation This project was posted on the NEPA Register on July 1, 2020. This was the initial public outreach that announced the project and SLFO’s intention to prepare an EA. Refer to Table 14 for a list of agencies, individuals, and organizations that were contacted and the corresponding findings from this analysis process. Scoping Period In addition to an update to the NEPA Register, a scoping period notification letter was sent to all members of the project mailing list on July 1, 2020. The SLFO ran a 15-day public scoping period (7/1/2020-7/16/2020) on the proposal and considered public input on issues and alternatives in preparing this EA. Comment Analysis The SLFO received 268 scoping comment letters from individuals, organizations, and government agencies. This information was utilized in preparing the content contained in Sections 1.5 through 1.5.2. Additional information is detailed in the Scoping Report (BLM, 2020). Comment Period In addition to an update to the NEPA Register, a comment period notification letter was sent to all members of the project mailing list on December 9, 2020. The SLFO ran a 30-day public comment period on the content of the EA and unsigned FONSI (12/9/2020-1/8/2021). Comment Analysis The SLFO received 423 comment letters from individuals, organizations, and government agencies prior to the closure of the comment period. Another 25 comments were received after the deadline. These comment letters were each reviewed for new information, issues and/or alternatives and errors in BLM’s analysis. This information, including each comment (minus any attachments) and BLM’s response is presented in Appendix D. Modifications The public comment period and corresponding internal review identified necessary corrections or clarifications to this EA. All modifications are based on the comments received and BLM’s responses to each shown in Appendix D. These modifications included:

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1. When warranted, corrections to grammar, sentence structure, and formatting were made throughout the EA. In general, these changes were made without further clarification. Examples include updates to the Table of Contents, changes in font size, pagination or formatting style, and redundancies. This EA was reviewed to determine what changes are needed in order to implement CEQ’s revised NEPA regulations as issued in Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 137 / Thursday, July 16, 2020. The current month/year was replaced onto the title page and the page headers to distinguish from the comment period version of the EA. 2. Sections 3.3.1 and 5.1– were modified to include data from Kern Gardner Policy Institute (2017). 3. Section 3.3.2.2 – was modified to include discussions on downhill treks, NICA opportunities, single/multiple use or directions. 4. Section 3.7.1 – was revised to incorporate they hybrid oak groves within the NOMA. 5. Section 3.7.2.2 and Appendix B – were modified to include/discuss erosion. 6. Section 4.1 – was modified to incorporate any conclusion in consultation and coordination (county, State and Federal governments/agencies, media, and project mailing list). 7. Section 4.2 – was updated to include comment analysis and modification information. A Comment Report was not prepared, instead the information is included in Appendix D. 8. Appendix B – was modified for Cultural Resources/Native American Religious Concerns, and Vegetation/Soils discussions. 9. Appendix C – was modified for vegetation (hybrid oak and steep slopes). 10. Appendix D – was added to document public comments and BLM’s responses. 4.3 NHPA Compliance The BLM utilized and coordinated the NEPA public participation requirements to assist the agency in satisfying the public involvement requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (16 U.S.C. 470(f) pursuant to 36 CFR §800.2(d)(3)). The information about historic and cultural resources within the area potentially affected by the proposed project/action/approval will assist the BLM in identifying and evaluating impacts to such resources in the context of both NEPA and Section 106 of the NHPA. The BLM will consult with Indian tribes on a government-to-government basis in accordance with Executive Order 13175 and other policies, if requested by any Tribe. If Tribal concerns are identified, including impacts on Indian trust assets and potential impacts to cultural resources, they will be given due consideration. The following individuals/entities asked or were invited to be Consulting Parties: • Utah Division of State History, State • Utah Professional Archaeological Historic Preservation Office Council • Public Lands Policy Coordinating • National Pony Express Association – Office Utah • National Park Service, National • Oregon-California Trail Association – Trails Utah Crossroads Chapter • Utah Rock Art Research Association • Tooele County Historic Preservation • Utah Statewide Archaeological Commission Society • Preservation Utah

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• Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining • Confederated Tribes of the Goshute • Utah Open Lands Reservation • Pueblo of Jemez • Skull Valley Band of the Goshutes • Hopi Tribe • Ute Indian Tribe Consulting Parties met or conducted conference calls on: June 25, 2020. 4.4 Preparers An IDT prepared the document and analyzed the impact of the proposed action upon the various resources (Table 15). They considered the affected environment and documented their assessment in the Interdisciplinary Team Checklist (Appendix B). Only those resources that would likely be impacted were carried forward into the body of the EA for further analysis. Table 15. List of Preparers. Name Title Responsible for the Following Section(s) of this Document Pamela Schuller Environmental Coordinator Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Socioeconomics & Environmental Justice, NEPA Compliance Michael Sheehan Archaeologist Cultural Resources, Native American Religious Concerns, NHPA Compliance Roxanne Tea Outdoor Recreation Planner Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, National Historic Trails, Recreation, Travel / Transportation, Visual Resources, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Wilderness / WSA, Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Brad Jessop Fuels Natural Resource Fuels/Fire Management Specialist Nancy Williams Wildlife Biologist Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat, Migratory Birds, Threatened, Endangered, Candidate or Special Status Animal Species (Aquatic and Terrestrial) Mark Williams Natural Resource Specialist, Invasive Species, Noxious Weeds, Threatened, Endangered, Forester Candidate or Special Status Plant Species, Woodland / Forestry, and Farmlands (Prime / Unique) Kevin Kelley Geologist Geology, Mineral Resources, Energy Production, Paleontology Emily Boivin Realty Specialist Lands, Access and Property Boundary Evaluation Dylan Tucker Range Conservationist Livestock Grazing, Soils, Vegetation (Excluding Special Status Species) Alan Jones Physical Scientist/HazMat Wastes (hazardous or solid) Specialist Cassie Mellon Aquatic Ecologist Water Resources Quality, Wetlands / Riparian Zones & Floodplains Refer also to the specialists as identified on the IDT Checklist (Appendix B).

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Chapter 5. References, Acronyms/Abbreviations, & Appendices

5.1 References Beninger-Truax, M., Vankat, J. L., & Schaefer, R. L. (1992). Trail corridors as habitat and conduits for movement of plant species in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. Landscape Ecology, 6(4), 269-278. The Hague, Netherlands: SPB Academic Publishing bv. BLM. (1984). Visual Resource Management. BLM Manual 8400. Washington D.C.: Bureau of Land Management. BLM. (1990). Record of Decision for the Pony Express Resource Management Plan and Rangeland Program Summary for Utah County. Salt Lake City, UT: Bureau of Land Management. BLM. (1992, March). Plan Amendment for Off-Highway Vehicle Designations in the Salt Lake Field Office. West Valley City, UT: Bureau of Land Management. BLM. (1992). Plan Amendment for Off-Highway Vehicle Designations in the Salt Lake Field Office. Decision Record and Environmental Assessment No. UT-020-90-11. West Valley City, UT: Bureau of Land Management-Salt Lake District-Pony Express Resource Area. BLM. (1997, November). Plan Amendment for the North Oquirrh Management Area. Decision Record and Environmental Assessment No. UT-020-96-36. West Valley City, UT: Bureau of Land Management. BLM. (2000, July 05). Emergency Closure to Discharge or Use of Firearms or Dangerous Weapons for Purposes of Target Shooting. Federal Register, Vol. 65, No. 129. Washington D.C.: United States National Archives. BLM. (2008). Manual 6840 - Special Status Species Management. Bureau of Land Management. BLM. (2010). Memorandum of Understanding Between the US Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to Promote the Conservation of Migratory Birds. BLM MOU WO-230-2010-04. BLM. (2011, November). Salt Lake Field Office Visual Resource Inventory. West Valley City, UT: Bureau of Land Management. BLM. (2018, August 30). Eastern Lake Mountains Target Shooting Plan Amendment. Decision Record and Environmental Assessment No. DOI-BLM-UT-W010-2015-0023-EA. Salt Lake City, UT: Bureau of Land Management. BLM. (2018, September 6). Prohibition of Target Shooting on Public Lands in the Eastern Lake Mountains, Utah County. Federal Register. West Valley City, UT: Bureau of Land Management. BLM. (2020, March). Scoping Report for Fivemile Pass Special Area Designation. BLM. (2020, September). Scoping Report, Non-motorized Trails in Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh Management Area and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons. West Valley City, UT: Bureau of Land Management.

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BLM, IMBA. (2018). Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experience. Bureau of Land Management, International Mountain Bicycling Association. Chen, J., Saunders, S. C., Crow, T. R., Naiman, R. J., Brosofske, K. D., Mroz, G. D., . . . Franklin, J. F. (1999, April). Microclimate in Forest System and Landscape Ecology. BioScience, 49(4), 288-297. Cole, D. N. (1978, April). Estimating the Susceptibility of Wildland Vegetation to Trailside Alteration. Journal of Applied Ecology, 15(1), 281-286. British Ecological Society. Retrieved January 9, 2020, from https://www.jstor.org/stable/2402937 Dale, D., & Weaver, T. (1974, August). Trampling Effects on Vegetation of the Trail Corridors of North Rocky Mountain Forests. Journal of Applied Ecology, 11(2), 767-772. British Ecological Society. Retrieved January 9, 2020, from https://www.jstor.org/stable/2402226 Davies, K. W., Nafus, A. M., & Madsen, M. D. (2013). Medusahead invasion along unimproved roads, animal trails, and random transects. Western North American Naturalist, 73(1), 54- 59. eBird. (2020). eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. (I. N. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Producer) Retrieved April 2020, from http://www.ebird.org Emery, B., & Johnson, R. (2018). State of Utah Resource Management Plan. Salt Lake City, UT: State of Utah. Evans, K. a. (2008). Utah's featured birds and viewing sites: a conservation platform for IBAs and BHCAs. Salt Lake City, UT: Sun Litho. Kern C. Gardner Policy Institute. (2017). Utah's Long-Term Demographic and Economic Projections Summary. Research Brief. Salt Lake City, UT: University of Utah. Knight, R. L., & Miller, S. G. (1996). Wildlife Responses to Pederstrians and Dogs. Final Report Submitted to City of Boulder Open Space Department. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University. Miller, S. G., Knight, R. L., & Miller, C. K. (1998). Influence of Recreational Trails on Breeding Bird Communities. Ecological Applications 8(1), 162-169. Pardieck, K. D.-A. (2018). North American Breeding Bird Survey Data. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.5066/F76972V8 Parrish, J. F. (2002). Utah Partners in Flight Avian Conservation Strategy, Ver. 2.0. Utah Partners in Flight. UDWR Publication Number 02-27. Perlich, P. S., Hollingshaus, M., Harris, E. R., Tennert, J., & Hogue, M. T. (2017). Utah’s Long- term Demographic and Economics Projections Summary. Research Brief - Kern C. Gardner Policy Institute. Salt Lake City, UT: University of Utah . RINS. (2018). Raptor Inventory Nest Survey. Retrieved 2019, from https://rins.org Romin, L. A., & Muck, J. A. (2002). Utah Field Office Guidelines for Raptor Protection from Human and Land Use Disturbances. Salt Lake City: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Field Office.

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Salt Lake County. (2017, July). Salt Lake County Resource Management Plan. Salt Lake City, UT. Somershoe, S. G., Ammon, E., Boone, J. D., Johnson, K., Darr, M., Witt, E., & Duvuvuei, E. (2020). Conservation Strategy for the Pinyon Jay. Partners in Flight Western Working Group and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Tonneson, A. S., & Ebersole, J. J. (1997, March 7). Human trampling effects on regeneration and age structures of Pinus edulis and Juniperus monosperma. Great Basin Naturalist, 57(1), Article 6. Retrieved from https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol57/iss1/6 Tooele County. (2016). Tooele County General Plan Update 2016. Tooele, UT: Tooele County. Tooele County. (2017). Tooele County Resource Management Plan. Tooele, UT: Tooele County. UDWR. (2013). Mammal Habitat Coverages, Elk Habitat. Retrieved from https://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/ucdc/DownloadGIS/disclaim.htm UDWR. (2013). Utah Natural Heritage Program. Retrieved 2020, from http://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/ucdc/. UDWR. (2015). Retrieved from Mammal Habitat Coverages, Mule Deer Habitat: https://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/ucdc/downloadgis/disclaim.htm UDWR. (2015). Statewide Management Plan for Elk. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. UDWR. (2017). Statewide Management Plan for Pronghorn. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. UDWR. (2018). Mammal Habitat Coverages, Pronghorn Habitat. Retrieved from https://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/ucdc/DownloadGIS/disclaim.htm UDWR. (2019). Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan. Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources. UDWR. (2020). Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative. Retrieved from https://wildlifemigration.utah.gov/land-animals/corridors/ USDI. (2017). Best Management Practices for Bats and Abandoned Mine Lands on BLM- Administered Lands. Washington, DC: United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, National Headquarters. USFWS. (2008). Birds of Conservation Concern 2008. Arlington, Virginia: United States Fish and Wildlife Service. USFWS. (2020). IPaC Report. West Valley City, UT: Utah Ecological Services Field Office. Utah County. (2017, July 25). Utah County Resource Management Plan. Provo, UT. Utah County. (2021, February 5). Utah County General Plan. Provo, UT. Retrieved from https://utahcounty.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=plan#name=1_PREFACE Van Winkle, J. E. (2014, May 23). Informal Trails and the Spread of Invasive Species in Urban Natural Areas: SpatialAnalysis of Informal Trails and their Effects on Understory Plant Communities in Forest Park, Portland, Oregon. Dissertations and Theses, Paper 1841. Portland, OR: Portland State University.

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Wedin, D. A., & Tilman, D. (1996, December 6). Influence of Nitrogen Loading and Species Composition on the Carbon Balance of Grasslands. Science, 274(5293), 1720-1723. American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.com/stable/2890955

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5.2 Acronyms/Abbreviations AA Analysis Area AO Authorized Officer BLM Bureau of Land Management CFR Code of Federal Regulations DR Decision Record EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement EO Executive Order ERMA Extensive Recreation Management Area ESR Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact GIS Geographic Information System H Handbook HQ Headquarters IB Information Bulletin IDT Interdisciplinary Team IM Instruction Memorandum NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NOMA North Oquirrh Management Area OHV Off-Highway Vehicle ORV Off-Road Vehicle PLPCO Public Land Policy Coordinating Office RMP Resource Management Plan SHPO State Historic Preservation Office SITLA School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration SLFO Salt Lake Field Office SO Secretarial Order SRMA Special Recreation Management Area SRP Special Recreation Permits UTSO Utah State Office VCR Visual Contrast Rating VRM Visual Resource Management WO Washington Office

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5.3 Appendices A. Figures (Maps) B. Interdisciplinary Team Checklist C. Protective Measures D. Comments/Responses

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Appendix A. Figures (Maps)

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Figure 1. Analysis Area.

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Figure 2. VRM Class II areas.

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Figure 3. Crucial Mule Deer Habitat.

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Figure 4. Big Game Migration and Stopovers.

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Figure 5. Crucial Rocky Mountain Elk Habitat.

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Figure 6. Crucial Pronghorn Habitat.

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Appendix B. Interdisciplinary Team Checklist Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination Assigned nation* Resources and Issues Considered (Includes Supplemental Authorities Appendix 1 H-1790-1)

Portions of the AA occur within O3, SO2, PM2.5 and PM10 nonattainment areas (UDAQ 2020).

O3 SO2 PM10 PM2.5 NOMA    R&YF     LM   

UDAQ concluded that the PM2.5 areas attained the federal 24-hour standard and collected sufficient data on the PM10 areas to demonstrate that the 24-hour standard has been met to change this designation to maintenance. EPA’s review and action is pending (UDAQ 2020). In accordance with WO IM 2013-025, components of the proposal are exempted [40 CFR §93.153(c)] from the preparation of a general conformity analysis determination. Opacity would be minimal and localized/limited to occur only during surface disturbing construction/maintenance activities. If these activities are creating dust that limits vehicular travel, including visibility along paved roads or highway, dust abatement and/or other protective measures would be taken to protect the public and keep the construction and/or Air Quality & maintenance personnel safe. Trail use by recreators visiting the areas Pamela NI Greenhouse Gas would not create visibility concerns. Group events would be still be Schuller Emissions reviewed and processed under future SRPs or other authorizations. 9/9/20 Some Criteria Air Pollutants, including greenhouse gases, [On-Road and Off-Road Mobile sources as shown in Utah BLM’s Air Resource Management Strategy 2018 Air Monitoring Report (Appendix H in BLM 2018)] could be emitted/created by vehicles/equipment used to construct/maintain trails that causes surface disturbance and vehicles that are used by official personnel monitoring recreational activities within the AA but they would be miniscule and considered part of background emissions. Construction/maintenance activities would be short duration and intermittent. Hand tools (rakes, shovels etc.) and mechanical equipment (trailcats etc.) could be used.

Greenhouse Gases are composed mostly of CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, & SF6. Primary sources of GHG emissions include fossil fuel combustion, fugitive CH4, and combustion of produced oil and gas. GHG emissions could occur from construction and maintenance equipment. It is anticipated that greenhouse gas emissions associated with this project would be negligible. Protective measures would be applied. Areas of Critical Pamela NI Environmental The AA does not intersect ACECs. Schuller Concern 6/9/20 Strict prohibitions on disturbing and/or collecting cultural resources, artifacts, and any historic properties during the proposed activities would be applied. Any known historic properties would be avoided. Michael Cultural NI Sheehan Resources Class I literature search, Class III intensive pedestrian inventory, and SHPO consultation will occur as individual trail corridors are identified 5/11/20 and developed. Additional information is contained in Sections 4.1 and 4.3. Protective measures would be applied.

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Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination Assigned nation* Soil map units that may qualify as prime or unique farmlands could Farmlands intersect the AA. None of these would be irrigated due to project’s Dylan Tucker NI (Prime / activities. These soils would not be utilized in agricultural practices while Unique) 5/20/20 retained in BLM ownership. The project’s activities would not conflict with the Fire Management Plan goals and objectives. The implementation of appropriate reclamation Fuels/Fire standards would prevent an increase of hazardous fuels. Fuels and fire Brad Jessop NI Management management would not be impacted. Fuels projects planned within the 6/23/20 AA would still be able to be implemented. Protective measures would be applied. Geology / Mineral Existing mining or energy operations located within or adjacent to the Kevin Kelly NI Resources / AA would not be changed or affected. Access/use of existing operations Energy would not be limited. 5/26/20 Production Nancy Greater Sage- NP The AA does not intersect greater sage-grouse habitat. Williams Grouse Habitat 5/28/20 Noxious/invasive weeds may be present in the AA. Surface disturbing activities could create opportunity for weed establishment/spread. Treatment would occur as part of regular operations. Invasive Species Constraints, including the use of certified weed free seed and Mark / Noxious vehicle/equipment wash stations, would be applied as necessary. Control Williams NI Weeds measures would be implemented during any ground disturbing activity and documented through a PUP/PAR. Additional control and procedural 6/20/20 (EO 13112) information is documented in the Programmatic EIS Vegetation Treatments Using Herbicides on BLM Lands in 17 Western States and its Record of Decision (September 2007). Protective measures would be applied. Trail development would generally be facilitated through the issuance of a right-of-way. Existing land use authorizations located within or adjacent to the AA would not be changed or affected. Access/use of Lands / Access existing operations would not be limited. and Property In accordance with WO IM 2011-122, cadastral survey reviews and Emily Boivin PI Boundary verification of the legal land descriptions may be warranted. An LSSR 5/26/20 Evaluation would be prepared when a centerline is established and/or prior to issuance of a ROW for construction of trails within ¼ mile of a land tenure boundary. Protective measures would be applied. Portions of the AA occurs within livestock grazing allotments that have current active grazing. Allotment boundaries and rangeland developments would not be adjusted. The terms and conditions of the current grazing permits or authorized developments would remain the same. An Livestock Dylan Tucker NI adjustment to current AUMs would not be warranted. However, there are Grazing potential livestock human interactions, with the potential of livestock to 5/20/20 be harassed by humans on foot or bike and humans to be chased by livestock and livestock herding dogs. Protective measures would be applied.

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Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination Assigned nation* Migratory bird species are present throughout the AA, including 7,577 acres of Bird Habitat Conservation Areas. Project activities occurring Nancy PI Migratory Birds during migratory bird nesting season (January 1-August 1, UT IM 2017- Williams 07) would require mitigation/protective measures. 5/28/20 Protective measures would be applied. The California National Historic Trail is adjacent to the northern and western boundaries of the North Oquirrh Management Area. However, the California NHT does not intersect BLM-managed lands within the National AA. Nonmotorized trail development in the NOMA could provide Roxanne Tea NI Historic Trails interpretive opportunities for the California NHT in the form of signage 6/22/20 along trails. There are no NHTs within the AAs for Rose and Yellow Fork Canyon or the Lake Mountains. Public access/use and enjoyment of the California NHT would not be limited. The following Tribes were invited to consult via certified letter on June Native 11, 2020: Hopi, Pueblo of Jemez, Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Michael American Reservation, Skull Valley Band of the Goshute Tribe, and Ute Indian NI Sheehan Religious Tribe. A response from the Hopi was received requesting continuing Concerns consultation should a proposed trail alignment adversely affect 10/22/20 prehistoric resources. . There are no known important paleontological resources within the AA. Utilizing the BLM’s Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC), the AA is located on Paleozoic marine sediments considered Class 3, moderate. Known fossils present in nearby Class 3 terrain are common Kevin Kelley NI Paleontology invertebrate fossils. If paleontological resources are discovered during project activities, the holder and their agents would need to protect the 5/26/20 site and immediately contact the authorized officer. Specimens should not be removed. Protective measures would be applied. This project would expand developed opportunities for recreation within the AA. All three areas are ERMAs, an area that was designated under the Pony Express Record of Decision, as amended, to generally allow for dispersed recreation, but where the BLM has identified other management objectives outside of recreational use. Public access to and use of existing SRPs/destination areas would not be limited; the project could expand opportunities for SRPs for competitive events such as mountain biking races or horseback riding tours. The project complies with WO IM 2018-062 (Addressing Hunting, Roxanne Tea PI Recreation Fishing, Shooting Sports, and Big Game Habitats, and Incorporating Fish 6/22/20 and Wildlife Conservation Plans and Information from Tribes, State Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Other Federal Agencies in BLM NEPA Processes). As governed by State of Utah property access laws, the proposed action would not limit hunting, shooting, etc. or associated activities in or in proximity to the AA. The NOMA and portions of the Lake Mountains contain areas that are closed to target shooting; these existing closures would remain in effect. Protective measures would be applied.

Socioeconomics Costs would be incurred to design/survey, construct and maintain trails. Pamela & NI Funds would be procured through public (federal, state and local Schuller Environmental governments) as well as through NGOs and volunteer sources. Total costs 2/8/21 Justice would be associated with biological/cultural surveys, materials/equipment

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Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination Assigned nation* (purchase/transportation, signs, flagging, equipment, fuel, labor, etc.). Costs could also be associate with events for particular trails. Some companies/communities could market the location of trails to be a benefit of recruiting employees/talent and desirable places to live (amenities). Any person, regardless of race or income, can use/access the public lands, including those acreages within the AA. Visiting individuals may be from low-income and/or minority populations. Refer to the Economic Profile System (EPS) Reports (EPS 2020; demographic and socioeconomic information) and Populations at Risk (PAR) Report (PAR 2020; poverty and vulnerable people information) covering Utah, Tooele, and Salt Lake counties as follows: EPS 2020 Combined Area Utah Demographics Population 1,776,430 3,045,350 Race White Alone 83.8% 86.4% Black or African American Alone 1.4% 1.2% American Indian Alone 0.7% 1.1% Asian Alone 3.1% 2.3% Native Hawaii & Other Pacific Is. Alone 1.2% 0.9% Some Other Race Alone 6.7% 5.2% Two or More Races 3.1% 3.0% Tribal Total Native American 0.7% 1.1% American Indian Tribes 0.6% 0.9% Non-Specified Tribes 0.1% 0.1% Income Per Capita Income $27,084 $28,239 Median Household Income $70,886 $68,374 Poverty People Below Poverty 10.1% 10.3% Families Below Poverty 6.9% 7.3% Poverty by Race and Ethnicity White Alone 71.5% 76.2% All Other Races 28.5% 23.8% Additional socioeconomic information is contained in the Utah, Tooele, and Salt Lake county general plans and their corresponding resource management plans (Section 1.4). BLM’s land uses in the AA would continue and planning allocations would not be altered. Minority and low-income environmental justice (EJ) populations may use or live in proximity to the AA (local cities, towns, and isolated ranches in Utah, Tooele, and Salt Lake counties). However, these EJ population indicators do not total 50% or above, nor are they 10 points higher than the Utah reference population. PAR 2020 Combined Neighborhoods (Census Tracts) Utah Poverty People in Poverty 4.3% 10.3% People in “Deep-Poverty” 2.1% 4.6% Both in Poverty and Over 65 0.1% 0.7% Race White Alone 89.8% 86.4% All Other Races 10.2% 13.6% Vulnerable People People w/ Disabilities 5.7% 9.6% People w/o Health Insurance 5.9% 10.0% The proposal’s design features/protective measures do not place an undue burden on these groups, and it would not cause any disproportionately high and adverse effects on minority or low-income populations. Potential habitat for Ute ladies’ tresses occurs at one spring site near Coyote Canyon in the NOMA. This site is not suitable for trails and Threatened, would be avoided. No other listed species or their designated critical Endangered, Mark habitat are present. Per BLM Manual 6840 a special status species is: NI Candidate or Williams “collectively, federally listed or proposed and Bureau sensitive species, Special Status which include both Federal candidate species and delisted species within 6/22/20 Plant Species 5 years of delisting.” No known populations of special status plants occur within the recreational area.

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Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination Assigned nation* Listed species or their designated critical habitat are not present. Threatened, All aquatic and terrestrial animal species currently listed as threatened, Endangered, Nancy endangered, and candidate species by the USFWS, downloaded on Williams Candidate or 5/28/20 (http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac) and formally requested through IPAC, 5/28/20 PI Special Status were reviewed. Animal Species Cassie Mellon Aquatic sensitive species are not known to occur in the AA. Terrestrial (Aquatic and 5/29/20 Terrestrial) BLM sensitive species occur in the AA. Protective measures would be applied. A portion of the NOMA is limited to designated routes, with seasonal closures for Big Game Winter Range on the low elevation levels. Approximately 12,445 acres of the NOMA is closed to OHV use (BLM 1997). BLM-managed lands in the Rose and Yellow Fork Canyon and the Travel / Roxanne Tea NI Lake Mountains are designated as limited to existing routes for OHVs Transportation (BLM 1992). This project would not affect motorized access or travel 6/22/20 management designations as it does not include any changes to the OHV designations. Protective measures would be applied.

Rangeland health standards would be achieved/maintained by the application of the protective measures/stipulations. Vegetation Surface disturbing activities associated with the proposed Mark (Excluding PI action/alternatives could temporarily impact vegetation resources within Williams Special Status the AA. Downhill treks would require additional designs that protect Species 6/22/20 vegetation and minimize erosion. Protective measures would be applied.

Trail design, layout and protective measures would be sufficient to Dylan Tucker NI Soil maintain soil integrity/function and minimize erosion; therefore, soils are not impacted. 5/20/20 The AA occurs within VRM Class II (approximately 75 acres in Rose/Yellow Fork Canyons and all lands above 5,200 ft elevation within the NOMA), Class III (lands below 5,200 ft elevation in the NOMA), and Visual Roxanne Tea PI VRM Class IV (Lake Mountains and majority of Rose and Yellow Fork Resources Canyons). A visual contrast rating will be prepared for VRM Class II 6/22/20 areas. Protective measures would be applied. Hazardous wastes would not be created by the project activities. Solid or liquid materials brought on site to support operations would be stored in original containers, used as per manufacturer’s directions, and removed from the site as soon as is practicable or at the conclusion of the project’s activities. Wastes would not be disposed of on site. Should solid or Wastes Alan Jones NI (hazardous or hazardous materials be released during the project’s activities, they will solid) be remediated immediately. Should solid or hazardous wastes be 6/18/20 discovered in quantities in excess of reportable quantities (RQs), as a result of the project’s activities, they will be reported to BLM and the State. Protective measures would be applied.

Water Surface water is limited in the AA. Ground water resources would not be Cassie Mellon NI Resources / impacted by this project. Erosion from trails crossing intermittent or 5/29/20 Quality perennial streams is possible.

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Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination Assigned nation* (drinking/ Protective measures would be applied. surface / ground) Riparian areas may be intersected by this project. Refer to Vegetation Wetlands / Cassie Mellon PI Riparian Zones section. 5/29/20 & Floodplains Protective measures would be applied. Wild and Scenic The AA does not intersect any designated, eligible or suitable wild and Roxanne Tea NP Rivers scenic rivers. 6/22/20 Wilderness / The AA does not intersect designated wilderness or wilderness study Roxanne Tea NP WSA areas. 6/22/20 The Lake Mountains and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyon areas do not include any BLM-identified lands with wilderness characteristics, nor any areas nominated by citizens or proposed in America’s Red Rock Lands with Roxanne Tea NI Wilderness Wilderness Act. A portion of the AA within the NOMA intersects BLM- Characteristics identified lands with wilderness characteristics and an America’s Red 6/22/20 Rock Wilderness citizen proposed unit. Protective measures would be applied. Wild Horses Tami Howell NP The AA does not intersect Cedar Mountain/Onaqui Mountain HMA. and Burros 5/18/20 The AA contains terrestrial and aquatic habitats for big game, small game and non-game species. Wildlife The project complies with WO IM 2018-062 (Addressing Hunting, Nancy (Aquatic and Fishing, Shooting Sports, and Big Game Habitats, and Incorporating Fish Williams Terrestrial) and Wildlife Conservation Plans and Information from Tribes, State Fish PI 5/28/20 Excluding and Wildlife Agencies, and Other Federal Agencies in BLM NEPA Special Status Processes). As governed by State of Utah property access laws, the Cassie Mellon Species proposed action would not limit hunting, shooting, etc. or associated 5/29/20 activities in or in proximity to the AA. Impacts to big game are analyzed. Protective measures would be applied Mark Woodland / Access to/use of woodland product sale areas within and/or adjacent to NI Williams Forestry the AA would not be limited. 6/22/20 * NP = not present in the area impacted by the proposed or alternative actions; NI = present, but not affected to a degree that detailed analysis is required; and PI = present with potential for relevant impact that need to be analyzed in detail

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Appendix C. Protective Measures Air Quality Water or other means satisfactory to the authorized officer will be used for dust control during construction/maintenance activities. Construction/maintenance activities that contribute to regional emissions during periods of extreme poor air quality will be limited. Construction, operation, or maintenance activities shall meet federal, state, and local emission standards for air quality. Cultural/Paleontological Resources The discovery of any cultural and/or paleontological resource (historic or prehistoric site, feature, or object(s)) by the Proponent, its agents, assignees, contractors, or monitors shall be immediately reported to the BLM authorized officer. The Proponent shall suspend all operations in the immediate area of such discovery until written authorization to proceed is issued by the BLM authorized officer. An evaluation of the discovery shall be made by BLM archaeologists, under the direction of the BLM authorized officer, to determine the appropriate actions to prevent the loss or damage to cultural or scientific values. The Proponent shall be responsible for the costs of evaluating discovered sites or objects and preventing the loss or damage to cultural or scientific values. Fire and Fuels Management The holder or its contractors will notify the BLM of any fires and comply with all rules and regulations administered by the BLM concerning the use, prevention and suppression of fires on federal lands, including any fire prevention orders that may be in effect at the time of the permitted activity. The holder or its contractors may be held liable for the cost of fire suppression, stabilization and rehabilitation. In the event of a fire, personal safety will be the first priority of the holder or its contractors. The holder or its contractors will: a. Operate all internal and external combustion engines on federally managed lands per 36 CFR §261.52, which requires all such engines to be equipped with a qualified spark arrester that is maintained and not modified. b. Carry shovels, water, and fire extinguishers that are rated at a minimum as ABC - 10 pound on all equipment and vehicles. If a fire spreads beyond the suppression capability of workers with these tools, all will cease fire suppression action and leave the area immediately via pre-identified escape routes. c. Initiate fire suppression actions in the work area to prevent fire spread to or on federally administered lands. d. Notify the Northern Utah Interagency Fire Center (801) 908-1901 (or 911) immediately of the location and status of any fire. Lands and Realty Any ROW authorized is subject to all prior valid and existing rights on the effective date of this grant, and the United States makes no representations or warranties whatever, either expressed or implied, as to the existence, or nature of such valid existing rights.

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The holder shall protect all survey monuments found within the ROW. Survey monuments include, but are not limited to, General Land Office (GLO) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cadastral Survey Corners, reference corners, witness points, U.S. Coastal and Geodetic benchmarks and triangulation stations, military control monuments, and recognizable public and private civil survey monuments. In the event of the obliteration or disturbance of any survey monument, the holder shall immediately report the incident in writing to the AO and the respective installing authority. Where GLO or BLM right-of-way monuments or references are obliterated during operations, the holder shall secure the services of a registered land surveyor or a BLM cadastral surveyor to restore the disturbed monuments or references using the surveying procedures found within the latest edition of the Manual of Surveying Instructions for the Survey of the Public Lands in the United States. The holder shall record the resulting survey at the appropriate county facility and send a copy to the AO. If any BLM cadastral surveyors or other Federal surveyors are used to restore the disturbed survey monument, the holder shall be responsible for all survey costs. Future right-of-way (ROW) applicants will be notified that target shooting is allowed in some of the Planning Area and that any above ground facility may be impacted by stray bullets, possible wildfire, and exploration by individuals visiting or recreating in the area. Livestock Grazing Trails will be placed a quarter mile (1,320 ft) away from and avoid livestock fences, water troughs/ponds and corrals. Gates or other acceptable passthroughs will be installed in locations where the trail intersects each fence line. Information will be posted or shared with the general recreating public and permitted/authorized recreation events, notifying them that the trail system occurs within active livestock grazing allotments. Recreation users will encounter authorized livestock (including their waste), infrastructure and herd dogs/llamas or other livestock protection animal utilized by grazing permittees. Under CFR §4140.1 (b), parts 2, 4, 5, 7, 11) , harassing livestock or vandalizing range developments is not permitted. Migratory Birds Construction/installation activities will occur outside of the migratory bird breeding season (raptors: January 1 to August 31, passerine birds and long-billed curlew: April 1 to July 31) when feasible. If construction/installation activities must occur during the breeding season, migratory bird surveys will be conducted by a qualified wildlife biologist no more than 7-10 days prior to project initiation. If implementation activities are provided by a contractor, a report of the survey results will be provided to the BLM. o If no migratory birds are found nesting in the AA, then project activities may proceed as planned. o If migratory birds are present and nesting in the AA, the following measures must be incorporated during the project implementation phase: . Active passerine bird nests shall be flagged and avoided by 100 feet until the nests are no longer active.

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. Active curlew nests shall be flagged and avoided by 200 meters (660 feet) until the nests are no longer active. . Active raptor nests shall be avoided by the spatial and temporal buffers specified in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Utah Field Office’s Guidelines for Raptor Protection From Human and Land Use Disturbances (Romin & Muck, 2002). New roads, parking areas or trailheads will not be located within one km (1,100 yards) of a pinyon-jay nesting colony site. Surveys will be performed in suitable habitat during the breeding season (March 1 – May 1) prior to installation of new facilities. Organized recreational activities will be restricted within 0.5 mile of cottonwood trees providing bald eagle winter roosts during the period November 15 through March 15. Recreation and Travel/Transportation Special Recreation Permits (SRP) would be required for commercial, competitive, or organized uses on public lands in the AA, unless exempted by the Authorized Officer. Any use of private lands for a planned event would require a separate, written agreement with the private landowner. Access for vehicles related to construction and maintenance activities must conform to travel management designations (e.g., limited to existing or designated routes; no cross-country motorized use). Riparian/Floodplains/Water No new surface disturbing activities will be allowed within 1,200 feet (366 meters) of riparian areas or the lakeshore of Utah Lake unless it can be shown that: • there are not practical alternatives or, • all long-term impacts can be fully mitigated or, • the activity will benefit and enhance the riparian area. Stream crossings will be designed and located where the channel is narrow, straight, and uniform and has stable soils and relatively flat terrain. • Crossings will be selected where erosion potential is low, with a gentle slope approach where channels are not deeply incised, and crossings will be oriented perpendicular to the channel. • Low water crossings will be designed to maintain the function and bedload movement of the natural stream channel. Low wash crossings, bridges, or similar devices will be installed at 100-year flood plain crossings or as needed. Special Status Wildlife Species New developments/facilities will not be located within 100 meters (330 feet) of active pygmy rabbit or kit fox burrows. Surveys will be performed in suitable habitat no more than 30 days prior to installation of new facilities. Vegetation New developments will be focused in already disturbed areas, where feasible. Trails will be located away from hybrid oak groves within the NOMA.

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Trails, including downhill treks, will be designed in a manner that reduces vegetation disturbance and soil erosion. New disturbances, from facility development/installation will be actively reclaimed. Reclamation/rehabilitation measures will include reseeding, recontouring, water barring, etc. Seed mixes will prioritize native species or follow the emergency stabilization seed mix developed for fire reclamation purposes. Invasive species will be treated per BLM policy. Visual Resources A Visual Contrast Rating (VCR) (BLM 1986) will be conducted for proposed centerline alignments in VRM Class II areas, incorporating information from the most recent visual resources inventory (BLM 2011) at appropriate key observation points. The placement of trails will avoid breaking the visual horizon wherever possible. Trails will flow with natural topography to the greatest extent practicable, and be designed to minimize contrast to the form, line, color and texture of the existing landscape. Trails will be constructed/maintained in a manner that is consistent with the VRM Class objectives. Trail development will consider visibility from current adjacent residential development, and proposed centerline alignments will incorporate existing vegetation or topographical screening wherever possible to respect the privacy of nearby residences. The placement of trails will avoid breaking the visual horizon wherever possible. Trails will flow with natural topography to the greatest extent practicable, and be designed to minimize contrast to the form, line, color and texture of the existing landscape. Implementation of these protective measures would mitigate impacts to visual resources. Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Trailheads and parking areas must be constructed outside of any BLM-identified lands with wilderness characteristics. Wildlife (excluding Special Status Species) New project construction/installation will not occur during the winter and migration periods for mule deer and elk (December 1 to April 15) in crucial winter habitat for mule deer or elk, crucial yearlong habitat for mule deer, or in mule deer high-use migration corridors No organized recreational events will be authorized on recreational trails during the winter and migration periods for mule deer and elk (December 1 to April 15) in crucial winter habitat for mule deer or elk, crucial yearlong habitat for mule deer, or in mule deer high-use migration corridors. Trails above 4,440’ elevation in the NOMA will closed during the winter period for mule deer and elk (November 15 to April 15). Informational kiosks in the NOMA and the Lake Mountains will include information regarding the importance of those areas for big game habitat and migration corridors. In developed recreation sites, visitors will be required to keep their dogs on a leash secured to a fixed object, or under the control of a person, as required under BLM regulations 43 CFR §8365.

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Wastes (hazardous or solid) Solid or liquid materials brought on site to support operations will be stored in original containers, used as per manufacturer’s directions, and removed from the site as soon as is practicable or at the conclusion of the project’s activities. Wastes will not be disposed of on site. Should solid or hazardous materials be released during the project’s activities, they will be remediated immediately. If solid or hazardous wastes be discovered in quantities in excess of reportable quantities (RQs), as a result of the project’s activities, they will be reported to BLM and the State.

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Appendix D. Comments/Responses

Letter # Commenter Comment Response 1 Pamela Schuller Test comment submission by Pam Schuller. BLM system test; response is not warranted. 2 Jo Darton I have lived in Rose Canyon for 17 years, wondering why there weren't more trails and public access. I am so excited for the possibility of more accessibility and trails in Butterfield and Comment reviewed and generally provides support of the proposed action alternative. The EA addresses Yellow Fork Canyons. To connect the two canyons through the BLM property is not only inspired, but at the same time, long overdue. The west side of Salt Lake Valley is growing the points (proposed action, issues/alternatives) made in this comment and edits to the EA are not rapidly, yet it also has the least amount of public open space. We need to do everything possible to preserve and provide access to the Oquirrh Mountains for all non-motorized trail users. warranted. I believe strongly that we need to have more single-use trails for pedestrian/equestrian trail users as well as downhill mountain bike trails. The beauty is, there is enough land to provide Among many things, BLM acknowledges the health and human benefits, including the hiring/retention trails for all groups if the trail system is well planned out. Thank you for considering this project, more trails are desperately needed on the west side of Salt Lake Valley. of employees, of having outdoor recreation opportunities (adult/youth groups, hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, etc.) that is desired by today’s families, friends, communities, and companies. Recreational opportunities must reflect societal needs for safety (reducing user conflicts and protection of life and property). Economic investments must be designed and implemented for long-term success and enjoyment. As a new trail/ROW proposal comes forward to the BLM for consideration, each trail would be reviewed to ensure that resource protective measures (such as visual and cultural resources as well as wildlife habitat requirements) would be met. Site conditions of use, including maintenance, would be made in trail design/layout/features following the protective measures as identified in Appendix C. Funding sources would be identified and shared between interested parties. Amenities associated with the trails, would be identified by ROW applicant (layout, directional trails, single/multiple use trails, water, skills parks, parking, restrooms, access points, etiquette, signs, promotions, events, good neighbor policies, etc.). Access points/congestion/parking/sanitation would be considered in detail once specific ROWs are formally submitted to BLM. Each ROW/trail proponent would be required to define/detail access points in their plan(s) of development. Safety for all users, including local communities would be among the priority items being considered. User information would be provided for these trails. Users would be expected to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) and trail etiquette principles. Trespass across private property and other illegal activity would not be considered/authorized by BLM approval processes. BLM would specifically continue its partnerships with state/local governments and concerned organizations/citizens in considering their input into trail design and recreation opportunities, including trail sponsoring. Every opportunity to promote trail sponsors would be pursued with ROW applicants, individuals, and user groups. 3 Protected Would like more hiking and equestrian trails (with good trail heads with trailer parking) in this area. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 4 Erik Johnson I'm 100% in favor of more biking and hiking trails! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 5 Annette Astin We are so excited for the expansion of trails in these areas. It is something the west side of the valley shows significant need for. I am hopeful that with the additional trails current trails Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. will see a more balanced usage and therefore lighten the maintenance and crowding issues on other trails. I cannot say thank you enough for having a long term vision and great planning in the use of public open space. 6 Protected Thanks for making the property more available for public use. Having trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding will be nice. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 7 Rebecca Parsons We live in Stockton, Ut. A trail running from Stockton to Tooele.would be so beneficial. There is room on the east side for the trail. We have bicycles, people walking, jogging all the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. time. It would provide a safe place away from the huge trucks that are on SR36. Safety for our people is the most important factor. And many more would use the trail if they had a safe place to travel to and from. Please consider the safety for our people. Using the trail would totally benefit Stockton as well as Tooele. 8 Mike Rostrom Please make the trails usable for ATVs and UTVs also, this would be great since they pay all the taxes, also it needs to be a pay area, Hikers and peddle bikers do not pay enough taxes. Comment reviewed and generally provides support of the no action alternative. The motorized vehicles (ATVs and UTVs) are not part of the action being considered by the BLM. ATV/UTV use would be required to follow current OHV use designations. 9 Mike McClellan I fully support the proposed alternative. The area is prime for expansion of the trails across the western hills of Salt lake and Utah counties. The demand on surrounding trail networks has Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. seen an explosion of use over the last few years, and additional trails are essential to providing users with good experiences. 10 Robert Scott I fully support adding more hiking and mountain bike trails on BLM lands in Salt Lake, Utah and Tooele Counties. My only comment would be that I would encourage more trails, Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. particularly in the NOMA and Rose/Yellow Fork canyon areas than you are proposing, and I would encourage you to look at options for some of those trails to go to elevations above 7,000' (though I know there are private property issues through the Oquirrhs). The Wasatch Front population is growing and interest in outdoor activities is growing. The latter, in particular, is a good thing. But we need more places to go. The Wasatch mountains are very crowded these days and we should be providing more low impact outdoor recreation opportunities in the Oquirrhs. 11 Protected I support the project and what it means for those on the west side. It means that we will use the east side trails less, resulting in less congestion, pollution (vehicles to get us to the trails), Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. and a better quality of life for those who enjoy the natural resources surrounding us. 12 Protected Yes! Please add more trails. Utah's growing population and covid has made it harder to find solitude while hiking and biking. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 13 Casey Youngberg I believe Utah residents would benefit by having access to more trails close to where they live and play. Having easy access encourages people to get out and enjoy nature while getting Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. exercise at the same time. I currently live near the Lakeside Mountains that have very few trails other than the trails on the north side that are mainly on private land but built and maintained by public supporters. I grew up in Tooele County and have always felt the county has plenty of public land but very few trails for the amount of land. I do believe in trails for both motorized and unmotorized but there are conflicts due to those who use them. 14 Protected I appreciate and promote all efforts at increasing access to the outdoors and the development of new non-motorized trails. I do however believe e-bikes are motorized and therefore would Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. ask that they not be allowed on these new trails.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 15 Stan Pugsley I am so excited about this proposal. We need trails. This land is owned by the citizens who live near it and shouldn't be off limits to the citizens. Hiking and biking will bring more people Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. off of their computer screens and depression and into sunlight and activity. Loss of grass and trees is an acceptable tradeoff. Let's do this! 16 Linnea Charnholm I love hiking in Yellow Fork Canyon, but the idea that 101 acres of migratory bird habitat would be lost for human outdoor recreation seems like too big a price to pay. Habitat loss is Migratory Birds (including special status species) and impacts are addressed in the EA at Sections 3.6 perhaps the No. 1 cause of animal extinction. Perhaps there can be somewhere else to build the trails that doesn't interfere so much in animal migrations. through 3.6.2.2. Under alternative A; BLM found: 3,262 to 4,351 acres of bird habitat in the entire AA would be subject to disturbance effects, or 14 to 18 percent overall and Resource protective measures in Appendix C would minimize the risk of direct injury, mortality, or nest loss due to construction of new recreation developments. Current and future urbanization adjacent to the AA is anticipated to increase and influence migratory bird habitats in the regions. The commenter did not provide data or literature that could be incorporated into the existing impact analysis of the no action alternative. Refer also to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 17 Protected I love this idea! We need more space set aside for trails. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 18 Jacob Murri This is awesome! I'm all for the creation of new trails! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 19 Protected We would love more trails out here in Tooele. I love hiking and being in nature. I know having more access to trails would greatly benefit a lot of people’s physical and emotional health! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 20 Protected I applaud the foresight and siezed opportunity to create more multi use trails to support our population and growing interest in these recreational activities. Many of our current trail Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. systems are under a lot of pressure and creating new areas will spread the activity and people out and make all areas the quality experience we have to recreate here in Utah. 21 Mark Brisky I like the trails plan! Good luck! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 22 Protected I'm writing in support of increased trails, most specifically, the trails proposed in Butterfield Canyon. Of note: BLM addresses livestock grazing/management in Appendices B and C. Livestock grazing remains as an PROPER TRAIL DESIGN: The existing bandit trails in Butterfield canyon have been created from trespassers, game trails, or as a result of water run off. All of these existing trails will approved use of the public lands on existing grazing allotments. Human/livestock interactions (including cause environmental erosion if left as is currently in place. I request the BLM requires trails to be properly designed to proper trail building standards so the trails can remain sustainable equipment (bikes) or personal pets/dogs/saddlehorses) could occur on the trails. Humans would remain for years to come. responsible for avoiding and not harrassing livestock or damaging rangeland improvements. OVER USE AND TRAFFIC: We are requesting new open space be allowed in Butterfield Canyon to prevent over use of trail systems and traffic congestion on the east side. The Refer also to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. popularity of mountain biking has increased 1582% since 2016 and has created the East/West traffic problems and created major over use of trail systems on east benches of Salt Lake County. West side population and housing growth has been significant, yet only one major trail system has been designed in the past 10 years. High school teams drive 2x a week over an hour each way to get to trails and practice locations that can accommodate their teams. More open space on the west side must be opened up in accordance with BLM principles for proper use of federal land. MOUNTAIN BIKE MAINTENANCE: It is important the trails be open to the mountain bike community. Not only is it the largest community of users, but also the most active in trail maintenance. High School students (NICA) and their parents contributed a minimum set of hours each year to ensure trails are properly maintained. This should be encouraged as part of this trail development project. In short, I'm highly supportive of the new trail systems in Butterfield canyon and hope to see these trails started in spring of 2021. 23 Amanda I'm writing in support of increased trails, most specifically, the trails proposed in Butterfield Canyon. Refer to BLM's responses to Comment Letters #2 and #22. Millerberg Of Note: --> PROPER TRAIL DESIGN: The existing bandit trails in Butterfield canyon have been created from trespassers, game trails, or as a result of water run off. All existing trails are causing environmental damage and will continue to do so if left in place. I request the BLM requires trails to be designed to proper trail building standards so the trails can remain sustainable for years to come. --> OVER USE AND TRAFFIC: We are requesting new open space be allowed in Butterfield Canyon to prevent over use of trail systems and traffic congestion on the east side. The popularity of mountain biking has increased 1582% since 2016 and has created the East/West traffic problems and major over use of east side trail systems. While the west side has had the majority of housing growth, recreation options have been limited. Only one trail system has been designed in the past 10 years. High school teams drive 2x a week over an hour each way to practice locations that can accommodate their teams. More open space on the west side must be opened up in accordance with BLM principles for proper use of federal land. --> MOUNTAIN BIKERS GIVE BACK: It is important the trails be open to the mountain bike community. Not only is this the largest community of trail users, but also the most active in trail maintenance and environmental sustainability. High School students (NICA) and their parents contributed a minimum number of hours each year to ensure trails are properly maintained. NICA courses and use are a must for this system. This should be encouraged as part of this trail development project. --> LIVESTOCK DAMAGE: Cattle have caused damage to this beautiful landscape, trail system, and rivers. We believe cattle should NOT be allowed to graze in this public space. In short, I'm highly supportive of the new trail systems in Butterfield canyon and hope to see these trails started in spring of 2021. 24 Trevor Fry I think the trails in the Tooele County would be an incredible opportunity. With the growth booming out west, the need for good recreation is vital for the health and success of our Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. community. It’s also a plus that it would potentially rid the area of some invasive species. Please makes routes of differing lengths so that everyone from families to avid hikers can enjoy the beautiful land we have. 25 Chris Belchee Excited to see more trails on the west side, great work. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 26 Adam Clark I am very happy with this proposal, as the need for further trails and access to non motorized recreation is needed in these unique areas. This will help relieve pressure on our trail systems Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. in general. Also, when people use trails in the outdoors, they learn an appreciation for the outdoors and learn stewardship and etiquette, as well as principles like leave no trace. Much of this is taught through groups that use the trails often, like the NICA XC mountain bike teams. This has an impact beyond these trails, as this generation then applies that same sense of stewardship and respect to national parks, and other wild areas. It has a very positive affect on our care for the environment. It also helps tie urban and wild areas together, improving the health of our communities and quality of life. lastly, official, managed trails do more to protect wild areas than not, as development around the area increases. For instance, in Eagle Mountain, a lot of development of private land is happening below and around the proposed area. The trails, under management and being more official, signed, and cared for by the city, BLM, trail associations, and the community, will ensure that the area is better cared for and protected. For instance, we can see the affect that open land by development can have - see the petroglyph hills near Lone Tree/Unity Pass in Eagle Mountain. There are no official trails, so the foot traffic (which is more than you think), walks wherever they want, damaging the environment more broadly. A few well, designed trails would help eliminate that. Also, because there is no official management of those hills yet, there is significant damage from spray paint, garbage, and more. I believe that we need more official trails and management of these areas in order to preserve their quality. I look forward to seeing these plans moving forward. 27 Curt Jensen I live in Erda, immediately adjacent to the Oquirrh foothills. I love the idea of adding trails to the West side of the Oquirrhs in Tooele county. I have proposed the idea several times to Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. county commissioners and the trails committee here in Tooele. I have been hoping for this idea to catch on for quite some time. Best possible use of the land. 28 Jason J Yes! I love this! Please more and more trails especially in the lake mountain area! The wasatch mountains are being flooded with hikers - bottom line we need more trails!!!!! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 29 Eagle Mtn resident I have used the trails in the Lake Mountains area for biking, OHV, and hiking/running for many years. The existing trails system is a gem that people come from all over the Wasatch BLM does not propose ATV use of these trails. There are ATV/OHV trails located in other/adjacent Front to enjoy, and is one of the reasons that we love living where we do. A great deal of planning, preparation, and labor has gone into the existing singletrack trails in the Hidden Canyon areas of BLM administered land. area at the very north end of Lake Mountain. Expanding that trail system to other parts of Lake Mountain (similar to what Lehi, Draper, and Alpine have done in Corner Canyon and Refer also to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2 and #8. Traverse Mountain), will continue to bring even more outdoor enthusiasts to this area, who in turn bring their consumerism. A recreation system of trails creates goodwill between those who use the trails and the municipalities who plan them. Sufficient trailheads with bathroom access will be critical. On many weekends throughout the year, even on dryer and warmer winter days, the parking lot at Hidden Hollow Elementary will be nearly full with people out enjoying the trails. Also, as future development happens, it will be crucial to maintain access to the trails through residential developments. There are many people willing to design, build, and maintain trails suitable for all levels of expertise; it's exciting that the infrastructure is being put in place to allow the trails expansion to happen. 30 Madison Decker As a resident of this area and a user of both the Rose Canyon and Butterfield Canyon trails this proposal is very appealing to me and my husband. I have gone to these places since my In these areas and all other areas of BLM administered public land, BLM shares concerns regarding youth and would love to continue to do so on with my children as well. As long as precautions that are stated are taken and it is well maintained I am all for it. My concern is that it will be litter and illegal activies. Littering and illegal activities are prohibited acts (43 CFR 9268). put into a state like Butterfield canyon is now where there is garbage every where and prevalent drug use. If there is a way I can support this further please let me know. Refer also to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 31 Craig Sturm I support creating more trails on public lands Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 32 Nancy Schmaus I would like to request that mountain bike trails be included in your development plan for these lands. Mountain biking is a hugely popular sport, particularly in Utah, which draws people BLM encourages individuals and organizations to participate in routine trail maintenance and good locally and from around the country for great mountain bike riding. I coach for the Utah High School League and we use the awesome sport of mountain biking as a youth development stewardship. BLM will work with the ROW/Trail proponents in establishing maintenance tool. We work with kids between the ages of 7th grade and 12th grade, and through mountain biking, we get them active and learning important life skills. The League grows every year - responsibilities, including providing an opportunity to youth groups (and other groups) in establishing we are getting a lot of kids out on the trails. Having so many kids be active is invaluable, however, the trails are getting crowded. We really need more trails. I support the development of volunteer opportunities that enhance trail management. multi-user trail systems. Some trails should be designated as 'hike-only' trails and others as 'mountain bike only' trails. For mountain bike trails, using one directional trails allows a lot of Refer also to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. users to use the same trail with less congestion than a two-way trail, plus it is much more fun to ride a loop. All riders on the high school teams are required to do 3 hours of trail work every year, so you can consider using this resource as part of your trail maintenance plan. Please build more mountain bike trails so we can get more people on bikes and out on our public lands. 33 Matthew Cannon Our family has started mountain biking in 2020 and have found an activity that promotes health and wellness and is something that our entire family can participate in. During 2020, Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. mountain biking has exploded as an activity that families can participate in and enjoy. Most local high schools have well-represented mountain biking teams. Our family has historically been a family that has been involved in competitive team sports. This year, our son broke away from team sports and joined the local HS MTB team. We had no idea what to expect as this was our first exposure to the MTB scene. We found a very inclusive group of people who were incredibly welcoming. My son loved his time and has since become more in love with mountain biking. Please consider using these trails for mountain biking. It is a family activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle and isn't too cost prohibitive to join. 34 David Pierce So excited to see that you are considering further developing trails in this area. Particularly this part of the valley is so underserved with Mountain Biking trails. My son rides on one of the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. High School teams, as well as the entire family rides recreationally. The last few years we have seen a huge uptick in the number of people using the trail system. It makes it so much more dangerous when there are lots of people going different directions. Creating additional areas for riding is crucial right now. Not really a fan of the horse trails as the horses really chew up ground. My suggestion is if you create horse trails, try and keep them separate from the mountain biking routes.

35 Protected I have always loved mountain biking. It is a great way to get out of the house and see the beauty of the area around us. My interest has been redoubled when my own children took an Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. interest in mountain bike with the local high school team. It was so fun to be able to go out and ride together to discover a new area, to push one another, and to bond over a common interest. I have explored many trails in south SL county and north Utah county and we need more trails. In addition to the junior high and high schools, interest in this activity has sky rocketed and the existing trails are at capacity. More trails will not only spread people out but reduce the impact on the trails. It also opens up beautiful places and the area covered by DOI-BLM-UT-W010-2020-0007-EA would fall into this category. If new trails are able to be created, I love the model that Draper City has followed. They have created shared use (hikers/horses/bikes) trails, foot & equestrian only trails, and mountain bike only trails. This allows everyone to be out together yet with some separation where warranted. 36 Not Provided I heard about this trail building project through NICA, the mountain biking league that our family has participated in for past 3 years. I cannot stress enough how important is that we Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. create areas for recreation for our kids, especially during the times that we've been facing this year. I would rather spend money on buying a kid a bike to ride than money on electronics. These types of activities create a love for outdoor recreation that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. This year the Utah Mountain Biking league boasted 5,000+ youth ranging from 7th - 12th grade participating in the league, in addition to that 2,700+ coaches/adults participated with these youth throughout their season. I have heard and understand that there may be concerns from other groups regarding opening new trails to mountain bikes. I will admit that sometimes kids aren't the most courteous trail users, but this is not what is taught to them. We do discuss proper trail etiquette to our kids and expect them to follow that, however, we all know that kids don't always learn just from being told something, but putting into practice and repetition. If we limit when, where or if bikes can be ridden on these trails at all, they will never learn this. I fully support and encourage this trail proposal and would ask that mountain bikes be allowed to use this area. I know trail running, hiking and horse bake riding are all activities that will use trails. I have no data to back this up, but I would venture a guess that of all these activities mountain biking likely has the most participants and they need more trails to use to spread out. As the number of areas to use for mountain biking, and other activities, grows the concentration or number of users in these areas will thin out. 37 Protected A large portion of the proposed trails in the Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons area surrounds a HOA, Hi Country Estates II. You need to contact and work with the HOA and its owners in Comment reviewed and generally expresses concern over public access to trails that could occur through order to mitigate potential serious issues with trespassing and traffic increases. Please contact me, as I'm the current President of the Board. Please consider these serious issues. Currently their community and property damages that could be occurring from additional use by the public. When, the access to Yellow Fork trail is not adequate. Rose Canyon Road is the access which goes through the HOA and is surrounded by private roads and private property. During the summer and if, ROW applications are received, BLM would specifically continue its partnerships with months there are often vehicles parked along this narrow road because the Yellow Fork parking lot is full. The road itself is not wide enough in places for trucks pulling horse trailers to state/local governments and concerned organizations/citizens in considering their input into trail design pass. It is winding and has many blind curves. It needs to be widened and maintained better, especially if there is to be more traffic. There isn't any kind of shoulder and in places the and recreation opportunities. Site specific trail design and layout, including protective measures and shoulder and parking lot is full of the noxious weed, Scotch Thistle. There are bikers and kids walking home from school who use the road because there isn't a shoulder. This is very access, would be considered in detail before being authorized by the BLM. dangerous when a vehicle comes around a blind curve and is faced with a school child or someone on a bicycle right in front of their vehicle. Trespassing is a huge problem in the HOA, BLM strives to follow its multiple use and sustained yield mission and the growing urban interface including on the private roads. There isn't any access through the HOA's private roads to get to the BLM land, but trespassers often ignore the signs and trespass on private property within/adjacent to the AA is complex. Population growth in Northern Utah, puts a greater pressure on anyway to get to the BLM lands. During hunting season, this is the worst, and very dangerous for the residents and their livestock. Please consider that trails surrounding the HOA must be local communities and public land amenities. adequately prepared. This may need to include signage about the private property and potentially fencing on the BLM land to prevent trespassing. We are not against the trail system per Trail etiquette must include common rules for observing private property rights, safety of all involved se, just very concerned about the access and trespassing issues. We also do not want to see wildlife negatively impacted. and leave not trace principles. Additional public education campaigns, trail stewards and law enforcement may be warranted for certain problems associated with trail ROWs. BLM would work with ROW holders on compliance, as well as addressing complaints. Refer also to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #53. 38 Protected As population has increased in the Salt Lake and Utah valleys the strain on existing trails has significantly increased. Well planned single-track within the amazing mountains we are Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. fortunate to live within not only builds community, but fosters a healthy community...socially, physically, psychologically. There are still so many areas that can be used to develop responsible trail systems to help alleviate strain in the Corner Canyon, Eagle Mountain, and City Creek areas of the valley. Creating multi-use trails systems in many parts of these two valleys is a very smart investment in the community.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 39 Bryan Gillespie More trails in these areas would be Fantastic! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 40 Michael Simmons What a great use of BLM land - Single track for Hiking/biking is minimal impact while preserving the beauty and original landscape. Often times you can also get the High School teams Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. to build/maintain. It's an easy win for everyone. 41 Protected As a Utah resident and outdoor enthusiast, there are many reasons that I support adding mountain bike trails to the public land. As an exercise scientist at the University of Utah, I know Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. that having more opportunities to recreate outside leads to a healthier population. People who exercise regularly spend 30 percent fewer days in the hospital than people who do not. Bicycles can get people out of their houses and enclosed vehicles and into the natural world. A widening group of researchers believe that disconnection from nature has huge implications for human health and child development. A truly effective action that local governments could take to combat health problems related to inactivity is to develop a cohesive system of parks and trails. The trails in our Salt Lake Valley are popular and often crowded. While this is a great problem to have, it makes sense to create more trail systems to decrease crowding, increase reach to different populations and benefit health. Mountain biking is an excellent way to get more people out of their houses and on trails. As a high school mountain biking coach, I have found that the more our team is out on the trails, the more the students create a relationship with the natural environment. We teach respectful riding and trail etiquette so when we’re on shared trails, our riders know to yield to equestrians and pedestrians. Our team actively takes care of the trails that we use including volunteering for trail maintenance and always seeking to leave the trails in better conditions than we found them. We would love to have more trails to ride! 42 Not Provided So glad to see more trails are on the agenda--nothing improves quality of life more. Keep up the good work. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 43 Zac Dailey Would love to see more mountain bike trails on the west side of the valley. Parking, bathrooms, multiple trailheads, looped trails not just out and back. Multi use trails as well as single use Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. trails such as mountain bike uphill and down hill only, equestrian and hiker only. New NICA course would be great to have in the valley as well. Would be willing to donate time for trail development and upkeep. 44 Miles Batchelor I support expanding responsible recreational opprotunities in the greater Wasatch Front area. All types of recreation are booming! With more and more people each year moving to our Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #8. great state of Utah and current residents heading to the outdoors to recreate, our existing trails are becoming more and more crowded each year. Any chance to relieve some of that stress by creating new trails is always welcome. I mountain bike, hike, drive my UTV, drive my toyota 4runner, snowmobile and dirt bike all over our great state of Utah. To have more non motorized AND motorized trails closer to home would be such a blesing. Some nights after work, it would be nice to be able to have a non-motorized AND motorized trail system close to home to enjoy without having to drive hours away to enjoy the vehicles that I pay taxes on every year and have a nice place to hike or mountain bike. Please take into consideration the ever expanding Utah recreation community. Non-motorized AND motorized. New trail stystems would be enjoyed by all! 45 Ben Berrett I'm writing to support the further development of the trail system in SouthWest Salt Lake County, specifically around Yellowfork and Butterfield canyons. I support the idea of a NICA Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. race trail and additional trails. I grew up on horseback and have spent hours in Yellowfork Canyon and loved that time. As a NICA coach, I also spend a fair amount of time (average 4 hours/week) on a mountain bike. I recognize that there are disrespectful individuals in both communities. But I couldn't emphasize enough with 40 years of experience as a grateful user of public lands, that both communities are filled primarily with respectful and grateful individuals who appreciate the opportunity to take some time away from the chaos of life and the hustle and bustle of the city and are struggling to find good places to do that. We are also seeking to raise our youth and demonstrate the value of being outdoors, where no virtual reality (gaming, phones, etc.) can substitute for the beauty and experience being outdoors, whether on foot, on horseback, or on a mountain bike. Adding some more to the existing trail network in the Yellowfork/Butterfield Canyon area would help to create better opportunities for that experience and helps draw our community together. I typically use a bell when I'm on my bike. When I'm in Yellowfork, this is essential. Yet even with a bell on my bike, I realize that I unintentionally alarm or spook horses and riders. I know this can create friction between the mountain biking and horse loving communities. So I do think that there is wisdom in thoughtful structure of a trail network that would allow some trails to be multi use and other trails to be dedicated to help avoid that sort of friction. And I think this has been done pretty well in some of the other trail systems, which offers insight and considerations that don't have to be guessed at. Again, though solutions are rarely perfect, I think that there is plenty of land and usage need to justify development of the trail network and mountain bike trails in and around Yellowfork Canyon. I fear that there is a vocal and aggressive minority who don't represent the majority and whose voice is currently protesting this development. And that voice, I sincerely feel, would negatively impact me as a horseman and a mountain biker. Please pursue development of this network as proposed, which support the larger community and helps us raise the next generation. 46 Protected We would love to have more mountain biking trails in Utah County! Mountain biking has become so popular and it would be great to have more trails! Western Utah County is a great Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. place to put more trails and we think that Butterfield Canyon would be perfect! Mountain bikers are good at leaving no trace and often making the trails better (our high school mountain bike team helps a couple times a year in trail maintenance). 47 Not Provided These trails are fantastic for the community to expand the outdoors experience and make it so we don't have to travel across the valley to Draper to have a good trail system. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 48 Davey Breinholt I feel like the addition of adding a trail system in the Butterfield canyon area would be a great addition to our area. As a Utah native have been able to enjoy our land for over 40 years Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. now. Utah is a great place to live that provides a great diverse ability to do a number of activities. I like to hike, fish, hunt, and bike and our area provides a great opportunity to do so. I am also aware that others in this state like to ride horses, ski, and snow board. While I don't care to do these activities my self, I apricate that these are enjoyable activities that other get to enjoy. I am now in the stage of life that allows me to pass on my love for my boys to enjoy our diverse activities. I feel like bike trails will allow for excellent access for those of us that live nearby to enjoy this land in a different way. If these trails are designed properly, they can have minimal impacts on the area and they open the area up to the mountain biking community. I have been part of this local community recently. I have discovered the service and care that they give the trails and surrounding area. I have spent many hours on trail maintenance. This often would include providing drainage paths that reduce erosion and smoothing trails. 49 Glen G. I am in favor of a new trail system being built. Multi use and especially mountain biking trails, trails that connect from one system to the next are also very good. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 50 Adam Cowie Very supportive of nonmotorized trails around Utah County and elsewhere along Wasatch Front. Thank you BLM. Sounds like a great plan to help provide trail opportunities and reserve Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. non-motorized areas for growing population. MAKE SURE trails will be safe from target shooting areas. Recreational use, particularly non-motorized recreation, on West Mountain is severely affected by target shooting and its become very dangerous. 51 Protected The added trails in the NOMA area would be great. I have been dreaming of a trail system for years. There are very limited amount of trials around the area. In fact most people trespass or Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. use private property to explore the foothills. Having a trail system here would allow people to explore and experience the beauty of the NOMA. 52 Protected The proposed project to add trails in the area is a great idea! As a resident of Tooele County, I fully support this effort and would use these trails. Additional trails may also help ease the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. overuse of the trails currently available in the canyons along the Wasatch front.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 53 Mike Vandeman What were you thinking??? Mountain biking and trail-building destroy wildlife habitat! Mountain biking is environmentally, socially, and medically destructive! There is no good reason Comment reviewed (including video/document links) and generally provides support of the no action to allow bicycles on any unpaved trail! Bicycles should not be allowed in any natural area. They are inanimate objects and have no rights. There is also no right to mountain bike. That was alternative. The commenter did not provide data or literature that could be incorporated into the existing settled in federal court in 1996: https://mjvande.info/mtb10.htm . It's dishonest of mountain bikers to say that they don't have access to trails closed to bikes. They have EXACTLY the impact analysis of the no action alternative. The EA addresses the points made in this comment and same access as everyone else -- ON FOOT! Why isn't that good enough for mountain bikers? They are all capable of walking.... edits to the EA are not warranted. A favorite myth of mountain bikers is that mountain biking is no more harmful to wildlife, people, and the environment than hiking, and that science supports that view. Of course, it's not BLM specifically defines the statutes and regulations that governs its decision making in Table 1 (EA at true. To settle the matter once and for all, I read all of the research they cited, and wrote a review of the research on mountain biking impacts (see https://mjvande.info/scb7.htm ). I found Section 1.4). BLM is not regulated by NPS policy as suggested by the commenter. The BLM follows that of the seven studies they cited, (1) all were written by mountain bikers, and (2) in every case, the authors misinterpreted their own data, in order to come to the conclusion that they the multiple use and sustained yield mission outlined in FLPMA; to which, biking, hiking, horseback favored. They also studiously avoided mentioning another scientific study (Wisdom et al) which did not favor mountain biking, and came to the opposite conclusions. Mountain bikers riding (etc.) are all considered a viable use of the public lands. also love to build new trails - legally or illegally. Of course, trail-building destroys wildlife habitat - not just in the trail bed, but in a wide swath to both sides of the trail! E.g. grizzlies can BLM identifies issues that are analyzed in detain, and those that are not, in Sections 1.5 through 1.5.2, hear a human from one mile away, and smell us from 5 miles away. Thus, a 10-mile trail represents 100 square miles of destroyed or degraded habitat, that animals are inhibited from including Appendix B. Each of the issues that are carried forward are discussed in Chapter 3. For using. Mountain biking, trail building, and trail maintenance all increase the number of people in the park, thereby preventing the animals' full use of their habitat. See example, wildlife and vegetation impacts are addressed in the EA at Sections 3.6 through 3.6.2.2 and 3.7 https://mjvande.info/scb9.htm for details. through 3.7.2.2, respectively. Mountain biking accelerates erosion, creates V-shaped ruts, kills small animals and plants on and next to the trail, drives wildlife and other trail users out of the area, and, worst of all, At Section 3.3.1, BLM specifically states the following: “Much of the AA is impacted by decades of teaches kids that the rough treatment of nature is okay (it's NOT!). What's good about THAT? largely unmanaged recreational use and associated urban interface impacts and issues. Existing impacts To see exactly what harm mountain biking does to the land, watch this 5-minute video: http://vimeo.com/48784297. from recreational use include user-created routes or trail proliferation and associated erosion; surface In addition to all of this, it is extremely dangerous: https://mjvande.info/mtb_dangerous.htm . disturbance, soil compaction, and loss of vegetation/ground cover associated with recreational activities For more information: https://mjvande.info/mtbfaq.htm . (e.g., camping, OHV use, etc.); damage to cultural resources; litter, and vandalism or property damage.” The common thread among those who want more recreation in our parks is total ignorance about and disinterest in the wildlife whose homes these parks are. Yes, if humans are the only And at Section 3.3.2.1, BLM also describes that: “With the high and continued increase in recreational beings that matter, it is simply a conflict among humans (but even then, allowing bikes on trails harms the MAJORITY of park users -- hikers and equestrians -- who can no longer safely use of the areas, public safety concerns, user conflicts, and resource damage are also expected to and peacefully enjoy their parks). continue to increase, particularly absent the protective measures and planned infrastructure that can The parks aren't gymnasiums or racetracks or even human playgrounds. They are WILDLIFE HABITAT, which is precisely why they are attractive to humans. Activities such as assist in creating safe and developed recreational experiences. These include illegal target shooting, mountain biking, that destroy habitat, violate the charter of the parks. vandalism and resource destruction, and increased or more complicated emergency responses (e.g., Even kayaking and rafting, which give humans access to the entirety of a water body, prevent the wildlife that live there from making full use of their habitat, and should not be allowed. search and rescue actions on more varied/difficult terrain). Of course those who think that only humans matter won't understand what I am talking about -- an indication of the sad state of our culture and educational system. Refer to BLM's responses to Comment Letters #2 and #53. [Attachment not reproduced here.] 54 Sarah Wrigley I am excited about the prospect of mountain bike trails being built in Butterfield Canyon. It would be amazing to have that canyon connected to Yellow Fork canyon as well. Mountain Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. biking has exploded in the southwest corner of the valley over the past few years but especially this year. I have a son who has participated in the local high school mountain bike team team for the last 3 years and another son planning to join this next year. Every year the HS mountain bike teams have grown in every school in the state. The more advanced riders need longer trails to get in their workouts and it's especially helpful when bikers have at least a few separate trails from hikers and equestrian riders. Horses are allowed to leave large piles of poop on trails which are annoying to both hikers and bikers so it is nice when they are given their own trails; especially since bikers must yield to all other trail users when they must share trails. Horses also churn up dirt on the trails which makes them very dusty for bike riders. When trails are few in an area, they can get congested with so many bikers and hikers and equestrians on the same trails so having some trails specific for biking and some for hiking/equestrian use would help make use more enjoyable and safer for all users. Mountain bike trails connecting one canyon to the next would be used often by mountain bikers looking for endurance training. It is quite common for the advanced riders (even the young ones) to ride 20 or more miles in one workout, and it is more fun to ride multiple trails in that time instead of having to repeat the same shorter routes trying to get in a workout. Our family of seven has made wonderful memories this year going mountain biking together so it is helpful to have varied levels of trails so beginner, intermediate and advanced riders can all work on their skills. With so many riders in the valley, existing trails can get very crowded during the warmer months so any additional trails would be much appreciated to help everyone spread out. Our mtb team in Herriman currently must travel to Draper, Eagle Mountain and even Park City just to get enough varied trails and to find enough space to train all the riders since the mtb trails in Herriman are few and get a lot of use. Other school teams in the valley also travel outside their areas to ride trails in Herriman and Riverton so it would nice to have more mtb trails in those areas. Mountain biking is wonderful exercise and is a fun way to enjoy the beautiful canyons and nature in our hills and mountains; on a bike you can go farther and see more in less time than when hiking, so having long trails and connecting canyons is important. Please consider building mountain bike-only trails, including some downhill-only trails in Butterfield Canyon and connect the canyons in the southwest of the valley together! They will get much use, help our community build physical skills, fellowship, appreciation of nature and improve physical and mental health. Building a NICA course in Butterfield Canyon would help commerce in the area as well, since riders and their families from schools all over the state would be coming to the area for the race but also other times in the season to practice the race course. Travelers will spend money in that local area to refuel their vehicles, feed their families and secure lodging which will help local business owners and commerce. Please consider using the proposed land to build more mountain bike trails! 55 Neil Smart This is great news, hopefully this can be a push for even more bike/pedestrian trail options in Tooele County. This may not be related but with the inland port coming a bike/pedestrian Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trail from North Tooele County (Lake Point, Stansbury) to the Inland Port/Prison area. By bike this would be an easy ride for a lot of bike commuters, this area is expecting 50,000 jobs in the decade. 56 Mike Hawker I spend a massive amount of time in the Oquirrhs. I love at the base of the southern portion and spend my weeks trail running through the amazing mountains. Currently, I know the trails Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. like the back of my hand but I know many that don't visit the Oquirrhs due to fear of not knowing the trails and not having a good resources of mapped trails. Not knowing private property versus BLM land. This initiative would be a huge step for that. I sit on the board for the Oquirrh Foundation that is here to help things like this move forward. Please continue this and make these trails happen so our communities can better enjoy these mountains and we can preserve what we have. 57 Brian Pendleton Mountain biking is a very inclusive sport that is growing throughout the state. We have great places to ride but the need to increase those areas is high. I recognize that equestrian riders are Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. against this but I believe we should be able to share these lands in a collaborative way. 58 Protected I frequently trail run and hike in the Yellow Fork area. I am in support of creating new trails in the area. To create a safer environment for all trail users, I recommend increasing signage Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. indicating proper trail etiquette including leave no trace ethics and emphasizing typical yield rules (downhill yields to uphill traffic, bike traffic yields to all, hikers yield to horses, etc) to ensure users remain on the trail and do not create additional side trails. I also wish to add hiker/horse only trails so users who wish to avoid mountain bikers can recreate safely. Mountain bike downhill only or uphill only designations can also be used to create a space for the increasing numbers of mountain bikers to use exclusively. To prevent trail erosion from mountain bikes, grading of the new trails at turns should be used. I have noticed a lack of signage in this area and hope that in addition to the new trails, signs can be added at major intersections to indicate distance and the trail to help users navigate the existing trails. 59 Nathan Smith I would love to see some more mountain biking trails in the area. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 60 Mason Law I would utilize more bike trails in the Oquirrhs Mountains. I love riding in Yellowfork. It would be awesome to connect from Butterfield. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 61 Todd This sounds great. Class 1 ebikes should be allowed access also. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 62 Protected I would like to advocate for pedestrian only trails. They have a better bank for your buck since they take longer to cover by foot compared to by bike. Also, pedestrians don't create ruts in Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2, #37 and #53. the ground when it's muddy.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 63 Clint Guymon Yes, please move forward with development of a trail system in Rose and Yellow fork canyons. I am a resident of South Jordan and have also been a resident of Herriman. I have biked at Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. both of those locations for more than 10 years. 64 Protected I am an avid hiker, and I would love more trails closer to my West Jordan home. But more than that, I want to make sure the trails are environmentally responsible. I am concerned about Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #53. the impact the trails will have on wildlife, especially the one by Saratoga Springs, as the map showed that area is highly important year round to deer. I am also slightly concerned about the trail near the 201 for similar reasons. What kind of management will there be for the trails? I have seen a lot of bad actors on our current trails this year that are having a negative effect on the ecosystem. 65 Troy Tuttle The proposed trail system sounds like a fantastic idea. I hope there would be a skills park included in the plan for riders to improve their general skills. The Trailside Park in Park City is a Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. good example of a Skills Park and Eagle Mountain has a fairly good one too. I'd also suggest trails patterned off of the Vertigo, Levitate, Zooropa and Rattle and Hum. These downhill only trails have some great features and there is a trail for every skill level. The Pavant Trail system in Richfield is fantastically designed as well and would provide a great model. All-in- all, I'm just excited about the prospect of getting some new trails. 66 Protected This would be FANTASTIC!!! How can we help? Can people sponsor sections of the trails? It will be AMAZING! I love to bike ride. I am 63 years old. I would love to ride these new Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trails. 67 Not Provided Resident Response not warranted. 68 Protected Please consider creating new single track in this area and allow mountain bikes on it. With the increase in the popularity of mountain biking, more trails are needed now more than ever. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. Utah has the largest NICA league in the country and having more areas suitable for race courses is also needed. With proper trail etiquette, mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians can use the same trail systems with little to no problems. 69 Ben These trails will provide a place for high school students to enjoy the outdoors. There simply aren't enough trails in the area that exist, so these trails will bless the lives of many. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. 70 Brad Welch Please build trails here. I would love to not have to drive 45 minutes to Draper or farther for a ride. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 71 Robert Lofgran I fully support the initiative to build more trails and a NICA trail at Butterfield Canyon. We need more trails, I have to drive over an hour each to ride any NICA trails. I live in the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. Herriman area right next to Butterfield Canyon and would love more my family and others in the area to be able to more fully use Butterfield Canyon for healthy activities and all without driving across the valley. My family regularly participates in trail maintenance projects and it would be great to help maintain and support something in our own backyards.

72 Ty Harris We think it would be great to see more trails available across the Wasatch front that will disperse the influx of riders from the COVID pandemic, it also would be awesome if it had more Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. diversity in the area with different trails for all kinds of rider disciplines and skill levels. We would also like a directional trail system that could help contain a large amount of riders so that the number of collisions are reduced and then passing can be reduced. 73 Curtis Reese Please provide access to these trails! We are in desperate need more access to public lands! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 74 Bryan Ahlberg I would like to comment in support of the additional trails being considered in Salt lake and Utah counties. There has been a large increase in trail usage and the addition of quality trails in Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. this area would be beneficial to all. Mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and horseback riding have all seemed to see an increase in trail usage. While it is fantastic to see so many people on the trails, enjoying the outdoors, and breathing the fresh air it can also be quite congested at times. I work with the Herriman High School Mountain Bike team and we make great use of the trails and really enjoy the amazing trails that we do have. Practice days are certainly busy days on the trails and it would make a huge difference for all trail users if we could have more trails and be able to spread out a little bit more. As avid trail users, we are also very interested in lending a helping hand by showing up for dig days to help build trails, working on fundraisers for signs and construction, and helping in anyway needed to create better outdoor recreation opportunities.

75 Protected Building trails in these areas is a great idea. The current trails in nearby areas are overcrowded and overused. The community will benefit greatly by having more trails to explore. It will Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. be good for improving the quality of life for all visitors. It will increase economic activity and increase property values as this will make the area a more desirable place to live. Having more trails gives users more options to appreciate the nature in that area and in turn, gives them motivation to want to preserve it for their continued use and future generations to enjoy. Mountain biking is a great way for people to exercise, explore and enjoy what Utah offers. Mountain biking is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in Utah. There are thousands of junior high and high school kids who participate in their school's mountain bike (mtb) teams. Utah's NICA mtb league is currently the largest in the entire country. The coaches consist of volunteer parents, which gets the whole family involved. The kids learn how the respect themselves and work hard, respect trails and nature, and respect other people. They also spend several hours each year doing trail maintenance. I'm not aware of another user group that gives back to the community like the mountain bike teams do. Having a mountain bike race venue in the Butterfield area would be a massive win for the community. Hosting NICA races will stimulate the economy and give people an opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community. It will help our kids get excited about exercising and teach them the value of working hard to improve their skills and accomplish their fitness goals. It will also help preserve the area for future generations. I think having a separate trail for equestrian use and hiking is a good idea. Many trails have been destroyed by horses that punch holes in wet trails and hikers that do not clean up after their pets. Many dog owners do not leash their dogs, making it potentially dangerous for other users. Having designated mountain bike trails and equestrian/hiking trails alleviates these problems. More people are able to afford and ride mountain bikes than those who can afford to own/ ride horses. It makes good sense to put priority on building trails for mountain bikes which benefits the larger portion of the community using the trails. Having a trail to connect Butterfield Canyon to other nearby canyons would also be useful for mountain bikers who want to go longer distances, without adding to parking congestion by other trail users. Having some sort of bathroom facility in the area, even just portable toilets, would also be helpful in keeping the surrounding trails cleaner. My family and I hope you invest in our community by building mountian bike trails in the area. 76 Protected I fully support using this space for hiking and biking trails. The area is longing for expanding available areas where they can experience the outdoors. I live nearby and would welcome Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. additional places. Please approve 77 Ryley Williams I love the trails in Corner Canyon and Herriman, but they are always very crowded with hikers, equestrians and bikers. Some of the trails are so overused that they are now dangerous. We Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. high school mountain bike teams help to maintain the trails in our area, but there are still overwhelmed trails. Especially considering that there are so many people coming from the west side of the valley and riding or hiking crowded trails. This new trail system would provide a place for the many people on the west side. There would be a lot less crowding, and with some separate and well built trails for equestrians and bikers, everyone would be safer and it would be easier to maintain by the high school teams that will be relying on new trail systems. People on the west side of the valley will have their own trail systems that are closer and high school mountain bike teams will help maintain them (as seen in the blackridge herriman trails). 78 Marcus Cazier I am writing in support of building this trail system. As a lifelong resident of Utah and mountain biker, I am thrilled that more and more people are spending more time on bikes. However, Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. trail space is a commodity that can be in short supply due to this increase in participants. I fully support efforts to expand Utah's mountain bike trail networks on BLM land. Of particular importance to me is building more trials for NICA High School Racers. This is an incredible program that gets kids on bikes, something I think most everyone can agree is a good thing. The economic bump a NICA race brings to small Utah towns is worth considering, too.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 79 Marcus I am a life long mountain biker and resident of the Salt Lake Valley. I've watched Herriman grow from a tiny farming community to the city it is today during my lifetime. As the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. population has increased in the valley, so has utilization of our trail system. Utilizing BLM land to create more trails for our citizens is a good use of the land. I would especially appreciate having a NICA course built on this land. We can all agree that kids on bikes is a good thing. Having a NICA race course closer to home would also be advantageous for NICA racers who can't travel to more remote destinations to race. 80 Jeff Bryant The Tooele Valley is in desperate need of a trail system for public use. Currently, the only way for bikers, walkers and joggers to get out and exercise is on the streets, which is extremely Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. dangerous with all the traffic. One jogger was killed earlier this year. It was hard to tell from the diagram, but it looked like there is a system that would connect the cities throughout the valley. This would be perfect. Ideally, these paths need to be paved, with no access by any type of motorized vehicle (such as razors or other ATVs). The system should be pedestrian access only. The longer the wait on doing this, the harder it will be to get done because of the growth in the area. 81 Brooke Howard I am full support of new trails in the Butterfield area. These trails will help to accomodate the large amount of public on the south west side of Salt Lake County. I am also in full support Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. of these trails being used for hiking and mountain biking. I have a family that loves to get outside and we generally have to travel to the east side to enjoy trails. This trail system will also benifit the youth that are mountain biking. So many of the trails are in the county are overused and it would be nice to have new trails to help disperse the growing sport. Trails are a great way to get kids and families outside to help promote a healthy lifestyle. I am also in full support of the trails being used to create a course for NICA. Please build these trails not only for all outdoor enthusiasts but also for the youth that are getting outside and enjoying the trails on mountain bikes. Without these trails, many of our kids would be indoors watching TV or playing on gaming systems. 82 Josh Suchoski We are excited at the opportunity to have more trails. Particularly for mountain biking. There is a huge disparity of equitable trail systems in the Salt Lake area. The high school MTB Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. teams that live on the west side of the valley are forced to commute to the draper trail systems for practice. These systems are already overloaded and the trails in this area are falling apart due to overuse. Our high school Mountainbike teams provide public trail maintenance each year and we are extremely conscious of the level of care and conservation that these trails take to maintain. We are very much in support of all of the trail systems that are potentially coming. We are particularly in favor of the butterfield canyon trails. 83 Jef Huntington I very much support this project and would celebrate new trails on the southwestern side of Salt Lake Valley. I am in favor of additional trails in the Butterfield/Yellow Fork area for four Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. reasons: 1. I frequently use the trail system in the Corner Canyon area of Draper. The trails in Draper can be very crowded and an additional trail system in Salt Lake Valley will reduce the burden on the Corner Canyon trails and parking lots. 2. I live in Riverton and would appreciate a trail system that is easier for me (and many who live on the southwest side of the valley) to access. 3. The southwest corner of Salt Lake Valley offers a unique setting, landscape, vista, and trail experience when compared to other trails in the Salt Lake Valley. 4. More trails = more opportunities for individuals to experience the outdoors. 84 Brigham Frandsen Trails are an incredibly effective investment in outdoor space. They are a win-win-win scenario. They spur the local economy as they attract trail users; they encourage sustainable Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. recreation, as areas with established trails see less ad hoc off-trail damage; they provide health benefits by encouraging exercise. 85 Mark Smith I would like to voice support for new multi-use trails. As long as these trails will not have significant adverse impact on local ecosystems, more trails on public lands are a net gain to our Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. society and a good use of my tax dollars. I would encourage most trails be multi-use but some should be mountain bike specific. Mountain bike trails have some design considerations that are neither necessary or desired by hikers and equestrians. Downhill routes for mountain bikes only reduce trail confrontations by giving bikers a place to "go fast" without conflict. I expect bikers to follow standard trail guidelines on multi-use trails and yield to hikers and horses. I do believe that hikers and bikers opinions should not be considered secondary to equestrians because the percent of the population that hikes and bikes is very much larger than the part of the population that owns and rides horses. 86 Mark Thomas Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the region. Our trails are quickly becoming crowded. The only way to accommodate current and future growth is by adding and Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. expanding additional trail systems in different parts of the state. This helps local riders have trails they can depend on. Each time we add trail systems it will help to dilute the traffic that exists on other trails. It also reduces car travel which is good for the environment. We need trail systems that are properly designed and simple to maintain. Mountain bikers frequently give back and volunteer for trail maintenance each season which helps reduce the cost of maintaining trails and increases local pride in that system. Let's put our BLM land to use and get these trails built! 87 Protected I think this would be a fantastic use of land. Specifically Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horse back riding as described. These specific trails I hope would not expand motorized Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. vehicles/motorcycles and Non pedal E-bikes. E-bikes that are Human powered with electronic motor should be an exemption as they still require human power assistance. The use of a mountain bike with an electronic motor assist helps open up the trails for those that need the help to access the mountainous terrain. I would full support this as it would protect land as many people that do participate in these activities tend to be environmentally conscious. It would be a great way to keep our mountains preserved and properly used. 88 Christopher Selin Living on the south west side of the valley I would love more options that are close by for outdoor recreation! I feel it would benefit the communities and the economy in the south west Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. valley. Being an avid hiker/runner, I know that people who use trails also help take care of trails and also teach their kids on how to properly use and care for them! I feel this will provide more opportunities for families to explore and enjoy the outdoors! 89 Protected These trail systems are very important for our community. The number of cyclists in the state has increased dramatically in the past 10 years and these trails will be used by many for Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. sport, exercise and just for fun. 90 Protected I am voting against mountain bike trail in Yellowfork and Rose canyon. I have horses and live in Salt Lake. Rose canyon/Yellowfork is one of the few beautiful mountain areas to safely Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #53. ride horses. There have been numerous bike trails made along many roads and main highways. Please don't turn these beautiful canyons into biking trails. 91 Lindy Stern Light Please in making assessments for mtn bike allocation that once they obtain the trails no others are safe to walk, hike or trail ride. There needs to be strong consideration for all using the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #53. BLM land and well as for the wildlife that inhabit the terrain. 92 Protected I support Alternative B as it provides recreational use of the public lands near urban areas. It will serve those who are socially and economically challenged by offering hiking and biking Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trails close to their neighborhoods. By providing these trails close to those who lack access to these types of facilities due to cost or resources, it provides them an opportunity to improve their mental and physical health. The proposed trails will also improve the quality of life for those who are at the greatest disadvantage and support healthy recreation for young people who can ride their bikes to the trails. 93 Gail Riding horses at Yellow fork brings great pleasure, to much development will bring the horses and bikers into conflict. Most Bikers have no clue on the protocol when approaching horses. The BLM is considering equestrian trails in its proposed action. Development of such trails is dependent Madsenclayton May horses are spooked when the bikes zip up behind them. Thinking it is some kind of attach. There are very few places that the horses can ride with out interruption, and I understand on external groups applying for a right of way, and designing trails to standards referenced in section 2.2 that the bikers do enjoy the same trails. Just wish that bikers (or runners or hikers) would learn to call out to the horses and warn them before approaching. of the EA. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #37 94 Protected I support mountain biking in the area of Butterfield Canyon not Rose and Yellowfork canyon. As for a bike park, it does not have to be at the base of the Canyon. Most people who go to Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2 the park just ride the park. They can drive to the canyon if they want to continue their ride. Corner Canyons has done a wonderful job making access to all users but that canyon is so very crowded with bikers going very fast. It's almost impossible to ride a horse safely there. If Yellowfork canyon is to be developed I would like to suggest even and odd days in both canyons, even days corner canyon and odd days yellowfork, that way people have a place to go without interference and we can have room to park.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 95 Jamison Pexton I support adding these trails as mountain biking is exploding in popularity and getting more people outdoors. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 96 Protected With the ever increasing population of the Salt Lake Valley, we need access to more of the available land surrounding the valley for recreation. These trails will be a welcome addition to Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. the south west area of the valley. 97 Jeff Brown The proposed Mtn Bike trails near Butterfield/Yellow Fork will be a huge benefit to the area. I am so excited at the possibility of having more trials nearby. Building trail networks is a Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. great way to keep wild landscapes. It prevents development from moving in to the wild spaces, it gets people out and using the land. If we can use this land to encourage kids to get outside and on a bike then we all win. 98 Protected Salt Lake and the surrounding areas would really benefit from expanding the area trails, especially opening up recreation access to residents on the west side. This would be a really Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. wonderful benefit for our community. 99 Joseph Yes yes yes! I've driven up to this part of our beautiful valley with my family and been sad there wasn't a good way to really dive in and explore. Please invest resources in making this Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Silverzweig accessible- I'd also note that in Salt Lake County we have a disproportionate amount of outdoor recreational resources to the east, which makes it harder for our lower income communities and communities of color (who live to the west, generally) to enjoy the outdoors. 100 Carolyn Bragg I think adding trails in the Oquirrh Mountain area is a great plan. I live West of 5600 West, and going to the eastern canyons (though beautiful) is quite a trip, and through a lot of traffic! I Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. haven't been able to go to the mountains--for these reasons--for several years because I have been caring for my parents. Having an area nearby would give me access, and the much- needed natural environment that is so essential to my personal wellbeing. It would also allow me to take great photos. I have fairly exhausted the photographic subjects in my yard! 101 Protected We would love to have biking and hiking trails on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley. Butterfield canyon would be ideal. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 102 Shanna We NEED this trail for our maintain bikers! It’s a fun, safe way for our kids to get out and be active. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 103 Not Provided Trails in the NOMA would be fantastic. Currently we drive to get to trails which adds to the valley's poor air quality. Having trails closer to home would be a welcome addition to the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. community. 104 Isaac Nelson I would very much like to see more public access to the Oquirrh mountains on the Salt Lake valley side. Trails in that area would be hugely beneficial to the community. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2.

105 Bryan Gillespie New non-motorized multi-use trails for mountain bikes etc. would be very beneficial in these areas. I support the creation and building of these trails! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 106 Chad Smith Please, let’s get some single track trails on the west side of Utah and SL valleys! We have an opportunity to do this now, and that opportunity won’t be available long. In a couple of Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. decades we’ll be so glad to have these relatively non-destructive options for the convenient use of the growing population in these areas. It will also help defray travel to and use in the Wasatch. 107 Michael Nelson It would be better to make the upper boundary of the AA for the NOMA at the Bonneville Shoreline (approximately 5200' elevation) since any trail proposal to be constructed for lands BLM established the AA to include all areas of the NOMA, including areas above the 5200 foot above this level would be virtually impossible to be in conformance with VRM II limitations. Most lands above the Bonneville Shoreline in the NOMA have very steep slopes and have elevation, and set protective measures (Appendix C) to account for VRM II requirements. Trails/ROWs limited large vegetation and are therefore very visible from the valley below. This would be a significant impact on the visual limitations of VRM II. In addition, rights-of-way proposals would need to be designed in such a manner that fullfils VRM II objectives and avoid slope/soil erosion are not permitted on slopes more than 30% by the 1997 PERMP Amendment which most of the west facing slopes of the NOMA are above the Bonneville Shoreline of approximately potential. Avoidance of the hybrid oak groves was added as a protective measure in Appendix C. 5200 feet elevation. Including lands up to 6200 feet elevation gives the impression that BLM would consider proposals for construction up to that elevation. Discussions of steep slopes/downhill trails was added to vegetation section discussions as well as In addition, the EA fails to mention that there are several groves of hybrid oak (quercus gambelli X turbinella) below 5200 feet elevation on the Pass Canyon Bench within the NOMA. soil/vegetation items within the IDT Checklist (Appendix B). These groves are rare and of scientific interest as they represent vegetation from past warmer climatic periods. Every effort should be made to avoid impacting these groves. 108 Trudy Zufelt I am writing in support of building more trails in Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah County. I spend a ton of time on the trails in Salt Lake County and frankly, many of them are getting too Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. crowded. While I understand the impact new trails have on native flora and fauna, it could alleviate some of the impact on the more crowded trails as well. As the population in Utah continues to grow, it is crucial that our access to the outdoors keeps pace. For many of us, this access to the outdoors has helped alleviate the mental impact COVID 19 restrictions have placed on us. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, these trails would be well used and loved. 109 Protected I've read about some of the plans for additional mountain bike trails in this area. Currently, this area is well-used by a wide variety of users -- hikers, bikes, equestrians. I ride horses often Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2, #37, and #94. in this area. I am very concerned about making sure the trails are safe for all users, and this absolutely requires having separate trails for bikes (which are notoriously high speed), and hikers/horses. This is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL where bikes go downhill. They cannot stop. I've had out of control bikes crash under my horse in the past, hurting both the biker and my horse's legs. In a popular urban area, like this one, all trails are likely to be very busy, so having trails that are strictly for slower traffic (horses/hikers) both up and downhill would really help reduce conflicts. Please plan plenty of trails in this area, and separate them based on speed (bikes in one area, horses/hikers in another). And also, please consider the parking. We are having a really hard time getting into the wonderful parking lot made for horse trailers in Yellow Fork and Dimple Dell, because these are often filled with individual cars. Horse trailer parking over gravel (rather than pavement) is ideal. I hope to be part of the team that helps build these new trails, through Back Country Horsemen. Please ask for help! 110 Protected I love the idea of adding trails to the oquirrhs, but I would also like to preserve the environment. Once the trails are built, people will trash the place unfortunately, so I would like to see Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #53. the wildlife biologists choose the best places that don’t affect or harm the animals, and I would also like to see these trails have a fee associated with them to keep the hoards of people under control. The people closest to the mountains who would use them more could have a lower fee than the people closer to the wasatch mountains, or it could just be a flat fee for everybody, but I think there definitely needs to be something right from the getgo. I would happily pay a yearly fee of up to $100 to keep the traffic at a minimum and preserve the environment as much as possible. I also would like these trails to allow dogs, but only on leash. No off leash dogs at any time. You could do something similar to milcreek canyon where dogs are allowed on leash certain days and not allowed on other days. Maybe an extra fee for those who want to bring our dogs just as an accountability to be responsible and follow leash laws and poop laws. You could even take it as far as having a dedicated tag the dogs have to have on their collar while hiking these trails so conservation officers can check to make sure the dogs are “registered” to use the trails. There is a lot of potential for revenue to go back into the trail systems with this fee-based approach, plus it keeps the people in check for the trails, the trash, and the responsibility of taking your dog. 111 Cassidy Nelson I believe these trails are necessary for Utah. I live in Cottonwood Heights and the amount of traffic coming up here to use the trails in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon is becoming Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. unmanageable. With so much new growth on the west side of the valley I believe those communities deserve access closer to home to enjoy the beautiful of Utah’s Mountains. 112 Protected Please consider keeping some of the best trails for hikers and equestrians only. Mountain bikers don't want to slow down and more than once in Settlement Canyon I've almost had a head Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2, #37, and #94. on with a mountain biker when on my horse. In addition, mountain bikes make the trails too dusty for hikers. Settlement Canyon, and Rose Canyon/Butterfield Canyon are very popular with equestrians, and we are slowly being driven out of our favorite riding trails by mountain bikers. 113 Arthur Turlak As a 20 year resident of Salt Lake City, I have witnessed the utter explosion of all forms of human-powered outdoor activities, especially mountain biking. While there has been an Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. increase of trails in the region, it has not kept up with the increase in users. The Salt Lake and Tooele Valley areas need more human-powered trails in the region. I wholeheartedly support this proposal for more trails. Please build them as the users are already here.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 114 Protected Please do not increase the bike trails. They will destroy the beautiful land where so many ride and right next to private neighborhoods that will bring in more crime. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #53. 115 Todd Darby I'm a coach on a high school mountain bike team. This sport and biking is becoming more and more popular here in the valley. We need more trails close to us instead of driving up to Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Park City area. Build more good trails here in the valley to make mountain biking safe for everyone! 116 Protected I believe this to be a great allocation of resources, all three locations are beautiful and the folks that live nearby should have direct access to recreation vs. having to drive across the valley Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. into the Wasatch. Great!! 117 Dirk Burton Excited to see trails on the west side of the valley in the Oquirrh Mountains. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 118 Jeff Silvestrini I support proceeding with the preferred alternative to proceed with the study to designate the trails as outlined. The need for trails is immediate, however will only increase with the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. population in Salt Lake Valley and Utah growing as it is. 119 Garth Tino After looking over the proposal, and being an inhabitant of the southwestern Salt Lake Valley, I see great potential for this development. I am an avid hiker, mountain biker, trail runner Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. and outdoor participant in Utah. I teach in the Outdoor Recreation degree program at Utah Valley University as well, and I see great merit in this project. As this valley continues to expand, the west side has been neglected when it comes to development of outdoor recreational resources. The impact of the increasing population on the east side canyons and trails have also shown that there in an increased need for more resources for the valley, particularly for those living on the west side of the valley. The dilution of outdoor recreation participants to other areas of the valley is a great first step in quelling the issues of overcrowding as well as overuse. The use of new trails will help to create a better outdoor recreation experience for those on both the east and west sides. Additionally, the traffic around the valley will decrease as participants are provided outdoor recreational opportunities closer to their houses. I currently live in South Jordan and I used to drive to the foothills around Draper for recreating. As the trails in Yellow Canyon and the Herriman foothills have been developed, I no longer drive to Draper or other places and recreate closer to my home. Additionally, I use trails all over the counties and would be willing to ride and hike more in areas like Lake Mountain (I already play in the Eagle Mountain area too), in order to ease the burden on the east side mountains. I look forward to seeing the plans and see what is developed in my area. I was extremely excited to see this announcement and the potential for more recreation near my home and look forward to running and riding on new trails. If you would like any more feedback please feel free to contact me. This is a great opportunity for all of the counties involved. 120 Mike Peterson As a mayor, a parks and recreation practitioner for 45 years, and someone who has seen first hand the importance of trails in our communities, I enthusiastically support this project. Mike Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Peterson, Mayor City of Cottonwood Heights 121 Tommy Peterson Do it!! I live in Saratoga Springs and with the popularity of the trail systems in Eagle Mountain, things have gotten rather packed. It would be so beautiful to have additional trails to ride Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. and run. Also, with as many high-schools that ride out in eagle mountain, it would be great to be able to ride elsewhere when they meet. 122 Rachel Blackmer Yes, please! I drive across the valley 3-5 times a week to go up the canyon with my dogs. I'd love to have trails nearby me, on the west side. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 123 Protected I would love to have foot paths only in the areas suggested, some parking at trailheads and please do be accommodating to the birds. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #16. 124 Protected I am grateful that the BLM is looking at this property and its recreation value to the local community. With the county's offer to maintain the trails on this section I would ask the question, Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. how are they going to fund the maintenance? Salt Lake county's 2011 master plan calls for trail maintenance in Rose Canyon and Yellow Fork, they do not have the funding to maintain those areas and have not maintained since the master plan was initiated. During a recent conversation I had with county officials it was indicated that they are currently slashing budgets because of loss of tax revenues. By agreement they have indicated to the BLM would maintain trails on the BLM section of land, but how when they have not had the funding to take care of their own property? I am sure this project will go forward, as it should. But let's insure we have the funding to maintain it. As primarily a horseman, I am concerned with the placement of some of the proposed bicycle trails. Those trails that are placed somewhat parallel to horse and hiking trails where the bicycle trail is above them and that could prove to be a challenge to an inexperienced rider or inexperienced horse. As a prey animal, they are looking for danger especially from above. The sudden appearance of a bicycle from above could cause the horse to be a problem for a rider to control. Any parallel trail should be below the grade of the hiking and equestrian trail. I am not advocating that the bicycle trails not be developed, just that some thoughtful care be taken as to what is going to be the safest way to introduce more bicycle trails. On the proposal for the new trails, I see where several of the bicycle trails and other user trails funnel down and/or merge around the parking area's. This again presents some obvious safety concerns. Some simple rerouting should be considered. Or possibly trails heads that are designated for different uses. This brings to mind the High Line Trailheads in the Uinta's. There are separate trail heads for the different user groups. I would think it was planned that way to promote safety and reduce conflicts. 125 sherry larson I am 100% in support of having trails on the west side in the Oquirhh Mountains. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 126 Joseph Atkin We need these additional trails. The Corner Canyon area is great and is drawing participants from across the whole Wasatch Front but it’s too crowded now. These trails will give a much Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. needed increase in supply. 127 Jen Hodnett I’m an avid mountain bike and love the many trails that are so accessible in Utah. I’m a Utah county resident, my parents live in Saratoga springs so I’d love to see more trails nearby. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 128 Not Provided We need more places to get out and enjoy. Especially in the trying times. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 129 Daniel Lemaire I would love to see mtn bike trails in this area. This is a great use of this space. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 130 Protected I am a resident of Riverton, UT and live on the border of Riverton-Herriman. I strongly support putting new trails in Butterfield Canyon for hiking and mountain biking. This makes the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. recreation that so many people love close to home and reduces traffic by bikers driving across the valley to Corner Canyon. It also creates less congestion on the trails that are already in place in other areas. Utah has an excellent reputation for outdoor recreation and we need to keep it that way by adding trails in other places. Please consider this feedback - it would mean a lot to me! 131 Paul Petersen Thank you for giving us the opportunity to comment on the proposed trails in Butterfield Canyon. I love the outdoors and I love mountain biking. Please consider adding mountain bike Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. only trails along with multi-use trails. I hope that the trail systems will continue to expand and my children and grand children will have a protected area to enjoy the outdoors on their mountain bikes. 132 Erick Howe Erick Howe Response not warranted. 133 Nate Thomas I would love to see a quality trail system closer to home! The opportunity to get proper trail design would be amazing. We use the trail systems as a mountain bike team and family. As a Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. community we are committed to help create and maintain a sustainable trail system around Butterfield! 134 Jennifer Clark I would love to see some more trails made in other areas along the Wasatch Front. I think this would help reduce congestion on trails that are in Millcreek canyon and the Cottonwood Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Canyons. Plus it would be nice for West-side residents to have closer access to trails.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 135 Bill Coon These comments are in reference to the proposed mountain bike development in Butterfield Canyon. Specifically, the BLM administered properties that border Hi-Country Estates Phase Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #37. 1. The mountain bike plans are to put in 70 miles of bike trails which includes a downhill racecourse to be used by the public and races to be held for high school competitions. The number of participants has been numbered in the thousands. Hi-Country Estates Phase 1 is surrounded by BLM lands. Hi-Country Estates Phase 1 was established in 1972 on 5-acre properties designed for residential use including domestic animals (horses, cats, and, dogs) to be away from other metropolitan areas. There are a number of properties that border BLM lands on the north side of Hi-Country Estates Phase 1. The proposed downhill race track will come VERY close to those properties in Hi-Country Estates Phase 1. Since BLM properties are designated "public lands" the areas surrounding Hi-Country Estates Phase 1 have been impacted over the years by numerous activities other than the residents. Some of these impacts are detrimental to the residents and to the wildlife in the area. Wildlife has been significantly affected by human intrusion due to the effects of the influx of humans into Herriman and other south Salt Lake Valley cities looking for to place to recreate. It would be impossible to put up fences or signs, as the public would ignore those and not honor the fact that there are homeowners who live in the Oquirrh mountains. Increased public access means an escalation of the dangers we as homeowners face very day: Increased fire danger because of public access. Trespassing onto private property. Bikes and horses using these trails together will cause a huge influx of other problems. Garbage left by hikers, etc. No access for emergency personnel in case of an accident. There is currently an issue with mountain bikers starting in Yellow Fork, taking a trail over a saddle and onto BLM land into Dry Canyon. The property is private and the trail is steep, thus the only way out is to cross private property onto Hi-Country Phase 1 roads and exit through our gates. We see this now. Mountain bikers have said some not so nice things to property owners and have no respect for people or horses on private land. The comments from Hi-Country 1 property owners is to keep the boundary further north of there current locations to keep bikers a a distance. Since the bikers and others currently tresspass on private property, building more trails means further intrusion. If Rio Tinto has no qualms about bikes trails on their lands, then build the trails there and not on BLM properties that border Hi-Country Phase 1 on its north and west border. An example of intrusion is that traveling up Rose Canyon to Yellow Fork County Park trail head, the parks trails do not border any properties where people live. Building this bicycle park in Butterfield Canyon on BLM and RioTinto properties the trails will abut private lands where people live. The BLM properties are a blockade from intrusion of the public onto private lands. The biking community wants more trails for bikes on BLM administered properties at the cost of other users. In my opinion, due to experience, the bike riders trying to get out of Hi-Country Phase 1 do not respect other users or property rights. This is tresspassing through Hi- Country Phase 1. There should be no additional trails built by Salt Lake County and the mountain bike community for mountain bikes or other trail users on BLM properties bordering Hi- Country Esates Phase 1. As before, let Rio Tinto and Salt Lake County develop the trails and use Rio Tinto and Salt Lake Counties properties. 136 Steve S Hi! I'm in favor of developing more mountain bike trails in the areas in this study. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 137 Not Provided In previous years around the Salt Lake and Utah Valley, and especially in 2020, many people have used the surrounding mountains and open space to recreate whether or not they are in Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. established or allowed areas. Allowing trails to be built will help guide people to specific areas that can be managed and while there will be an environmental cost, the do nothing option creates a much larger environmental cost. I am in full support of creating more trails in the areas covered in this EA, even if the proposed uses encroach into animal habitats or other sensitive areas because it will help minimize the total impact that is happening today. 138 Bryan Snow New trails would be great! Me and my family love mountain biking and live in South Jordan. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 139 Stirling Quist ` I love to mountain bike and hike and I would love another location to go out and have some fun. It would be great if we had something closer to go to for us on the west side of the valley. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. I live in South Jordan and it seems like Draper gets way too busy and it would relieve some of people from crowding the Corner canyon area. 140 joel peterson I am a frequent user of Rose & Yellow Fork canyons. Our family hikes, mtn bikes, skis, & snow shoes all over the area. I would like to see more trail development in the area. The main Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. problem with using the area is the lack of parking. If the trails are expanded for more users the trail head parking problems will need to be addressed. I would also like to see the Bonneville Shoreline Trail linked together with the trail above Blackridge Trailhead. 141 Daren Cottle Just a quick note to say I'm fully in support of this plan to build trails in these areas. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 142 Protected As a longtime resident of Utah County, the wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities are, in part, what drew me to the area in the fist place. Many others are following suit and we are Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. experiencing rapid growth. With the COVID pandemic in 2020, even more individuals have discovered the benefits of being outdoors and I think this is a trend which will continue. Utah County will eclipse one million residents within the next 30 years. Even as of today, our public lands are being stressed with overuse and in some areas it is very difficult to find solitude. I support the proposed development of additional trails in the western part of Utah and Salt Lake counties as they will provide greater access to public lands for residents, decrease the burden on the existing outdoor recreation areas and also be located where the greatest areas of growth are. 143 Aimee Larkin Trails in the east part of the Salt Lake Valley and park city are overcrowded. Responsibly developing new trails in the western part of the valley would ease overcrowding and provide Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. wholesome and healthy recreational options for many. Please consider adding more well planned and well thought out trails. 144 Richard Leonard I applaud this proposal, Adding a significant trail system on Lake Mountain for no motorized traffic is needed and very much anticipated. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. This will increase property value in the area and go a long way to preserving the historic and aesthetic beauty of the lake Mountain area. 145 Puckett I would love to see more trails added to the Wasatch front. I travel up and down these trails during spring, summer, and fall. In my opinion the more trails in our community the better. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 146 Not Provided Highly support the idea of making more trails. I am an avid mountain biker and having more trails would help alleviate the stress on existing trails resulting from the boom in biking. That Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. said, there needs to be a strong focus on biking only trails and various difficulties of said trails (mostly downhill) to allow for more interest in these trails. I would also point out that equestrian only and hiking only trails need to exist as well. Draper's Corner Canyon system is a prime example of such trails coexisting with each other. Albeit with need for more downhill biking trails. Trails that were popular with motorized travel (especially dirt biking) make for EXCELLENT downhill biking trails. American Fork Canyon is an example of where downhill biking is popular on very popular dirt biking trails. So that is something else to take into consideration. That said, the sun exposure on all three of these areas might warrant more caution to travellers/patrons that more water is needed and safety should be their top priority. I would also like to point out there should be signage for proper trail etiquette to make sure newcomers to the various sports are aware. 147 Donna Coon I am asking that you consider the negative impact of having 70 miles of bicycle trails next to Hi-Country Estates Phase 1. These impacts would include trespassing on private property, Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #37. increasing the fire danger, increased burglary due to a larger number of humans, more stress on wildlife, and endangering the lives of others who use the trails due to the speed the bicycles like to attain. The current bicycle trespassers are not polite as they speed over our private roads and swear at the residents. They ignore the rule of right-of-way to equestrians causing danger to themselves and the equestrians. I would propose limiting the miles of trails and keeping the trails 700 feet from the boundaries of Hi-Country Estates Phase 1. 148 Jared Williams I wanted to write to express my support for the development of new singletrack milti-use and especially Mountain Bike trails in the Salt Lake and Utah county areas. I have been mountain Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. biking for 35 years. In that time I have never seen an explosion of growth and popularity in the sport as what I have seen in 2020. I have witnessed up to 300% increase in MTB riders on the trails in Draper, Salt Lake, Park City and Eagle Mountain. The need for more trails is real. Not only is the area is rapidly growing, and people are needing to access the outdoors (trails) more than ever, but Mountain Biking is becoming crazy popular. It will be necessary to create more trails to spread the crowds, minimize user conflicts and mitigate trail damage from over-use. I am a partner of the Facebook group 'Mountain Bike Enthusiasts of Utah' and we have gained over 15,000 members and are continually growing daily! We are an enthusiastic bunch and are happy to raise funds, do dig days, trail maintenance or service projects as needed. Please reach out to me if needed and we can partner up and spread the word and help with manpower. I really hope these trails are approved and built, and I hope there are even more to come.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 149 Jared Williams I wanted to write to express my support for the development of new singletrack milti-use and especially Mountain Bike trails in the Salt Lake and Utah county areas. I have been mountain Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. biking for 35 years. In that time I have never seen an explosion of growth and popularity in the sport as what I have seen in 2020. I have witnessed up to 300% increase in MTB riders on the trails in Draper, Salt Lake, Park City and Eagle Mountain. The need for more trails is real. Not only is the area is rapidly growing, and people are needing to access the outdoors (trails) more than ever, but Mountain Biking is becoming crazy popular. It will be necessary to create more trails to spread the crowds, minimize user conflicts and mitigate trail damage from over-use. I am a partner of the Facebook group 'Mountain Bike Enthusiasts of Utah' and we have gained over 15,000 members and are continually growing daily! We are an enthusiastic bunch and are happy to raise funds, do dig days, trail maintenance or service projects as needed. Please reach out to me if needed and we can partner up and spread the word and help with manpower. I really hope these trails are approved and built, and I hope there are even more to come. [Attachment not reproduced here.]

150 Amy Kopischke I have looked through the 66 page document and focused on the locations of the areas where you are considering adding singletrack trails. Yes, please! The Salt Lake and Utah Valleys are Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. severely lacking in this type of infrastructure. The traffic to - and in - the Park City area is very busy. We need more trail options right here close to home. 151 Mike Schmidt I love seeing more interest in making more trails in the greater SLC area! It would be so nice to have more trails so that all the people who are getting out can be more dispersed instead of Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. all on the same trails on the east side every time they go out. Having grown up in Utah (and especially during this pandemic) I have never seen more cars and people at trails in the Wasatch Mountains than I have in the last few years. With the rise in popularity of mountain biking, especially in high schools with mountain bike teams, there are way more bikers in places like Corner Canyon, and on other mixed use trails. In regards to mountain biking, I would love to see some mountain bike parks built as well so that there are places for people to better practice their skills of all levels when not out on the trails. Growing up in Utah on the east side - looking west toward the mountains on the other side of the valley my whole life - I have always thought that the Oquirrh Mountains have so much potential for recreation that is so untapped. I am very excited to hear about the opportunity for new trails to be built out there because I think they are long overdue. With so much new growth in communities over there, the new trails will be a HUGE asset to everyone who lives over there. I have always wanted to explore those mountains more myself, so I would love to have new trails to do so as well when I want to get away from the east side crowds or just have a change of scenery. As a member of the greater Salt Lake community, I fully support these new trail projects and I hope that everyone else can get on board with them too! 152 Protected I'm all in favor of providing additional single-track multi-use trails in the study area. I'm not a fan of e-bikes (blurs the line with motorcycles), but I do recognize their value in providing a Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. recreational experience. In general, I'm a fan for educating all uses so they can share the trails. I would encourage directional downhill mountain biking trails where appropriate to minimize potential user conflict. Please proceed with the plans for additional trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as proposed. 153 Protected I'm all in favor of providing additional single-track multi-use trails near urban areas. I agree that engaging a biologist to assist in locating trails to minimize wildlife impact is entirely Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. appropriate. Having an official developed trail system helps discourage rouge trail building and less than desirable environmental impacts. I'm not a fan of e-bikes (blurs the line with motorcycles), but I do recognize their value in providing a recreational experience. In general, I'm a fan for educating all users so they can share the trails. I would encourage directional downhill mountain biking trails where appropriate to minimize potential user conflict. Please proceed with the plans for additional trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as proposed. 154 Steve Guymon I am highly supportive of the trail systems, especially for Mtn. Bikers. We need to alleviate the east-west congestion of the traffic in the area and this will help a lot with that on the west Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. side. 155 Michael Diamond More trails will help the trails be less crowded. I would love a mix of multi use multi direction and uphill bike trails with some downhill bike only trails. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Yes to more trails for hiking and biking. 156 Bodhi Barney I'm writing in support of the proposed new trails along the Wasatch front. As a life long resident of the Wasatch front, and now a young father introducing my children to the outdoors I Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. have always appreciated the quality of recreation so close to home. It's no secret that the population along the Wasatch Front is booming, depending on how you measure it we're the fastest growing metro area in the US. Specifically the western side of the valley where these proposed trails would be located is where most of the growth is happening. Building new trails and the associated infrastructure will help support the growing need for recreation opportunities close to all communities, not just a few. Unfortunately the vast majority of dedicated mountain bike trails are concentrated in just a handful of small pockets that are almost exclusively on the east side of both Salt Lake and Utah valleys. Spreading trail users out makes for a better experience for all involved, reduces impact on trails and the neighborhoods surrounding trailheads. New trails attract not only the people who use them, but businesses, community events, and more. I'm an avid mountain biker, and have seen an absolute explosion in the popularity of mountain bikes in recent years. None more so than 2020. Many of the trailheads along the Wasatch front saw a 400% increase of users in 2020. The high school mountain bike teams in Utah are among the largest in country and have introduced thousands of new riders to the trails. All of this adds up to increased demand for trails and trailheads. Lastly I would add my support for directional bike specific trails. I'm all for sharing trails and find trail etiquette to be an extremely important and often overlooked component of recreation.. That said mountain bikes represent the largest, and fastest growing user segment at nearly every trailhead in the Wasatch. And mountain bikes just simply use trails differently than other trail users. Directional, bike specific trails cut down on conflict, keep everyone safer, and meet the needs and wants of the largest user group. The mountain bike community is extremely willing to support trail work and is fiercely loyal to providing free, volunteer maintenance to trails that suit their wants and needs.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 157 Steven Acerson Utah Rock Art Research Association (URARA) appreciates the opportunity to be a consulting party and comment. We have a long history of working with the State and each field office, SLFO appreciates the long relationship it has had with URARA in our common management goal of and would like to continue this partnership. URARA has been involved with the Lake Mountain management planning activities in the past, as well as other activities which effect cultural identifying and protecting historic properties, including rock art within the AA. When, and if, ROW resources within the field office jurisdictions. Thank you for accepting us as a consulting party in the development of trails. applications are received, a cultural inventory would be a required part of the project. This information URARA is the largest organization actively engaged in the conservation and preservation of petroglyphs and pictographs (rock art) in the state of Utah. would be utilized in BLM’s decision-making process for specific trails and any associated amenities. Our mission is: Trails would be designed to avoid impacts to historic properties and would include programs to • To lead in the preservation and understanding of the importance of rock art implement LNT principles, as well as interpretive functions when necessary. • To encourage the appreciation and enjoyment of rock art sites Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. • To assist in the study, presentation, and publication of rock art research We are engaged with land managers on federal, state, county, and city lands, assisting with and consulting on land use activities that may impact rock art. We are a resource for government agencies, municipalities, communities, and private land owners, to aide them in identifying, preserving, and protecting these cultural resources within their boundaries and/or jurisdictions. URARA supports the development of trail systems in these areas. The cultural sites along the path should be identified and protected in a way that informs the public, while protecting the boulders from vandalism or theft. URARA believes these trails should teach ethics that would reduce destructive activities within the development areas as well as the rest of the State. The trails could have signed loop trails out to the rock art sites for those who are interested, with the main trail managing other types of traffic. The rock art loops could be built for handicap access with walk ways usable by all. URARA would encourage all land managers to work together to allow access through their property so trails could be constructed all around Lake Mountain, and connect to city trail systems that currently exist or are in development. Cooperative public and local trail development and management plans for connective trails would be beneficial to the ever increasing populations in the area. Our concerns and considerations we recommend for the planned trail system are these: Develop and implement a visit with respect program that promotes proper visitation etiquette and education about the existence and culture of peoples of the past in the trail areas. To help the public have an understanding of the ancient people who lived there. Visitors need to respect the areas, as they are still visited by present day tribal peoples who practice their cultural traditions in these sacred places. We are pleased and willing to continue to assist the BLM in any way we can to help in the cultural development of the trail systems. 158 Rex Nelson I have been mountain biking since I was around 8 years old (25 now). I personally have been to many trail systems in WI and MN, currently living in UT now. Corner Canyon is usually Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. the place I go to the most, now it is starting to get too crowded. Eagle mountain has another great trail system, but is about 45 minutes from where I live. I used to live in Herriman, which has a few new trails, but could use more. It would be nice to have another option. 159 Kevin Moore We would love new trails for Mtn Biking!! Fantastic outdoor family activity and great way to spend time with friends and family. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE design great tracks similar Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. to corner canyon and Alpine with up and down specific trails. Specifically interested in Areas 1 and 3. Can't wait for more trails by yellow fork canyon. Trails with small flowing jumps on the downhill. 160 Cynthia Mathews As a resident of Salt Lake County, I am very excited to see the BLM working with local governments on this non-motorized trail system proposal. It is encouraging to read that many Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. organizations are supporting this. As this proposal is utilizing properties adjacent to growing population centers, it will help local governments’ with their master plans. I believe it is very important to set aside areas for recreation experiences on public lands as soon as possible. This can provide a great deal of physical activity options for our residents. There is a need to provide access to our public lands. It will also provide information to people about the history of these areas. After reading the following, “The BLM will also consider associated needs for access easements from willing adjacent landowners, parking, signage and interpretive or area information, and for the sanitary disposal of human waste, which may necessitate the development of restroom facilities. The BLM will identify appropriate stipulations to protect cultural resources, wildlife habitat, water quality, soils and vegetation, and other resources, and disclose impacts to resources that are present with a potential for relevant impact that need to be analyzed in detail in the EA.” it sounds as though there has been a great deal of work, planning and thought put into this. Please move this project forward.

161 Rod Mathews As a resident of Salt Lake County, I am very excited to see the BLM working with local governments on this non-motorized trail system proposal. It is encouraging to read that many Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. organizations are supporting this. As this proposal is utilizing properties adjacent to growing population centers, it will help local governments’ with their master plans. I believe it is very important to set aside areas for recreation experiences on public lands as soon as possible. This can provide a great deal of physical activity options for our residents. There is a need to provide access to our public lands. It will also provide information to people about the history of these areas. After reading the following, “The BLM will also consider associated needs for access easements from willing adjacent landowners, parking, signage and interpretive or area information, and for the sanitary disposal of human waste, which may necessitate the development of restroom facilities. The BLM will identify appropriate stipulations to protect cultural resources, wildlife habitat, water quality, soils and vegetation, and other resources, and disclose impacts to resources that are present with a potential for relevant impact that need to be analyzed in detail in the EA.” it sounds as though there has been a great deal of work, planning and thought put into this. Please move this project forward. 162 Leland Roberts As a local NICA coach I fully support the utilization of public land in the north oquirrh mountains for building of non-motorized trails. Out local youth team needs single track to practice Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. on and Tooele County and other groups are willing to participate with the BLM to help build and maintain these trails. 163 Nathan Brady I started the Tooele Valley Mountain bike team two years ago and have been the team captain. Now, two seasons later, we have several dedicated and trained coaches and 15 youth Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. participating. Five of us recently participated in the state championship races where I was able to place 7th for my division. We are still a small team, but growing rapidly. I am proud I was able to start the team and bring youth together for such a positive activity. Mountain biking as a sport is growing rapidly. In the ten years that the Utah mountain biking league has been organized, it grew from 320 athletes to over 5000, the biggest league in the states. We compete on mountain bike specific singletrack trails but do not have any such trails in Tooele Valley to train on. We are forced to train on dirt roads or drive an hour away to be able to ride mountain bike singletrack. Our league expects us to clean, maintain, and help build our local bike trails so if some were built we would respect and care for them. As a sport, mountain biking provides a positive outlet for youth and teaches inclusiveness, healthy living, and cooperation. On our team, I saw many youth develop in confidence and health who did not enjoy the traditional sports. I know that a quality trail system in Tooele would lead to a positive uplifting activity for the youth of Tooele Valley. 164 Holly Reed I’m a long time resident of Tooele County and have long felt it’s a shame there are so few opportunities to take advantage of the mountains around us. Our family of four often commutes Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. to Draper and Park City to take advantage of their trail systems. We spend money not just in gas, but lunches out, equipment at their local bike shops and more. As a Tooele resident, I

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response would love for our county to be the recipients of that kind of economic benefit, not to mention all the inherent benefits for locals to enjoy being active outside. [Attachments not reproduced here.] 165 Not Provided The salt lake are trails are getting overcrowded and it would help a lot, especially with the high school teams,to have more trail options. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. 166 Spencer I'm writing in favor or trails in Butterfield canyon. More open space for trails is what BLM is made for! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #22. Millerberg A few specific elements to help in my opinion.... PARKING: Lets make sure to design this trail system with large parking and access, avoiding the issues with parking we've seen in the cottonwoods and millcreek canyons. The environmental impact will be great as we plan ahead to allow shuttle systems up the canyon with large area for parking at the base. PROPER TRAIL DESIGN: This will be a key in creating sustainable trails. Lets make sure the trails follow environmental standards OVER USE AND TRAFFIC: East/WEst congestion and driving is a huge issue as most trails are on the east side. Those trails are becoming overused. More trails are needed and fits with the BLM reason for existing. POLLUTION MINIMIZATION: Over 1500 riders in this direct area drive 1hour+ each way, 2x a week for high school mountain bike practice. Providing access to this canyon would minimize those trips, reducing overall pollution from vehicle traffic MOUNTAIN BIKERS MAINTAIN TRAILS: NICA riders are required to give 4+ hours each year to trail maintenance. We care for the environment where we ride. CATTLE DESTROY: If you study the area in question, more environmental damage has occured from cattle than any other user group. I strongly encourage you to remove cattle from the area. 167 Kendra Davis We would really love to see some trail development for mountain biking in Tooele County. My son recently joined the mountain bike club in the area and is loving the sport, but practice Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. areas in the area are limited. The Tooele area really needs more options for outdoor recreation and entertainment. It’s so important for kids to get out in the fresh air and exercise. The mountain bike club could also help maintain these trails as part of their community service commitment. These are really good kids who would really appreciate the opportunity to explore and enjoy additional mountain bike trails. These kids are competing against much larger groups that have a lot more options for practice. Please help our kids by creating more trails in Tooele County. 168 Brandon Lake I am writing to you to request your support for a mountain biking trail system and NICA race course in the Oquirrh mountain area. My son Ezra will be in his 3rd year of mountain bike Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. racing in the NICA High School mountain biking program. It is an incredible program that is growing so fast and you can understand why once you become a part of it. It facilitates amazing development of kids who participate. NICA is a nationwide program but Utah is the biggest league in the country and it's not hard to see why. Utah is a great place to be engaged in the outdoors. The majority of the teams in the state are located in or near the Salt Lake area and yet none of the races are here. Helping connect trails in the south west end of the valley in addition to creating a race trail would allow us to have a course right here at home. It would be a fantastic addition to the trails we already have here and it would be able to be used by all people, not just the mountain bike teams. We are are getting outside and being active and helping these kids learn to be good citizens and people, we really need more access to trails in the south west salt lake valley. Please allow more trails and better access to existing trails. 169 Protected Please continue developing diverse trails on the west side! It will aid in congestion, economic growth, property values and quality of life. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 170 Jordan Harbertson I strongly believe that this project will immensely utilize the land that has been underutilized for many years. The environmental impact will be minimal and the increased use of Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. recreational trails for hikers and bikers will be cherish by those who have the opportunity to use them when this project is both certified and completed by all entities. It will add value to the surrounding landscapes and deeply benefit the city and its citizens. I look forward to seeing this project go forward! 171 Jeffrey Dunn I am in favor of adding / developing trails on BLM land in Salt Lake and Tooele counties. There are many trail users that would benefit from addition areas for outdoor recreation. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 172 Not Provided With the explosive growth of Salt Lake and Utah Counties, additional trail systems are needed to spread out users and responsibly use our land resources. If COVID has shown us Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. anything, it's that outdoor recreation is valuable to communities and should be prioritized. As a Kennecott employee I also see this as a great opportunity for local partnerships with businesses and the BLM. 173 Protected I support the construction of trails for recreation in the proposed areas. I envision this not only providing more opportunities for recreation but also allowing users to spread out avoiding Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. overcrowding and overusing trails in existing areas. 174 Amber Ahlberg We spend a lot of time as a family (I have 5 kids) on the trails mountain biking. We usually have to travel to get to trails since there are only a select few in our back yard. We absolutely Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. LOVE this area though and would love to see more mountain biking trails made. It has become such a great outlet for my kids, it helps them feel confident in who they are and what they can accomplish. We love working on trails as a family too. Nothing is more satisfying than putting your own hard work into something you can ride on. We would love to be able to do trail maintenance and upkeep. We really hope you will strongly consider putting in more trails in this area, I just dream of what it could mean for me and my family for years to come! 175 Brianne This project will be a key in creating sustainable trails. We need more designated trails to make this beautiful land useful while also keeping it safe. Providing access on trails will allow Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. bikers and hikers to view this beautiful area. Currently we drive have to drive over an hour each way to find trails to ride and these are already crowded. More open space for trails is what BLM is made for! Our family are beginners and having closer trails would allow us to practice more and enjoy our home area more. Part of mountain biking culture is to give back in service to trail maintenance and caring for the environment when we ride, so many volunteers are already a given in helping keep this area beautiful yet accessible. 176 Protected Please continue to build these trails. The opportunities they provide is so beneficial to everyone, and is exactly what we need; to be outside enjoying the beauty of the canyons, and getting Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. some long needed exercise. 177 Ryan Stanley As a resident very close to Butterfield canyon, we need to have more trails. The few that we have nearby are great, but its just not enough. They are crowded, and constantly under threat Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. of new construction. Having a large set of new trails close to home is good for everyone, and will hopefully alleviate congestion on the Herriman trails, and even corner canyon. We need more trails. 178 Dallen Atack As the director of the Utah High School Cycling League I fully support this initiative to add more trails in the Yellow Fork canyon and surrounding areas. I have personally witnessed Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. amazing positive changes in the lives of our student athletes and their families. With nearly 5,000 students and over 2,300 coaches, mountain biking is a sport that is undergoing exponential growth. Our philosophy of "no one rides the bench" is allowing more kids to participate as part of a team then any other high school sport. We teach trail etiquette because we know we are sharing trails with the entire community, however, without new trails, the current systems will get even more congested. As a league, we want to be good stewards and a solution to the problem. Each year our riders are expected to contribute hours working on maintaining the trail systems. Over the past three years our participants have logged in over 25,000 volunteer hours maintaining trails. 179 Brian Whittam I think this will be a great addition to the area. Mountain Biking is accessible to all ages and abilities and having more trails helps everyone, including hikers and riders (horses). Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 180 David Brinton What a wonderful opportunity this project is! I am filled with hope and excitement over the possibility of new trails in our beautiful foothills out here on the west side of the valley. I love Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. being outside and enjoy the benefits of fitness, health and well-being that outdoor activity offers everyone willing to adventure out into our mountains. As a local community physician, I know this type of project with be of great benefit to the health of our community. Well designed trails with easily available access can alleviate congestion at already crowded trailheads. The population is growing in the valley, more people are getting out on the trails and sometimes areas like Corner Canyon just can't handle the volume. A new trail system will provide

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response significant relief to the existing trail system along the Wasatch Front. I am part of the high school mountain biking community as well and I am so impressed by what this type of activity has done for my own children and their colleagues. Building trails will build stronger communities, build stronger individuals, build economic value to the land as well as preserve and make accessible for all to enjoy. 181 Carson Howard As a student biker Id love some trails out on the south west area as there are no trail out at the south west and would help spread out people around the valley. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 182 Protected I support these trails. They will provide a venue for healthy recreation. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 183 Lori Barrett As a UT resident, taxpayer and mountain biker, trail systems like this are a large part of the draw to the UT lifestyle. We appreciate the efforts to further the trail network in Herriman and Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. surrounding areas. 184 Mark Keeney I support the construction of the multi-use trails in discussion here. As a mountain biker and coach of a High School MTB Team in the Salt Lake Valley, I see the the need for additional Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. trails and riding opportunities every time we practice. Existing trail networks are often at maximum capacity, leading to trail degradation, potential user conflicts and and a loss of positivity in the experience of being outside exercising. While we as team administrators need be diligent in how we operate, additional riding opportunities for all will ease the burden on existing resources. 185 Tera Frank My family and I are in full support of having access to these to these trails. We are avid mountain bikers, hikers and frankly enjoy being in the outdoors and together. These trails would Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. open up new opportunities to those that live on the west side of the valley and have less access to trails without having to go to the east side and clog up the trails over there. There needs to be a way to ease population on the east side trails and this is a perfect way to do so. The local high school mountain bike teams in the area would love the opportunity to help keep the trails clean, maintained and protect the wildlife and vegetation. The cities benefit by having these trails around them and as we look at the growth and future I would much rather offer my kids a place to be outside, to access on there own compared to being in front of video games. 186 Lindsay Suchoski Mountain Biking has done amazing things for my family. It started with my son joining in 9th grade. Next year will be his senior year and all 4 of our kids have joined. My husband is a Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. coach and I am a ride leader. It’s no wonder this sport is growing astronomically - my entire family is addicted! My main concern is how much driving we need to do in order to get to trails. We are constantly driving over to the east side of the valley to get on the mountain bike trails. Each NICA race takes us far out of town as well. When you think of these huge draws of people it would be amazing to capture that economic boost within our own county. The herriman trails are great but they do not support the amount of people who want to ride the trails. There is so much opportunity for kids and families for this sport but overcrowding of the trails is so dangerous and makes me nervous to take new riders out. Salt Lake County has a huge opportunity here to give some resources to the west side and lighten the load on the overcrowded wasatch front mountains. Right now our best options for riding are draper and solitude but both of those put a lot of cars on the road and up an already heavily used canyon. We are so excited to bike the butter!!! Please help this project move forward and get more kids outside and on bikes!!! 187 Kimber Suchoski I love mountain biking and I’m excited for the trail that they are making. I am really excited to go ride it. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 188 Jason Summers MTB trails have been a tremendous asset to Sandy and Draper - economically and improvement in the quality of life. MTB trails should be strongly considered. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 189 Colton Norman I support the proposal for public trails in Butterfield Canyon and the North Oquirrh Management Area. The Oquirrh Mountains offer scenery and open space few are able to experience. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. The trails proposal will open areas to the public in a controlled manner that will offer new recreation opportunities to the public. These trails will offer a much needed recreational outlet convenient to the fastest-growing areas of Salt Lake and Tooele counties. 190 Jay Barlow All of us mountain bikers would greatly love to have trails in the Butterfield canyon. The community will also gain from having these trails close by. When we go to races there are Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. thousands of dollars that are spent into areas close by such as hotels, grocery stores, fast food, restaurants, bike shops, small businesses, and more. Not to mention that if we get a trail close by we won't have to drive 4+ hours to get to a racing destination. They would be great practice trails also because before we would have to drive clear to corner canyon. So all in all I think that everyone benefits from these trails. 191 Courtney Hughes I am a mountain bike coach in Northern Utah and have been enjoying the trails with my family and team for many years. In the past few years I have noticed all trails becoming more Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. crowded, at what has seemed to be an exponential rate. While i am glad to see so many people out on the trails, it has definitely put a strain on the trails and people using them. Since Utah population and the population of outdoor enthusiasts has increased, It would be great to see more trails in our area to disperse the crowds and have more room for HS teams to practice as well as give hikers and trail runners a place near their homes to enjoy the outdoors. Once trails are established, people tend to stay on them, respect them and use them wisely. In Mountain Green, a 7 mile trail system went in in 3 weeks, including bridges and supports to decrease erosion. While these trails have been unwanted by some, most of the population is glad to have access to trails in their backyard. Please consider putting in a trail system in the Butterfield Canyon area as this generation and many generations to come can enjoy the outdoors, as enjoying the outdoors is what Utah stands for! 192 Protected This project is SO NEEDED on the west/south side of the Salt Lake Valley! The creation and maintenance of this trail will help alleviate congestion on trails on the east side of the valley. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Our youth today, more than ever, need an outside space to rejuvenate their mental health. Our adults need to do the same by connecting with nature. Study after study proves that nature is an effective way for people to increase their emotional well being. Our suicide rate in Utah is one of the highest yet we have AMAZING natural resources to help alleviate the mental stress on our residents. Let's be proactive in helping out our residents by providing spaces for people to recreate and reconnect to the earth around them. PLEASE consider passing this trail for open public use. 193 Noah Suchoski My team and I would benefit substantially with this trail system, as of right now, we have to drive clear across the valley to corner canyon or eagle mountain for practices and rides. The Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trails around blackridge reservoir are closer, but cannot support more than one large group at a time. The trails in butterfield canyon will open up for much more freedom and options for places to ride. I would love to have a large trail system such as the one proposed closer to my home. This will also provide me with time to get a trail ride in after school and before the sun goes down, because I don’t have to drive across the valley to get to a good trail system. My family is also getting into mountain biking, and two of my siblings are joining the Copper Hills team this upcoming season. The trails in butterfield will help them greatly, through them being able to ride to the destination and back, because it will be so close. The trails will make rides “on a whim” so much easier, because we can just put stuff together and go rather than having to calculate how much time is left in the day before we decide if we can go or not. My family and team also give back every year through trail maintenance, and would be more than willing to help keep these trails in prime condition, whether it be In the rain or the snow or the searing heat, we can be out there taking care of trails in order to have the privilege to ride these trails. These trails mean a lot to me and I am ecstatic that I can have a voice in the making of them. 194 Not Provided Would be in favor of additional trails to hike and mountain bike. There are a lot of bikers in Corner Canyon, as an example, and having additional trials would alleviate a lot of the high Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. schools using the same trails. 195 Janice Hansen With the population growing so much in this area, additional trails are welcome and needed. This trail system will provide recreational trails similar to the Draper system, which is Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. extremely popular and well used. 196 Protected I am writing to express my support for the building and maintenance of these new trail systems. The last year has shown the absolute necessity of creating outdoor recreational Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. opportunities for the public. The existing trail networks in the Salt Lake and Utah County Valleys have been strained with increased traffic due to increased usage. The west side of the

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response valleys have historically been neglected as development sites for trails. As the population of the west side of the valley has increased tremendously in the last decade, the amount of east/west traffic for the sake of recreation has also increased tremendously. The creation of new trails on the west of the valley will help alleviate some of this traffic both on the trails and on the roads. These trails must be opened to as many users as possible. Opening sanctioned trails to all human powered access will increase the number of volunteers available to help maintain these trails. The mountain biking community, in particular, has a history of providing tens of thousands of hours each year in volunteer trail maintenance. Recreation will continue in these areas whether or not it is approved. By building these trails we can make sure that the environmental impacts are minimized. 197 Skyler Anderson I really hope that we could get a good trail system in Herriman and the Butterfield canyon area for all of us outdoor enthusiasts who love going on hikes biking and trail running. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 198 Skyler Anderson I live in Riverton Utah and am really hopeful for more trails because there are so many people who love the outdoors that the trail systems that are around simply are not adequate for all of Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. us. I really hope this trail system is able to be created. 199 Shelly Kemp We have lived in the Herriman are for 16 years. The local trails systems make up much of our recreation playground. Our children love to hike, run and mountain bike on these trails. Over Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. time these trail systems have experienced much more traffic and use. The congestion caused by this use has made using these trail system much more difficult and dangerous. We definitely support the construction of additional trails in the South West Valley. Especially the Butterfield Canyon Trail system. We have participated in hundreds of hours of trail maintenance. For these trails to function well for the long term this maintenance is vital. There are hundreds of people that do and will volunteer to maintain and care for these trails for years to come. 200 Protected I filly support this and desire this for our community. I have 4 children that have all been on the Herriman and Mountain Ridge mountain bike teams. During the Spring/Summer/Fall, I Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. mountain bike in Herriman or Corner Canyon 3-5 days a week. My family also utilizes the trail system for hiking. We NEED more trails. The trails are getting packed. They were already getting busy prior to COVID-19, but since the pandemic their use has exploded even more. As a community we need more trails. We need sustainable, growable, and functional trail systems. Ones that are properly marked and that offer a variety of trail options. With so many hikers and mountain bikers, especially with High School mountain biking growing like it is (Utah has more mountain bikers on High School teams that every other state COMBINED), when we hold mountain bike team practice the trails are getting jam packed. For the safety of our children and youth we need more trail options so there are no so many people on the trails. Also, mountain bikers give back. Each youth athlete and adult rider coach and their family provide trail maintenance service as part of being on the team. We are here to give back and help. Thank you for your help in making our community better and allowing our children and youth and families to be healthier by having options for out door recreation and exercise! 201 Adam Jones Utah is one of the greatest places in the world to hike and mountain bike. Our youth, high school and middle school students include the largest mountain bike racing league in the country. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. We need to continue to expand our trails in a smart and systematic way that encourages youth and adults to get outdoors. The new proposed trails in the Butterfield, and Yellow Fork are past the time they should have been developed. There is a need for new trails so existing trails do not get overrun and overused. Utahns want to work with government agencies, local communities to develop new trails. Please highly consider adding these new and needed trails in the southwest corner of the Salt Lake Valley. 202 Mary Beyer My family became involved in mountain biking last spring. My husband, myself, and our three children (16, 14, and 9) all mountain bike. We have enjoyed being in the outdoors together, Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. getting exercise, making memories, and meeting new friends. My older two children have also been able to participate on their high school team. This has brought our family closer and has helped us gain a greater appreciation for the beautiful place we live. We have done service projects on trails, including most recently the building of a new trail in North Canyon, North Salt Lake. We are committed to helping take good care of the trails so that we can continue to use them in the future. As this sport is increasing in popularity, the demand for more trails is becoming evident. We would love to see this new trail system come to fruition and would be happy to help in its creation and maintenance. 203 Peter Buttschardt Regarding the proposed BLM Herriman trail system utilizing Butterfield Canyon, I am in support of this trail project. As an avid mountain biker and coach of High School mountain Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. bikers I see the need and benefit of new and expanded trail systems. 204 Chandler Scadden I really want more trails in this area, as I use them almost daily! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 205 Protected I'm perticipating becouse I'm trying to get more public trails close by, for bikeing, running. Hiking, and all other trail users. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 206 Protected As an outdoors enthusiast whose activities include hiking, camping, and mountain biking, I ask you to please move forward with the planned added mountain biking trails. I coach the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Bonneville mountain bike team and love seeing the youth grow through the program, physically as well as socially. Teaching these kids to love and respect nature comes, well, naturally, as we enjoy the best that mother nature has for us. Mountain bikers in general are conservation-minded. There are the few bad apples, as anywhere else, and run-ins with such get blown out of proportion by those not familiar with the sport who take their bad behavior as representative of all. For the most part, we are no different than other trail users - we're just happy to be here. More trails would help us spread out as the sport continues to grow and become more popular. Impact of high use would be mitigated, and we'll all get along better. SO please, please continue with the planned trail improvements. They are very needed. 207 Ken Bacon Mountain biking is an incredible sport. I have been a coach for 5 or so years and not only have I seen what this sport has done for the kids but myself. I have been active in athletics all my Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. life; however, due to bad knees I cannot run any more. Because of the low impact on my knees, biking has made it possible for me to get the added exercise that I desperately need. Money and effort is being put into different kinds of trail systems and sports fields/courts, etc. in the city to allow for those who want to run, job, or walk to maintain their heath through exercise. Money and effort is needed just as much to develop and allow biking trail systems to help with mental and physical health issues. One of the greatest things about biking is that it allows people of all ages to get out and enjoy nature. To be on a bike team it is non-exclusive in the public schools. In order to play basketball, football, baseball, etc. you need to try out and there our very few spots available. We have had kids of all abilities on our bike team from State Champions who are totally competitive to kids who would are larger for their age to down syndrome kids who want to exercise or just be part of a team. I can honestly say that lives have been changed due to biking. My life has been changed, my daughter's life has been changed and hundred's of others lives have been changed. Here is an awesome 4 min. video the Utah biking league created with testimonials from our local kids if you would like to see. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs4AGCa3eAY&feature=emb_logo Please put in the trail system in the Butterfield Canyon so more lives can be changed. These kids need to be off their phones, couches, gaming chairs, out of trouble and getting exercise. Adults like me who love to be in nature and who because of older age can't run need to be able to get the exercise which we need to stay healthy and alive. 208 Evan Lee Mountain Biking is a great and inclusive sport. With Covid this year I introduced 2 of my children to it. There is a great need for new trails! MTB has become very popular and may Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. people enjoy the current trail systems that are open. We need to provide alternatives that are appealing to all levels of riders and to create close access for people who live in these areas. 209 Protected We are residents of Riverton and we would really like to see this project go forward! We love to mountain bike and it is a huge draw of living in Utah, but the trails in Draper and other Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. areas can get so crowded. This will not only increase home values out West it will help alleviate some of the congestion on other trails. When the mountain bike teams practice there are sometimes 3 or 4 high schools using one set of trails, it would be so nice to have more! We have the land and the resources so to me it is a no brainer. 210 Protected There is a definite need for more hiking and biking trails in Salt Lake County. We have more mountain biking enthusiasts and teams than in any other county in the state. That being said, Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. more facilities need to be available locally for training and races. Participants should not have to travel long distances for competitions when the majority of riders reside in Salt Lake County. I am grateful that the Bureau of Land Management recognizes the importance of providing quality recreation experiences on public lands that are adjacent to growing population centers. It will be wonderful to expand the trail system that supports hiking, biking, horseback riding, etc. uses particularly in the Butterfield Canyon area. 211 Tad Teeples My family would love to have this approved and implemented. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 212 Protected Having trails in this area would be such a wonderful addition to the West side of the valley. More green space available for those of us that love to be outside. Having manicured trails for Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. all activities is key. This is an area where bikers, hikers and others can feel welcome and experience a new place that is not over crowded. I love the idea of creating trails in the West because I live close to this area and it would much more convenient for my family to enjoy the outdoors. 213 Not Provided A trail system on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley is overdue and supported. I hope BLM can work with land owners to create a great addition to the fantastic trail system in the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. greater Salt Lake/Wasatch area. Trails on the west side would also take some of the burden off the trails on the eastern side of the valley. 214 Jason Hansen This would be a terrific addition to the area and especially an immense help for the mountain bikers in the area. This would also help out the high school mountain biking teams with Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. another race course. 215 Phil Broadbent I have been mountain biking for a few years here in Utah and have been amazed to see how many more people are on the trails each year. Any more trails we can build will help alleviate Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. the congestion we see sometimes. 216 Paul Pearson We need outdoor recreation options now more than ever. This area of the valley is a perfect place for recreation trails. For our family, hiking and mountain biking are our way of recreating Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. and enjoying the outdoors. We often travel (weekly at least once) to various areas around Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties to visit and ride/hike different trails. We drove to Herriman several times this past summer to ride "Eric's Trail" which was incredible and we had such a great time. As we do, of course we stop to buy fuel, go out to eat afterwards, and also visit other commercial establishments in those areas, thus benefiting the economies and cities that are near to the various trail system. Mountain biking specifically, in the past 10 yrs, has exploded in popularity. We've had 3 children that have ridden with high school and jr high teams -- sports are a huge benefit for developing kids. Unfortunately, some sports are very difficult for people to participate in outside of an organized team practice or game; mountain biking is not -- one of the few sports that people can enjoy now and throughout their entire lives, well into their 60s and 70s. We are, as an entire family, excited and thrilled at the prospect of having more trails in these areas and believe it will be a huge benefit to the community. 217 jonathan packer Additional trails on the west side would be a great addition to recreation opportunities along the wasatch front. The existing trail networks on the east side are great but they are very Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. popular and crowded at times. I feel like the butterfield/yellow fork area has a lot of potential for trails that could be used for all kinds of activities. Having a trail network on salt lake county that is designed to handle NICA events and practices would be a huge asset for the state. It would also help to alleviate trail crowding at other trail centers. I have found that a mixture of single use/directional trails along with multi use trails goes a long way in avoiding conflict between usage groups and hope that is worked into the design. A Skill and progression area would also be great addition. 218 Sindy Smith The state of Utah (State) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposed trail development project located in Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah counties. The State supports Alternative PLPCO submits a letter of support for the Proposed Action alternative. SLFO appreciates the long B, the Proposed Action. These new trails will give local citizens options to safely stay physically active, as well as reduce stress while enjoying the natural beauty of the Oquirrh and Lake relationship it has had with the State of Utah. Mountains and the Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons. These new trails may also promote economic development in the local communities by attracting and retaining new residents and SLFO has revised Section 3.3.1 (under Visitation) to include additional population data and trends for supporting property values. these counties that are identified in the Research Brief prepared by the Kern C. Gardner Policy Institute The populations of Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah counties are expected to grow significantly during the next four decades. This expansion will result in more un-authorized use of (2017). This document was also added as a citation in Section 5.1. undeveloped areas as local residents seek recreational opportunities close to home. The State agrees that the proposed “…action is necessary to curtail the development of additional In Section 1.4 (under State of Utah Plans and Salt Lake, Tooele and Utah County Plans), BLM unplanned or user-created trails, reduce the proliferation of substandard trails, while providing for safe recreational experiences and the protection of resources.” Given the analysis documents its review of the state and county resource management plans. presented in the EA, Alternative B is the best way to achieve these objectives. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #53. By contrast, under the no action alternative, Alternative A, the BLM would not grant rights-of-way for the construction or continued maintenance of trails nor provide mitigation and monitoring, which could potentially result in adverse impacts on recreation and visual resources. Greater risks for accidents exist to hikers, bikers, equestrians, and other users who use unplanned or user-created trails. Moreover, the creation of unauthorized trails most likely would occur without any consideration of Visual Contrast Ratings or how the trails will disrupt existing form, line, color and texture of the landscape. Alternative A almost certainly will cause impacts to recreation and visual resources. In light of the potential negative impacts that are likely to result under Alternative A, the State encourages BLM to move forward with the proposed trails development project. The State also urges BLM to work with local municipalities to establish ROWs to implement this project. To the fullest extent consistent with its responsibilities, the BLM should consider the officially approved and adopted State Resource Management Plan, the officially approved and adopted Salt Lake County, Tooele, and Utah County Resource Management Plans. [Attachment not reproduced here.] 219 Michael F Mountain bike trails would be a huge blessing to the community here! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 220 Derek Pedersen We are highly in favor of trail development on the west side of the valley. I have been riding mountain bikes in Yellow Fork for the past 10 years based on accessibility (we live in South Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. Jordan) and low rider volume. Over the past year, I've seen a dramatic increase in pressure on the trails all around the valley which has driven more people to the Herriman and Yellow Fork area. If I had to estimate volume increase at Yellow Fork, I'd estimate 3X to 5X compared to what it was two or three years ago. This seems to only be growing. Our family has 2 NICA riders, two NICA coaches and 6 other children who will eventually ride NICA. One child has special needs and NICA provides a terrific environment for him to be successful based on his own capabilities. Through the program, we've seen our children increase in confidence, physical fitness, appreciation and respect for the outdoors. Plus, this keeps our kids outside, away from screens. Huge win. Our family is ready to pitch in with trail building, maintenance, advocacy, etc. My wife is even interested in being a South Jordan Trail Boss to help bring trails all the way out to us via the Bingham Creek dry creek bed. Lots of potential in the valley! 221 John Paras I am for the trail system! Given the great increase in outdoor entertainment, our trails are more congested than ever. Getting outdoors gives many an escape from the anxiety of our crazy Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. lives! Please don’t kill this project!!!! 222 Protected I support building more mountain bike trail systems, in this case in the Butterfield Canyon area. This trail system is in great need for the South West area of Salt Lake County and will also Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. help to alleviate trail congestion on other trail systems. 223 Karl North Utah has a need for more accessible trails near major cities, especially on the West end of the Wasatch Valley. It is important to us that we maintain a healthy balance of access to Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. wilderness, as we grow as a society. West of Utah Lake, the their is a lot of room to grow, development wise. I ask that we more strongly consider how tightly we pack in this future development. Eagle Mountain has done well, and arguably better than any other nearby city, to be mindful of natural waterways, wildlife movement, and trail, wilderness access, as they develop their city. They are striving to not disturb the eco system as much as modern development currently does. With these cities growing at such a fast rate, we need to allow more land and trails to be accessed, without having to drive 2-3 hours away from home. This is what makes Utah great. Outdoor recreation. 224 Russell Mumford I have lived in Utah my entire life and the mountains and the trails are what have kept me here. I love using the trails and it is one of the best assets of our state. I fully support this plan. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 225 Lance Gamero As the executive director of the Utah Cycling Association and avid cyclist myself, it is imperative that we have and maintain these trails for public usage. Please have and maintain these Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trails. 226 david babcock please allow a comprehensive mixed use trail system. we love to hike and mountain bike. We feel that this area should be able to easily accommodate a majority group, rather than simply Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. horse back riding which seems to me the vocal minority now. Ive lived here 45 years, and ridden bikes, horses and hiked this canyon. I think I would like to see the kind of people, trails and community that we see in american fork canyon and corner canyon systems.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 227 Not Provided I think having more trails is a good thing, it prevents overcrowding of the other trails, prevents trespassing, and with the growing youth mountain bike movement, it gives kids and families Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. inexpensive options for recreation. A massive yes on the trails. 228 Not Provided We need more trails, they are a relatively inexpensive cost for years of recreation. I also hear that there are several hiking and biking groups that volunteer maintenance. Please approve Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. these trails. 229 Brady Millerberg Looks great. More bike trails needed. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 230 Dru Whitlock I am support of the development of this trail system. As a NICA High School Coach I can confidently say we need more trails along the Wasatch Front for all users including our youth Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. athletes. These outdoor programs are healthy outlets for youth, but we cannot conduct our trailing with inadequate trails. 231 Debbie Baskin New trails are badly needed in this area. Last summer, biking trials were packed. Biking/hiking are great activities to help Utahns stay in shape! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 232 Sarah Kaufmann I would like to express my support for mountain bike trails in the area. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 233 Jamie Pogue I wanted to leave my comment in SUPPORT of more biking / hiking / multi use trails in these areas. I chair the Draper City Parks Trails and Recreation committee and know first hand Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. about the increase in users over the last few years, and the exponential increase this past year due to Covid. As a member of the Utah High School Cycling league board, and as a coach for one of the teams, I can also attest to the desire for more trails and our commitment to help construct and maintain trails. We are seeing the need nationwide for more trails to give users more options and to spread out the users over more trails and at different trail systems. I cannot stress enough, how much the addition of trails adds to a community and increases the value that residents place on easy access to their local trails. Please consider approving these trails in the areas pertaining to this project. 234 kenton peters I am writing in favor of establishing new multi-use trails in all the areas described in this study. Due to the population growth in Salt Lake and Utah Counties and the increasing popularity Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking etc, the current local trail systems have become overcrowded and over used. With the exception of the Eagle Mountain trials, the current trail systems tend to be located on the east side of the Salt Lake and Utah valleys. Consequently residents on the west side of the valleys have no trails that are easily accessible from their communities. The creation of trails in the Lake Mountains, NOMA area, and Rose/Yellow Fork Canyons would give the west side communities the trail access that they deserve. The establishment of these trails would also reduce the number of people using the east side trails and would thereby benefit east side communities. Therefore all trail users will benefit. 235 Randi We love the idea of new biking trails in the Butterfield Canyon area! My kids participate in NICA races and whenever we travel for a race the locals always say how grateful they are for Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. the revenue these races bring to their city. As a resident of Herriman, it would be great to help support our city in that way. We would also be grateful to have more trails so close to home! 236 Chris Gee Mountain biking and training kids to ride as part of our kids High School Teams has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Even during the COVID problems of 2020 we Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. were able to safely get kids outdoors riding bikes. As part of our team and our leagues requirements we teach the kids trail stewardship and nature conservation. Due to COVID trail use in the areas we typically got o was up more than 400% from previous years. We have been part of building trails in Herriman. Those trails have lead people to more outdoor use, but also helps more people understand and value our outdoors. As the valley expands and the population grows, there will be a need for more areas to recreate. This area presents a unique opportunity to put outdoor use first. 237 Chris Best I am commenting in support of the proposed trail system in all mentioned areas. Living in Park City, I see the economic benefits of this everyday, with outdoor enthusiasts coming from all Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. over to use the trails here. I also see the immediate need for more trails, especially on the West side. Currently, we see several NICA teams commute from as far as Herriman and Bingham to ride in Park City, simply because there are not enough trails close by to use. As the West side continues to grow, so will the recreation needs for this part of our community. 238 Protected Mountain biking in Utah has always been very popular but in the past few years the Utah high school cycling league has caused popularity of the activity to explode. The need for an Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. increase in trail development has increased all along the wasatch front. This project while providing additional trails for general public use will provide an opportunity for youth riders to train closer to home and decrease trail congestion and increase trail safety at other locations. Please approve the project! 239 Alex Blankenstein As the parent of a local Herriman High School student mountain biking team member and as an active parent and team ride leader I am in full support of more riding terrain for my family Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. and the community. We need access to more trails for good and healthy outdoor activities for our kids. I believe that the coordinated and supportive efforts of the mountain biking community can bring an amazing resource for sustainable care taking of the land used for the trails. I have also seen how well coordinated trail systems can provide a myriad of opportunities for all that use them. 240 Paul Campos This project would be a welcome addition to out current trail system. There is definitely demand for more trails in this area. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 241 Protected As a trail runner, mountain biker, and resident in the SW corner of the Salt Lake valley, I fully support building new trails as outlined in Alternative B in the Trail Development in the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh Management Area and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons Environmental Assessment (DOI-BLM-UT-W010-2020-0007-EA). As the population in Utah and the Salt Lake valley continues to grow, building new trails is critical to increasing outdoor recreational opportunities while reducing conflicts between various trail users who are all equally entitled to utilize these resources. 242 Dan Munding New trails are needed on the west side of the valley. The high school MTB participation will be over 5000 athletes in 2021. These students need trails. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. 243 Traci Suman We definitely need more trails on the west side. We almost always have to go to the east side when we want to hike or bike. The west side is so beautiful and has so much to offer that it is Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. disappointing that there isn’t more accessibility. More trails would help to lighten the load on the current trails also. With all the growth on the west side there really needs to be an expansion of recreation opportunities anyway so that there isn’t overcrowding on the current trails. It is amazing and fun to spend time in Butterfield Canyon and it would be unfortunate to not make trails to protect our lands from people just going off trail to get away from crowds and to see new things. 244 Protected No longer are people just sitting on their couches doing nothing. They want to participate in nature; most in a responsible way. These trails will expand the number of options that people Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. in the Wasatch Front area will have to recreate. This will allow more people to enjoy the outdoors without constantly being reminded that they are within miles of the city. This will alleviate congestion on the existing systems across the Wasatch Front and provide those in the surrounding areas immediate access. I support the high school mountain biking team in my area. This will be a great system to have teams go to for practice. I support these trail systems as further opportunity to enjoy different areas of our state that I have not been able to go to. Unfortunately, those in opposition may indicate that it will increase traffic to their neighborhoods which I would agree is undesirable; however, these crowds will be unmanageable in current recreation areas without additional places. Economically, this will end up being a great thing for these communities. Where there are things to do, people tend to go. I look at the Mount Olympus bench area of Salt Lake City. There are numerous access points into the backcountry. As a result, housing in that area is also highly desirable as most do not want to have to drive an hour to access trails. Those trails and areas have been in use since just after the pioneers entered the valley. Generations have come to love those places. These new trails will become that for future generations. My parents and sister now live in Tooele Valley. As we visit, there are not places to recreate, so we end up in Millcreek or Big Cottonwood canyons. We would love to visit and see more of what they have, but there aren't opportunities as the trails are not as available. In summary, it would be foolish not to proceed with building and expanding these trail systems. I support these projects and hope to use them with my family for years to come.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 245 Protected Please build these trails! This is an opportunity of a lifetime! What an honor to have trails so close to so many! Last year with the pandemic and mandated quarantine, people needed to get Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. outside. Having trails that can cater to all levels of mountain biking, hiking and more, would be such a blessing to this community and communities all around. Park City and Corner Canyon could use the help of more trails. The West side of the valley needs something like this. I feel like this is a diamond in the rough. High school Mountain Biking is only growing by leaps and bounds. This will bring huge benefits to these kids, their families and the community. So many kids are excluded in High School sports. Mtb has changed kids lives for forever. Its a family activity. All ages can ride. People want to get away from electronics. We need outdoor recreational activities like this. Please listen to the positives and really think about the impact it will have on our kids and this area. We are so lucky to have this opportunity! 246 Protected Having trails, brings all sorts of benefits to the community. From a place to gather with friends and family, to a place for economic growth in the region. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 247 Protected We are writing today to wholeheartedly support the proposed Butterfield Canyon trail system. This trail system is needed for many reasons. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. 1. General Recreational Activity. The Western side of the Salt Lake valley is severely lacking in outdoor, recreational amenities compared to the Eastern side of the valley. While the, slowly, growing Herriman and other municipal trail systems are nice, they aren't keeping pace with the growth on this side of the valley forcing residents to drive to the Eastern side for the excellent Draper trail system, Cottonwood Canyons, or other trails. Having a multi-user trail system in our backyard would help to reduce congestion on the other trail systems. 2. Specific Recreational Activity. We are avid mountain bikers so this trail system would be of great interest to us on a personal level. But that interest is more than just ours. I am also a volunteer coach and my son is a rider with the Herriman High School mountain bike team which is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). For the kids on the team, having a close trail system like this means that they can spend more time participating in a healthy outdoor activity with their friends and teammates. NICA is an organization that emphasized inclusion, tolerance, hard work, personal goals, and other positive traits. This is one of the most positive organizations that I have been part of and I am proud to work with this organization and these kids. In today's world we need to encourage more positive activities such as this and the Butterfield Canyon trails can be such a benefit. Also, NICA also encourages its members to participate in trail workdays to help maintain the trails that we ride. 3. Economic Activity. In the scheme of things this is probably a small consideration but a consideration none the less. The trail system will encourage visits from not just residents on the West side of the valley but also from other areas as well. We will buy gas, get a bite to eat, and participate in other forms of commerce on the way to and from the trails. Not only that, but with a proper trail system larger events such as a NICA race could attract even more commercial activity for the area. It would also seem that having more recreational amenities would attractive to future residents as well as raise property values and the quality of life in the area. Those are just a few of the reasons that we support this trail system and would strongly, strongly, strongly urge that this trail system be approved. 248 Arthur Turlak I support adding biking trails in Butterfield Canyon. As the Salt Lake Valley has expanded its population, trail building has not kept pace. This is a great opportunity to add additional Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trails on the west side of the valley, where the primary growth is occurring. 249 Pam Backman If the BLM will open up assigned trails for public non motorized use, there will be less trails made by people just to explore which causes the vegetation to get trampled and erode. I have Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. been a hiker for the past 4 years. I go on all kinds of trails. I stick to the proper trail but sometimes it is hard to determine which one because of all the other paths formed. I have had no problem sharing with bikers and horseman. Also if a trail gets up in a community usually the people from out of town will stop to get a drink or something to eat on there way home so it will boost the economy in that neighborhood. 250 Protected We would love to have trails in Butterfield Canyon. We could use trails near us to run, bike and hike on. We have both runners and mountain bike riders in our home. Doing a family hike Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. would also be wonderful. This would be the closest spot to our home and would decrease the congestion of trails farther away. 251 Gared Dittmar I strongly support this trail system. The growth in outdoor recreation in our area has exploded to the point all trail systems are over “capacity” and we need more trails. The NICA Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. approved race course would be a major benefit to the community as a whole by bringing more income to local businesses. It would also provide a much needed venue for the high school mountain bike race community (NICA). A community the donates more time and money to trail building and maintenance than any other group in Utah. 252 Protected As a Salt Lake County resident and avid hiker and mountain biker, I fully support the building of new trails as outlined in the Alternative B plan. Exercise is so important, as is Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trailhead/trail congestion reducing which can be mitigated to some degree by people having more options to choose from. 253 Protected As a former resident of Riverton and 2 of our children residing in SJ currently along with many other family members and friends in Herriman I fully support this project to develop trails Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. in the Butterfield Canyon area. We used to camp in the canyon and it is a unique and beautiful, previously over looked canyon. With the growth of valley outdoor enthusiasts need protected and maintained areas for hiking, biking and horse back riding. Draper has done an excellent job of developing trails throughout its community. Sadly, this hasn't been done in most of the other areas except along the Jordan River. We currently live in Sandy and we have nothing to offer this way. Developing trails would be the best thing that could be done with this area. 254 Not Provided Over the past several years, I've developed a passion for mountain biking. We have loved traveling all over Utah to see all the unique trails Utah has to offer. Unfortunately, there aren't Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. many trail systems in the Salt Lake valley that are less than 30 minutes away besides Corner Canyon. We love Corner Canyon but its the hot spot where there's always a full parking lot. Having a new trail system in Butterfield would be amazing. Trails that we can get to from our home. This would be a great addition that many bikers and hikers would take advantage of. Please build the new trail system. 255 Josh Wong As an avid outdoor enthusiast I believe there is great value in responsibly built and maintained trails in nature, for any purpose. It is a great way to improve overall physical and mental Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. health of the population as a whole as well as properly protect natural areas from urban sprawl. I personally love to get out on hiking and biking adventures as much as possible. I know that there are other groups that need spaces like this also, from family friendly walks to equestrian riders. Many of the trails in Northern Utah are mixed use trails, which is OK, but as the number of people coming to Utah keeps growing and outdoor activities continues to be one of the primary draws for that growth, the trails are getting very congested and there is great need for more trails. This will not only help alleviate congestion but also associated frustration and bickering among different user groups, especially if the trails can be designated for specific use-types. Please support this development! 256 Emerson Silva What a wonderful thing to know that we are able or considering new trails. As a coach of the Lehi Junior Devo team we would like to say that it will be a great addition to our wonderful Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. trail system, the sport is in a very large growth and looking ahead we feel like it is the right decision for the future of the sport where our kids and ourselves can keep practicing. We are here to support, encourage and say thank you for that. 257 Not Provided I am a high school mountain biker and I for one would LOVE trails in a place closer to come and in such a beautiful location. Having trails similar to Park City and Corner Canyon on the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. west side of the valley would be so great. It allows other popular trail systems spread out, meaning they would become not as congested because of more new options. My team has gone back and forth between Corner Canyon and Herriman trails for years. Expanding the Herriman trails to connect with Butterfield trails would be an enormous step up full of opportunity because Herriman trails are rather small to host my team and occasionally another team at the same time. I have ridden up Butterfield Canyon many times over the years and I absolutely love the location and the scenery and have been wishing for dirt trails there for years. I know that those new trails would get a large amount of use by those in the Utah Valley and beyond, especially from high school teams, who would greatly appreciate them. Please make those trails happen! 258 Lisa Caddy The portions of BLM land between Yellow Fork and Rose Canyon that are already under a mutual agreement with Salt Lake County and plan as open space. There is a new proposal to BLM has discussed the points made in this comment with SL County’s Parks and Recreation. They design a NICA race track and several downhill mountain bike downhills within the boundaries of open space. believe what is being proposed is consistent with their original plan. A per the April 2011 Salt Lake County Rose Canyon and Yellow Fork Canyon Master Plan please find the following info: The trails would not be designed exclusively and specifically for races. The trails would be multi-use, "Salt Lake County envisions that the study area would be utilized for low intensity public recreation purposes. Public uses of the property are intended to be subordinate to preservation of allowing hikers, bikers, and equestrians. There may be times when events could be held, including high

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response the natural character of the landscape. This master plan recommends that low intensity recreation uses be defined as equestrian, hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, school mountain bike events or other similar events, but those that participate in these events would be snowshoeing, picnicking, nature study, and wildlife viewing. Recreational facilities that would support these uses include natural surface trails, paved or gravel parking areas, trailhead participating in a use that has been previously outlined in the original master plan as an appropriate use facilities, non-obtrusive signs for orientation and interpretation, graded and gravel roads where vehicle use is permitted, trail bridges, non-obtrusive gates and fencing, public restrooms, such as mountain biking or running/hiking. The vast majority of the time the trails are being used it drinking water, picnic tables, and picnic pavilions. would be for normal, everyday use. This master plan further recommends that a number of activities be prohibited such as off-road motorized vehicles, paint ball games, camping, disturbance or removal of plants or Regarding “downhill trails”, the original master plan states, “Depending on safety, location, and animals, livestock or pets out of the physical control of their owners, sports fields or BMX courses, travel off of established trails, hunting, trapping, and commercial activities." characteristics of the trail, some trails may need to be limited to specific uses to prevent conflicts”. If A race track and downhill trails built on these land directly conflicts with the intended use of the land and exposes all involved land managers to unnecessary liability. User conflict would there are trails that are designed in a way to encourage downhill use only, it would be for safety reasons increase and create an environment uncharacteristic of it's current use. and to avoid user conflicts. This is very much in line with the original master plan. Please keep these lands as natural as possible and allow for a nature dominated environment and recreation. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2, #37, and #53. 259 Jared Carling I would like to express my support for the proposed trail building projects. The region does not have enough non-motorized trails for all users and this project would alleviate trail Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. crowding, especially in Salt Lake County. 260 Logan Wrigley We need more trails so people can get out more and if we have more trails then it will make other trails less crowded so people can have a more enjoyable time Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 261 Protected Trails are amazing. More and more people are getting outside and on the trails, but we need more trails because there are more people than ever using them. There is a lot of trail Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. congestion and more trails would definitely help bring that down, and continue getting more people outside. 262 Ben Adams Coming here to request more mountain biking trails in the greater Herriman / Salt Lake County area, for exercise and to spend more time with family. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 263 Jeremy Nielson I am in full support of the mountain bike trails in Rose Crest / Yellow fork. I live in Daybreak and my Family is involved in the Herriman High School Mountain Team. The trails will Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. keep kids active, improve mental health, reduce addictions and get them engaged in a sport they can participate in their entire life. It will boost the local economy as 1,000's of people attend these races and they require food and lodging. This a ton better use for this precious mountain land than any kind of residential or commercial project. 264 Kennedy Nielson Mountain biking is awesome! And mountain bikers always give back. We take care of our trails! Sometimes mountain bikers have to drive really far in order to go mountain biking so it Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. would be super awesome to have some trails closer! If more trails are built then more people will want to get out of the house and go explore the outdoors! I’m a teenager and I love being outside! I wish more people my age would like to go outside and explore!!! More people would of trails were closer like they could be!!!! I totally support this trail! 265 Jeremy Nielson I am in full support of the mountain bike trails in Rose Crest / Yellow fork. I live in Daybreak and my Family is involved in the Herriman High School Mountain Team. The trails will Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. keep kids active, improve mental health, reduce addictions and get them engaged in a sport they can participate in their entire life. It will boost the local economy as 1,000's of people attend these races and they require food and lodging. This a ton better use for this precious mountain land than any kind of residential or commercial project. 266 Kenneth Coleman I’m writing in full support of the Lake Mountains, North Oquirrah, Rose and Yellow Fork Canyon non motorized trail system being proposed. I’m particularly interested in the availability Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. of quality mtb systems. I’m also pleased that trails will be built and or maintained via some type of private partnership. Although I am writing as an individual I am involved in with the NICA High School cycling league as a coach. Opportunities for youth to ride, train and volunteer on trails benefits all of us. 267 Protected I appreciate the opportunity to comment on these 3 projects along the West mountains of the the greater Salt Lake metro area. Our family is currently affiliated with 2 youth riders with the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. NICA youth mountain bike league thru our local high school. Our older son is graduating this year and rode with the team for 3 seasons & our younger son just completed his first season. Both of these boys have benefited tremendously in multiple personal dimensions thru the NICA league. We can't say enough good about this program and the positive development of youth which comes from our parent volunteer organization. I know our boys have come to enjoy the outdoors more and have increased their commitment as responsible stewards of our public lands. Our team rides 2-3 times a week during the Spring thru Fall months along with nearly every other high school team. Any increase of trail systems will be appreciated and loved by these students. Thank you for your efforts and support of these needed projects. We are closest to the Salt Lake County land in south west corner, however we likely would use and benefit from the Utah and Tooele projects as well. 268 Mike Rawlings I am in favor of building a network of trails in Butterfield Canyon. Covid has caused a renewed interest in outdoor activities and our already crowded trails became well used and Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. crowding. Approving a trail system in Butterfield will help from a NICA perspective as well as provide additional options for nearby residents. You have an ARMY of kids chomping at the bits to volunteer time and labor to make this happen. What better way to teach these kids how to respect their trails than allowing them to build it? 269 Jessica We would be more likely to move to Draper if there was a trail created because we are a running/cycling family and like having easy access to a trail. I hope you decide to move forward Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Heizenrader with this! 270 Harmon Tobler We must be forward thinking in the state for once! If you look at the growth in mountain biking, trail running, hiking, etc., you will quickly come to the conclusion that our current trail Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. systems in the south valley are too crowded. I would gladly support and provide my time and energy to help in the effort of expanding trails in Butterfield Canyon. 271 Seth Stoddard I’m excited for a project like this. As someone that travels to Draper 3-4 times a week to mountain bike on their trail system, it would be incredible to have trails on the west side. My Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. family enjoys mountain biking and hiking and would absolutely be users of a trail system like this. Getting people out in our mountains is so good for our mental well-being. In today’s political and economic climate, a trail system is a great place to visit and get some clear perspective on our lives. Thank you for considering a project like this over another home development site on the west side where we are already overburdening our resources for the current population. 272 Protected I am writing to leave a comment in favor of adding more Mountain Bike trails in the proposed area. I am also in favor of adding a Mountain bike race course. Our community will benefit Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. greatly from a non-motorized mountain bike specific trail system as the one proposed here. Look at what the fantastic results have been for Draper and the surrounding area there. It is good to replicate the positive aspects of such low impact high return on investment as mountain bike trails. 273 Protected I support the proposed trail system. The Salt Lake Valley has been undergoing tremendous population growth, driven in large part by the quality of life afforded by our outdoor recreation Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. resources. Unfortunately, we are at risk of loving them to death as supply has not kept up with demand. Traffic to and on the trail systems concentrated primarily on the east side of the valley diminish the user experience and conflict while increasing visitor impacts. Bathrooms, trailhead parking and trail wear are all unsustainable and more resources distributed around the valley would alleviate that overuse and congestion. 274 Protected I am totally in favor of the expansion of a trail system that support hiking, biking, horseback riding, or other human-powered recreational uses. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 275 Protected It would be fun to have trails for running and biking because there would be greater a variety of trails that could be used for those interested in mountain biking and trail running then there Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. already are here in Utah. They would be more accessible to many people and would keep the current trails from being as busy because there are more for people to go to.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 276 Rand Blair In the last year I've seen a huge growth in MTB trail users due to 1) Covid and 2) increased interest in NICA participation. I've been a Ride Leader with my son's team for the last 2 years Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. and will be doing it again this year. I absolutely love what it does for these kids. I am also extremely thankful for the great networks of trails we have within driving distance. However, we still need more trails. We try and rotate and plan where we take our teams so that we don't overwhelm any one trail system, but more readers will mean more trail congestion. A network of Trails would be a tremendous benefit to the cycling community as it would relieve congestion from areas like Corner Canyon, and offer great options to those both north and south of point of the mountain. I'd love to see this trail network in Yellow Fork move forward! 277 Ryan Hobson More and better trails in the yellow fork area would be absolutely amazing and would help keep my family anchored to South Jordan for years. We are constantly driving to crowded Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Draper trails or boring Eagle Mountain trails. Draper is becoming a recreational heaven due to their miles and miles of trails. Having something like that on this side of the valley would be awesome, it would alleviate crowded trails around the valley and would make this area more desirable place to live. The mountain bike / trail running community is friendly and helpful. They’ll volunteer to help everyone enjoy the outdoors more. In fact I’d be willing to volunteer to help for any committee. This is exactly what we should be doing with our public lands! And this side of the valley needs to step up its game and contribute to our amazing trail programs through the valley and state. Please approve!!! 278 Ken Short With the increased use of multi use trails along the Wasatch Front there is a considerable need for additional trails to avoid overuse and crowding of existing trails. I am in favor of the new Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trails as presented in the environmental documents. I think that construction of trails on the west bench of the Salt Lake and Utah County's will help alleviate pressure of existing trails along the Wasatch Front as well as provide recreational opportunities for residents on the west side of these valley's. Additional trails are needed in the area, particularly trails that allow equestrian and biking activates. It seems that trails are an appropriate use of this land and a better alternative to other potential development in these areas. 279 David Smith We are super excited for the chance of this Trail system to go in. There are hunderds of riders weekly driving 4/6 hour to ride in surrounding areas overcrowded with mountain bikers and Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. hikers.It would benefit hundreds of citizens local and non local to enjoy these trails. Our mountain bike teams give back yearly and do trail maintenance to keep trails in tip top shape. Thank you for taking the time to even look into this opportunity for the state of Utah. I am on the coaching staff for CopperHills Mountain bike team/Nica. Again Thank you for giving this a Chance! 280 Amanda Allen I live in Herriman. I am an avid trail user. I trail run, mountain bike, hike, snowshoe, cross country ski and fat bike. I helped ride lead with the Herriman High School Mountain bike team Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Jenkins this year as well. More and more people are getting out to use easy access trails. On foot, on bikes and in the winter on snowshoes, cross country skis and fat bikes. Corner canyon in Draper cannot handle all of the trail traffic and while herriman is building trails that are awesome we need a little more room to expand and spread out. In my mind we need as much trail sprawl as there is urban sprawl. The addition of trails in Butterfield canyon and connecting to Yellow Fork would create a phenomenal network of trails to satisfy all types of trail users. While horseman want trails just for them we cannot sustain that when the booming population of trail users are on foot and on bikes. Creating space for more trails opens the door to more MTB only tails (which is a safety buffer for all trail users) and more foot traffic only trails (for horses and hikers) and room for directional trails like they have in Park City and Corner Canyon. Please please let’s work together to build more trails where it is desperately needed in the Southwest foothills in Salt Lake County. 281 Marcus Vickers I would love to see more mountain bike trails included in future plans for this area. This is a highly traveled area so it would be nice to have some dedicated downhill trails; not even Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. “downhill” trails, just trails directional trails for bikes to get down safely with minimal interaction with horses or hikers. Anything that can take some of the burden off Corner Canyon and provide more options for rides that are accessible from the valley is always appreciated. 282 Not Provided Mountain biking has grown significantly across the Salt Lake Valley. Many people are traversing the valley to get to other trails that are becoming very overcrowded and increasing traffic Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. to city streets. By adding more trails on the West side of the valley these issues could be greatly alleviated. The trails would be used by a lot of people and add real value to the area. Mountain bike communities are great for the environment with the many hours that are donated for trail maintenance and keeping the area clean. Adding more trails would be a wonderful use of BLM land and continue to enhance the communities in which we live. 283 Protected I am in favor of this trail system! Please consider just how important this trail system is to this valley for many who wish to recreate. It is much needed! We are definitely lacking needed Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trail systems, especially in the south west part of this valley. Our population in increasing exponentially and many trail enthusiasts of all kinds could greatly benefit with these trails. Our current trail systems have become so congested, especially over the past year, that you would be hard pressed to hit a trail head and not see an influx of people, and that's if you can even find a place to park before you even get to the trail head! Everyone has discovered this thing called the great outdoors! This congestion and lack of more trails will only worsen, especially with population increase, unless more trails are provided. I know many mountain bike teams that put in a hundred or so hours every year to help maintain trails. I know this trail system would not only greatly benefit teams but would also benefit by their volunteer hours. We live in such a beautiful valley and offering one more trail system is desperately, desperately needed. I can't think of a better way to utlilize this land. We don't need another huge housing development coming in and taking over our open spaces. We have seen such an influx in urban sprawl in the past few years that some parts of our valley are unrecognizable. Please see the need for this trail system! It would benefit everyone! 284 Protected I am all for having more mountain bike trails in this area. My children did the mountain bike team in high school. This is a great idea! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 285 Jacob Stokes I was on the Mountain bike team in high school. This is a FANTASTIC idea. Lets get more mountain bike trails for this area. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 286 Protected I would be very interested to see more trails development in the area. As the county continues to see more development pressure coming from lack of land in Salt Lake County having Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. open space and trails established will help see they get incorporated into future plans. It also allows better use of BLM land. People are coming to recreate in Tooele County. Having designed trails and facilities will help to reduce impacts to the environment as they will have the infrastructure to use rather than 'making their own trails' and leaving a wake of erosion, tresspass issues, and refuse in the area. This should be done in a very forward thinking approach. We may not see the true value of this for years to come however now is the right time to get it in place. It makes for a more efficient use of federal resources (BLM) and will get other land holders involved and motivated to participate. 287 Kyle McFarland Adding mtb recreation areas and trails to these areas is not only a fantastic idea, but one would argue that it is a necessity. In the wake of COVID-19 outdoor recreation has seen an Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. astronomical increase across all user groups. Cycling hasn't seen growth like this in decades. Shops can't keep bikes in stock, and many purchasers are on waitlists dating to summer/fall 2021. With such a huge influx of new users, added to an already huge population of riders in the salt lake and utah counties, it will be imperative to allocate space and resources to accommodate this growth. Our most precious commodity is land. Existing recreation areas have been strained with over-usage for years, and the growth in outdoor recreation will only strain these resources further. Furthermore, areas like Bentonville- Arkansa, Boulder- Colorado, Santa Cruz- California, they all understand the draw and importance of outdoor recreation, especially cycling. Bentonville as a city has experience exponential growth and an increase in people moving to the area due to the quality of their trail networks. With the growth of the Silicone Slopes movement, it only makes sense to provide more and better opportunities to cater to that population who largely enjoy sports like cycling, hiking, etc. 288 Anthony D. I think we definitely should add these trails, It'll give more diversity to the area and more space to enjoy time away from others. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 289 Not Provided We need more trails! We need trails on both sides of the valley to help with crowds on the trails and travel! It’s not only great for mountain biking, it’s great for running and hiking! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Exercise in the outdoors is so healthy for us and with all the mental health issues going on, which have become worse during Covid, we need more healthy outlets. Let’s get kids off of Nintendo’s and phones and get them outside. This is a no brainer, build the trails. 290 Aaron Bender I would like to briefly voice my full support for the development of these trails. Outdoor recreation is one of the primary reasons people live in this area and these trails will be a valuable Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. recreational asset to those who live further away from existing trail systems. They will also help relieve the pressure on those existing trails, spread out user impacts, and help reduce user conflicts. This is something that has been needed for a long time and I really appreciate that this proposal is being considered.

87 March 2021

Letter # Commenter Comment Response 291 Protected I'm in favor of adding recreational trails including mountain biking trails Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 292 Logan Bentley I live in Saratoga Springs and visit the Eagle Mountain single track trails and it's an area I love. It's starting to get more and more traffic so I'm all for the idea of adding more singletrack Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trails on Lake Mountain. The views are great and there is a lot of land that can be used. I'd be really excited about this project and would be willing to volunteer to help out where possible. 293 Protected I would love to see additional trails in the Yellow Fork Canyon area and especially those that would connect into the Butterfield trail system. However, for these new trails, I would also Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #8. appreciate keeping them to non-motorized traffic since part of the reason to be outdoors is to get away from vehicular noise. Additionally, motorized vehicles tend to break down trails much faster than feet so more upkeep would be needed if motorized vehicles are allowed. 294 Taylor Rasmussen Additional trails in the Yellow Fork area increases the quality of life for individuals in the neighboring community. The mountain biking community tends to be the best group for Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. responsible trail use and in kind maintenance and support. This would also be a support option for the numerous high school teams that race mountain bikes. Currently racing options are minimal. This also has a minimal environmental impact similar to horses. 295 Jason Christiansen Mountain Biking is the fastest growing sport/activity among Utah's teens. What other youth activity in Utah grows at an average 18%? Name one other than mountain biking. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. 296 Kristin Anderson We are in dire need of more trail systems! With the Highschool MTB teams being so popular and more people getting outdoors recently the trails that exist are over crowded. Please Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. consider what a wonderful use of land this would be for the outdoor community! 297 Taylor Cannon I ride bikes with one of the largest cycling clubs in the state, Mi Duole. We need this on the west side so bad! We would be happy to volunteer man/women hours to support and enhance Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. safe use of these trails. This would be so amazing for our community. So many of us travel across the valley to Corner Canyon where the trails are crowded and congestion in the draper neighborhoods is growing during peak hours. This would be a game changer for the west side communities. Mountain Bikers are well known for giving back. The community takes care of the environment and supports all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. This would be amazing!!!!! 298 Shawn Montmeny Having safe and organized trails for bikes would be so great. Road cycling has its pitfalls when drivers don’t pay attention, so a mountain bike trail system would be a great alternative. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Biking gives kids and adults alike a great way to exercise and reduce stress. I’m all for as many safe trail systems as possible. 299 Dave Sharp I fully support the development of new mountain bike trails as this would add significant new options and access to cycling enthusiasts and help to preserve the natural habits. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 300 Not Provided Please provide more trails. There is nothing on the west side of the valley. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 301 Dan Evans The use of the trails for hiking/mountain biking, etc...would greatly benefit the city and area. More so than the increased tax from additional housing. In my opinion, this could be Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. mutually beneficial. The trails would provide more recreation in the area, and that would make herriman more desiriable. 302 Charles This trail development seems incredibly important to me as the state of Utah grows. I am a big proponent of increasing the trail system in the Rose and Yellow Fork canyons area. As the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. greater Salt Lake Valley continues to expand it seems to be of great importance that we can recreate in areas that don't overuse and over congest existing trail systems. 303 Daniel Thunell This land would be best used for trails and preservation. More development is not the answer and our other trails are already crowded. This would allow more people to fully enjoy our Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. valley’s great outdoors. 304 Jason Scarbrough I am 100% for supporting the building of new trails in Butterfield Canyon. I have been road biking in that canyon for 15 years now. It is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. Every time Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. I am there I think what a waste of a resource it is to not be able to enjoy the canyon off the pavement. It is just a beautiful as any of the canyons on the east side of the valley, and yet it is not open for the public to enjoy. My entire family enjoys using the trails in the surround areas: Yellow fork, Blackridge, Corner canyon and beyond. My kids use the trails just as much or even more so than my wife and I. I appreciate having so many trails somewhat close in proximity to me. Being able to have trails in Butterfield would put trails even closer to my home. Right now we have to travel if we want to use the trails. The existing trail systems are overcrowded and we need more. My kids, as well as my wife and I are involved in the High School Mountain Bike league. It’s a great opportunity to get kids and families outside to enjoy the beauty of our surrounding as well as promote a healthy lifestyle. Giving them something to do besides sitting in front of the TV or video games. We have been involved in many hours of service and trail work as well as fundraising for trail building. We try to give back so that future users can also benefit from these trails. Whether it is hiking, biking, trail running, horseback riding, so many will benefit from more trail options in the valley. We spend a lot of time riding our bikes in Corner Canyon, we also spend a lot of time in the car driving back and forth from there. If there were more trails closer to home we would not have to congest the roads and add unnecessary air pollution to our environment. We also spend a good deal of money in that area on food, shopping and dining when we are there. I think the sales tax from local businesses would also benefit our cities on the west side of the valley as well. It also makes this area more desirable to live and want to be in. People love draper because of its ongoing trail building in the area. It would be great to have something like that in our own back yards. PLEASE approve these trails so that we can utilize this beautiful can so close to home. 305 Steve Smart I think this would be amazing opportunity for the south west side of the valley. The corner canyon trail system has been a great addition to draper and Lehi cities. I believe this could be Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. the same for Riverton, Herriman, Bluffdale, and Day Brake. 306 Zac West I would love Mtn bike trails and running trails in yellow fork and the Herriman area. Please no more residential. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 307 Cathy Leslie OVER USE AND TRAFFIC: We drive 2x a week over an hour each way to practice on already crowded trails. More open space for trails is what BLM is made for! MOUNTAIN Refer to BLM's responses to Comment Letters #2 and #22. BIKERS GIVE BACK: we give back each year through our trail maintenance hours and caring for the environment when we ride. We love our beautiful trails and desperately need more! Beginner, intermediate, and advanced trail options! PROPER TRAIL DESIGN: This is key in creating sustainable trails! ie anchors to reduce trail widening, spacing out obstacles to facilitate draining water from the trail (rollers), a back- slope that is blended with the prevailing slope allows soil to stabilize and the rider to be more in the center/most durable part of the trail rather than pushed to the edge. Butterfield has so much space available in their mountains and we as mountain bikers will use up that space respectfully and joyfully. Please give us MTB trails!! 308 Protected The proposal to build new trails is vital to the health of Utah residents, revenue generated from out of state travelers and the preservation of limited resources that are becoming more and Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. more scarce due to overdevelopment in the salt lake valley. 309 Protected We need more trails for recreational use. Not more homes to crowd out all the beautiful land! Please add more trails!! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 310 Chris H I think this new trail system is a great idea and one that I would use frequently as well as my kids and their friends. We have a growing shortage in available trails. With the Salt Lake Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Valley population continually growing, I believe not expanding our trail systems will negatively impact the experience and the condition of the current available trails.

88 March 2021

Letter # Commenter Comment Response 311 Sarah Bennett I am writing to you today to express my fervent support for securing trail alignments and easements in the three areas being considered in this EA. Communities along the western Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. peripheries of both Salt Lake and Utah Counties have always been underserved in terms of well designed recreational trails with secure access. These rapidly growing communities need trails. Also,....the number of high schoolers now participating in the Utah High School Mountain Biking League has exploded in recent years and continues to grow exponentially each year. The NICA course planned for the Butterfield Canyon area is so needed! This venue could host hundreds of kids daily during the training season and provide the space for parking and pit zones for big races that routinely draw thousands of participants. Development of trails in these areas will help to disperse trail user pressure and alleviate overcrowding on heavily used trail systems in Corner Canyon and Park City. Trails close to home for families with kids participating in mountain bike racing, as well as the growing population of people interested in outdoor recreation, also means less time on the road and less auto emissions into the air. Trails are now one of the most popular recreational amenities across the country and here in Utah they are central to our outdoors lifestyle, our health and well-being, and even our economy. Please do everything you can to approve these trail plans in a timely manner. 312 Doug Brower These trails are an amazing idea for the environment and the community. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 313 Protected The idea of new trails is awesome!!! I have been riding for years in Corner Canyon and the past few years it has just gotten so busy. The High School teams happen to ride at the times I Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. have free and it’s caused me not to ride as much as I would like to. People are getting injured because of overcrowded trails. We need more trails to ride!! 314 Joshua Landvatter If there are trails for mountain bikers only, please make trails for pedestrians only as well. I don’t care for getting run over 1/3 times by bikers on the trails at yellowfork. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 315 Protected The trail systems in the Salt Lake Valley are so overwhelmed. It is especially frustrating that the trail access on the west side of the valley is so limited. Multi use trail extension alone Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. would be great in the area, but making areas that are activity specific would be ideal. Mountain Biking for youth has sky rocketed. As a coach, you have to be on your guard at all times in multi use areas. It would be great to be able to have direction specific trails for Mountain Bikers. The current Yellow Fork/Rose Canyon trail is not marked well. It would be great to have better trail markers in that area and in the planning of additional trails. With so much interest in more kids on bikes, it would add to the safety of the sport. It would also be great to have trails of all different skill levels so everyone could enjoy a bit of this beautiful area. 316 Greg Boudrero Thank you for looking for options to expand local trail systems and further the opportunities for trail users to recreate in these three areas. I am excited to see what possible trail alignments Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. can be made to create connections between Butterfield Canyon and Yellow Fork Canyon. Seeing trail head amenities such as parking, restrooms, and other facilities that would support day use in these areas will be a great addition to the valley trail systems and will help keep up with the demand. The west side of the valley in particular lacks the trail systems that distribute trail users and spread them out over miles of trails with options to create large or small rides/hikes. Finding ways to link these trails with the expanding Herriman trail system would go a long way to creating meaningful experiences in the west bench area and take advantage of these public lands that are in such great proximity to the adjacent communities. 317 Protected I am a Salt Lake County resident and I fully support the creation of more mountain bike trails and multi-use trails in the Yellow Fork area. That would be a great addition to the County. I Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. also support the creation of a mountain bike race course that could be used for High School mountain bike racing. Please build more trails!! 318 Protected I think that a new trail would be amazing! I would like a new one because all the other trails are getting more crowded and a new one would help with that. I’m on the high school Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. mountain bike team for mountain ridge and I would love for a new place to practice. I would like it because it’s a new race course and it’s close and I could practice for that race and sleep in on race day. And I would love if more trails were closer to my home so I can ride more often. 319 Scott Thomas I have been a mountain bike ride leader for the Mountain Ridge team now for 2 years. We normally spend about 3 hours driving each week to the various trails we practice at. The west Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. side has very limited trails and these trails would greatly benefit high school students in this area as well as other riders. Mountain biking is one of the best sports to help kids build confidence in themselves. We would use these trails weekly. This trail system could rival Corner Canyon in draper. It would bring people into the area and also help the cities economy. Please approve this project :) 320 Not Provided I fully support building more trails in this area. I’m an avid trail user and have seen the many positive impacts of these projects. This area of the valley is woefully low in the number of Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. available trails for public use given the existing and projected population. Trails help the public enjoy the outdoors more and make advocates for their protection and upkeep. More trails equates to more use and less congestion on the entire metro area trails system. Trails impact the local economy, support public health, increase property value, attract residents and businesses and many other socio-economic benefits. Please approve this project. 321 Melissa Thomas I am for approving the mountain biking trails. My son has benefited so much from being on the mountain ridge mountain biking team. There are very few trails out here and this project Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. could be just as good as corner canyon in draper. It would be really nice not to have to drive 30 - 40 minutes to the trail head. Please approve this project. 322 Dan Mills Please add more mountain bike trails to this area! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 323 Protected I would love to see new trails in the Yellow Fork area. It would be a huge benefit for those that live near by and a growing community that loves to be outdoors on trails. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 324 Riley Thomas i'm sure most people are tired of going out 30+ minutes to ride more than 3 trails and have some variety. it could also bring some new people to the town looking ride these new trails. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. there would be an influx of new buyers for local shops. 325 Ross Whitaker In the last year mountain biking has exploded in the Salt Lake Valley. Current trail systems are used to capacity and there is a great need for more trail systems that are open to mountain Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. biking. The proposed trail systems are particularly important because they are nearer to the west side of town, which makes them more accessible to people who live in the west part of SL valley – a part of the valley that has been underserved by outdoor recreation opportunities. That said, the trails in the Lake Mountains area would need to be managed in a way that interacted properly with other current land uses. There is a lot of shooting over there, which is dangerous. Perhaps some management of shooting areas would be needed in order to maintain safety. Also, there are some important motorcycle trails over there, which I also use. It would be best for everyone if these new trails to not come at the expense of dirt bikers. 326 Protected Please consider keeping open the current trails and adding to the trail system for mountain bikes and other non-motorized users. With growth in the Salt Lake valley, there are precious few Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. areas available to recreate. You might consider the one way trail systems that have been adopted in some areas to reduce traffic and conflict amongst cyclists and other users. This has been used to great effect in Park City and areas in Phoenix, Arizona to name a few. 327 Protected Would love to see additional trails to get our community recreating and exercising together. Would be really helpful to encourage others having the extra space since Corner Canyon, and Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Park City can get so crowded. This is necessary. 328 Craig Brewster the trails in the southwest Valley would be a real asset to the community. The existing trails are heavily used and more trails would take the pressure off of them Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 329 Whitney Pogue Development of more trails int he south west end of the valley would be a great benefit to so many. Since the onset of the Covid crisis, trail usage in Corner Canyon has increased upwards Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. of 300%. That is a TON of people on the trails. Having more options for bikers and hikers in this end of the valley would help alleviate some of the stress placed on other trail systems by people discovering and LOVING the outdoors. As a coaching the Utah High School cycling league, we understand the burden we place on trail systems and believe this is outweighed by the benefits participation provides so many youth. We also understand the need to give back and be part of the solution. We welcome an opportunity to help with trail building and or maintenance as this becomes a reality. Please consider the many trail users who would benefit from the development of more trails in the Butterfield canyon area.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 330 Janae Shearer Our area desperately needs more trails. Corner Canyon is really the only place in the area for hikers, bikers and horseback riding. All of this in one canyon for the many people who want Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. to enjoy the outdoors (especially now) is just too much. We need more trails. There is really no good reason not to expand. Everyone could find a use for them. It's so good for kids to be outside and away for their electronics. I can't think of a better way to help than to build more trails for everyone to explore. 331 James Draper As more and more people are looking to be outside along the Wasatch front, it is imperative that we develop trail systems that allow for the citizens to enjoy the foothills along the valley Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. without destroying the natural beauty. If we simply turn a blind eye to the increase of people and the need for a developed trail system we will contribute to overuse of existing trails and destruction of accessible but non developed areas. We can choose to be ahead of the curve or put our heads in the sand. 332 Jerry Nielsen We need more trails for hiking, running, and horseback riding. The trails in Corner Canyon and Black Ridge Reservoir are overwhelmed. There is massive demand for multi-purpose Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trails with the increase in trail running, mountain biking, and hiking. 333 Stephen James MTB and mixed use trails! Our communities are flooding into the trail systems so the more the better! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 334 Katy Yes! As Utah continues to grow we must invest in our outdoor infrastructure, so that we can continue to recreate and enjoy the beautiful state we live in! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 335 Protected Please put in as many recreational trails as possible. We need more biking and hiking trails. They add so much to a community and provide economic and health benefits for years to Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. come. 336 Protected Our family moved to Utah from the East Coast about 7 years ago. We live in an area that had tremendous access to trails and wonderful outdoor recreation. Since moving to Utah, we have Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. fallen in love with the amazing trails in Draper's Corner Canyon. In the few short years of living in Draper, we witnessed the trails become more and more congested. In asking around, we have heard that very few communities have invested in the way that Draper has in building, maintaining, and expanding an extensive trail network. We are overjoyed that many are able to use these trails, but know that even more would use trails if they were more accessible to them in their communities. This seems an undue burden on one city in the valley to be shouldering a vast majority of the hiking, biking, and other recreation on the extensive trails provided in this community and feel that other areas would benefit from constructing trails for the benefit of other users. I have unfortunately heard from several friends who used to use the trails frequently, but as the congestion has grown, they have diminished their use of the trails. This is tragic since there are so many physical and mental health benefits to be reaped by enjoying the beauties of the outdoors. This congestion has only exploded with Covid and the ensuing social distancing and the desire to be outside wherever possible. Please continue to develop trails for the healthy use by all citizens and develop these lands ASAP! We love our trails and want others to find this love as well! 337 Not Provided This trail system would be a huge lifesaver for me and my family. Not to mention it will grow the MTN bike community to the west side and help those that can't drive to CC. Please make Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. this trail system!! 338 Protected We would love to see the trail system expanded in the southwest end of the valley! The trail system will benefit county residents for years to come. We benefit greatly from the open Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. spaces in the valley and as our population grows, we need more space in nature. Those of us who enjoy hiking and biking trails are often frustrated that some communities are late to develop trail for their residents. 339 Emily The trail system in Salt Lake County is a huge draw for my family and many people in this area - hikers, bikers, horse riders, runners. Many others also travel from outside Salt Lake Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. County to use trails here. I have family in both Utah and Davis counties that regularly travel to Salt Lake County to bike on trails. The more trails the better for all users, no matter their use. Increasing the number of trails also allows for more trails to be designated to certain uses only. Congestion has increased the last few years on current trails, more trails are needed to spread use out. Please approve this project to add more trails in Salt Lake County. 340 Mike Rice More trail = more opportunities for everyone to, safely, enjoy the out doors. Which is desperately needed. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 341 Protected As an avid trail user, (hiking, biking, running, birder, etc.) I was thrilled when I heard about the development of the trails in Butterfield Canyon. I have often enjoyed many of the canyons Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. and trails in the Salt Lake Valley, and never has it been more apparent than now, during Covid, of the need for more established trail systems. We all know trail usage will only increase, as more people learn what the great state of Utah has to offer. The trail development in Butterfield Canyon makes sense!! (Not only to alleviate over-usage on other trails, but to provide this great commodity for the growing population of Herriman and surrounding communities.). Please use common sense while looking at the potential of these trails, not just for the locals, but for the entire Salt Lake Valley. Many trails are overpopulated and if new trails aren't established, the 'older trails' will ruin the grand gift of nature itself. 342 Josh Johnson As a resident of Riverton I enjoy the trails around Yellowfork, and would love to see more trails for mountain biking. There is a strong equestrian presence, and while I’ve yet to have a Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. poor encounter there, that area has been getting more and more popular. There’s some great opportunity for narrow, hand built singletrack, and I know there are lots of bikers in the area that would love to help build trails in the Yellowfork/Rose Canyon area. 343 Dave Feil We need more trails, let's do it. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 344 Steve Sapanas I think it is a great idea for more trails in yellow fork canyon Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 345 Not Provided I am very supportive of developing more trails! I'm confident many members of our community would enjoy using these trails. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 346 Bernd Helzer I want to write how excited I am about this proposal. The area in question would be a great addition to the wonderful recreational opportunities we have in the valley. Having more places Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. to ride with a growing population is an absolute must. As we have seen in 2020, the trails are a perfect get-away that does not require long travel. Enhancing the trails will give an opportunity for many people to enjoy the canyon. I am absolutely in favor of proposition B. 347 Shelby McCune So excited for this kind of recreational opportunity on this side of the valley. So underserved! This is great use of public lands. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 348 Protected I’m all for making more trails in Butterfield!! There are so many mountain bikers and trail runners and not nearly enough trails! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 349 Protected Please consider adding new trails in the Harriman area. I live near Corner Canyon area, and parking lots, trails and facilities are overrun with people. We need more trails in the greater Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. SLC are so that there’s room for all of us to enjoy trails outdoors. There’s been talk of the Corner Canyon trails being so busy that they will limit who can use trails on certain days. It would be a tragedy to limit outdoor participation in hiking, biking and general trail use. There is enough space for all if Herriman will consider building trails nearby. 350 Not Provided Trails and trail usage is great for the community as a whole and there are great rewards for the kids that get into physical activity (Running, Hiking, Mountain biking) Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 351 David Moore This is sorely needed to provide recreation and future economic stimulus for residents in the southwest part of the valley. The proposed plan is excellent and should be fully funded and Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. implemented. Current trails in this part of the valley are limited and for many trails we need to drive a great distance. Hikers and mountain bikers are excellent stewards of these recreational resources and often contribute to maintenance and upkeep. In addition, having parking and restroom facilities will provide a clean and safe location for recreation. 352 Not Provided I live in the South end of the valley out by these trails. If the trail is approved, we would ride our bikes to the trails instead of driving to the trail head. This will help us be able to ride Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. more. When we ride in the evenings we get dinner or drinks when done. I would be good to spend that money in our area. We also ride with the high school team. When we go to races we get hotels and food for a day or two. It would be great to have the money spent in our county.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 353 Protected This trail system will greatly enhance our community. This area of Salt Lake Valley is greatly in need of more trails. They will benefit the health and wellness of so many people Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 354 Brooklyn Bailey I think it would be a great idea to create trails on the south west side in Herriman! It would provide a variety of terrain for mountain bikes to ride on! I personally have been getting tired of Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. riding the same trials every time. 355 avery wettstein I think that it is a great idea to create trails on the south-west side! i’m getting sick of riding the same corner canyon trails! give us some variety! We need to get some good trails on the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. other side, it would be much more convenient for me and many of my mountain biker buddies. 356 Diane Liddell We need more trails in the South End of the valley. Current trail systems are already over crowded. To name just a few reasons why- Having more options will provide a safer experience Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. for all multi users Sharing trails, traffic to the trails will be spread, businesses near these trail heads will be more frequently visited, and more endorphins for all in a time where we need it most! 357 Chad Goeckeritz I am giving my support for the new trail system development in Southwest Salt Lake Area. As the population continues to grow exponentially in Utah, we will become limited in Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Recreational areas if they are not set aside now a for multi-use. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and trail user and am an advocate for future trail systems. I currently use the Corner Canyon Trails in Draper City. However, with the growth of trail users this last year, I fear that without further trail systems in place in other city’s, the trails we currently have will become over crowded. I highly recommend that as this trail system comes into development, I strongly encourage trails exclusively for bikes (both up and down hill) and trails exclusively for runners and hikers. This is probably the biggest problems with Corner Canyon. Bikers and runners really should have their own trails for safety. I would also encourage bike trails to be one way as much as possible. This will help with trail flow and prevent unnecessary accidents. I look forward to this development and for future generations to get out and enjoy the outdoors. 358 Angela We need more trails! I primarily mountain bike and hike in the Corner Canyon area in Draper, and it has become very overcrowded. I worry the crowding is only going to get worse until Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. more trail systems across Salt Lake County are developed. I've seen first-hand what a difference mountain biking can be in the lives of young kids (I have several kids who race with their high schools) and know that fantastic trail systems are what makes that program work. Please keep the trails open to all users and let's get this project rolling! 359 Jo I am an outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike, mtn bike and pretty much do anything outdoors. I have lived in South Jordan for over 20 years and have longed for more trails to enjoy with Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. my family and friends. I strongly urge you to consider a better trail system for all of us living in the south west area is the Salt Lake valley. 360 Nicole Crockett I would love to see some trails in Butterfiled canyon. There are so many young people who love mountain biking in our high schools. The Draper trails are so busy. We need to get people Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. spread out. I love that my husband and daughter enjoy this sport because it gets them out of the house and is an opportunity for them to bond. A trail system in Butterfield would be great for the businesses in the area that bikers would frequent. In my experience, bikers are respectful of the set trails so I don't have an environmental concern. Let people enjoy nature in a way that they can't in this area. 361 Jacob It'd be great to have some more trails in that area! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 362 Greg Crockett I live in the South end of the valley out by these trails. If the trail is approved, we would ride our bikes to the trails instead of driving to the trail head. This will help us be able to ride Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. more. When we ride in the evenings we get dinner or drinks when done. I would be good to spend that money in our area. We also ride with the high school team. When we go to races we get hotels and food for a day or two. It would be great to have the money spent in our county. 363 Paige Crockett I am part of the high school team. I have to currently get a ride to the trails. It would make it easier to practice to have trails close to my house because I could ride there. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. 364 David Please build more bike trails. I live in Utah County but am constantly meeting friends at different trailheads and trail networks along the Wasatch Front in Draper, Eagle Mountain, Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Shallenberger Millcreek, Alpine, etc. Frequently when we go we are visiting local businesses and establishments and supporting places in that community. We'd love to come to Herriman to use your trails networks and put our money into Herriman businesses as well. 365 E E We need more mountain bike trails in the area. Our current trails in Corner Canyon are over crowded. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 366 Protected Our trails are getting crowded and it would be great to have more options for everyone. It also would be great not to have to travel so far to get a variety of trails. I ride from my home to Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. the Blackridge trails, it would be great to ride over to Butterfield canyon. I also have children on the mtn bike high school team and it would be great for them to have more variety and for us not to have to drive so far to practice. Plus, if there were a race course, our kids would have an advantage of having practiced on the course. It also brings in money for the city with people stopping to get gas or staying in hotels for the races. A great thing about the high school teams are that we have trail work days. It teaches the kids to take care of the trails and they help make the area better. We need more trails!! 367 Protected The west side is in dire need of trails. Trail miles per capita are already abysmal and with more population growth coming, something has to be done. Please consider making Butterfield Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Canyon a recreation destination as important as any of the canyons in the wasatch. Planning ahead for lots of trailheads and parking are key. 368 Emily As a mountain biker I always look forward to riding new trails, especially when riding them with my high school mountain bike team. I love the adventure and thrill I get when exploring a Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. new trail, whether it’s on my bike, or simply walking. It would definitely be worth it to add more trails, so I really hope the land is put to good use and that it will be available to the public to enjoy. 369 Daniel Reeves I live in Lehi, Utah and I am excited with the prospect of more mountain bike trails close to home. I strongly support the inclusion of additional mountain biking trails on the BLM lands Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. around West Mountain, the Oquirrh Mountains and Yellowfork Canyon near Herriman. 370 Erin T I am a resident of the Herriman/Riverton area very close to the proposed trails. I strongly support the building of more trails. These trails add so much to our quality of life. They provide Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. opportunities for much needed recreation and enjoying the beautiful nature that we are fortunate enough to live by. With the large numbers of people moving to this area, the current trails are getting overcrowded and overwhelmed. Others are being lost to housing growth. Meanwhile sports such as mountain biking are gaining popularity and demand for trails far exceeds availability. I’ve been impressed with the school mountain biking groups and their efforts to help to maintain trials and be courteous users. My own son has recently discovered mountain biking with his school team and it made such a difference to his mental and physical health. He recently had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and struggled after diagnosis to be active, preferring to live inside in front of an electronic device. He also went through a period of depression after the diagnose. Mountain biking changed all of that for him. He learned to love moving his body again, increasing in overall happiness, and gaining confidence in so many areas of his life as a result of his time on the trails. During this period in our community of increased mental strain and illness, I hope you will make these trails a priority! They are so needed for our community! 371 Protected I am in favor of adding more mountain biking trails. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 372 Tami Owen Trails are so good for my children and for me! I am the mother of five kids. This would be so good for public health in our area! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 373 Catherine Russell Please develop more trails in the south end of the valley! We are a home with 4 mountain bikers and we love access to well maintained trails for a safe and healthy activity. Additional Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. trails add value to the community and promote a healthy quality of life for all citizens. These new trails will alleviate the congestion in other locations around the valley and provide access

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response to all families to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Utah. It will preserve the land from other development and provide opportunities for the community to engage in, maintain, and support the preservation of lands to be used by ALL people. 374 Melanie Teeples We need these trails! Please move forward with this!! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 375 Protected I strongly urge you to expand the mountain bike and hiking trail system in Rose Canyon and around Herriman. It is GREATLY needed! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. Currently to have a decent mountain biking or trail running experience, the closest place is Corner Canyon. That's about 20-25 minutes drive when we could literally be in our own back yard in Rose Canyon and Butterfield Canyon. Plus Corner Canyon is SO crowded with all of the high school and middle school teams practicing there. It can be dangerous at times. If there was a great trail system in the southwest end of the valley, a lot more people could easily get out and enjoy the trails. 376 Protected I fully support building the trail system on the west side as proposed. The southwest side is a large growth area and we need opportunities for outdoor recreation for all ages. Mountain Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. biking is a growth sport for all ages this would be a great community investment to be enjoyed for generations to come 377 Not Provided More trails on the west side is much needed. There is so much potential for more trails and this would free up more area for people enjoy the outdoors. Since the covid lock downs trails all Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. over the valley have seen a big increase in trail use so now is a great time to add more much needed trails! 378 Allison Jacobsen Wooohoo finally some trails to get things moving and taken well care of Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 379 Mindy I would really like to encourage the planning of trails for mountain biking and hiking in the South Valley region. As much growth as this part of the valley is undergoing makes it feel even Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. more imperative to have multi-use trails to keep up the mental, emotional, and physical health of our community. 380 Protected The trail development in the Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh Management Area, and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons would offer a great option for mountain bikers and hikers. This area Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. is a great spot to bike and our NICA registered Salt Lake Composite team rides in the area often. We are always looking for different options, particularly with smaller groups and this provides more options. All too often, motorized vehicles impede or diminish the beauty of a mountain bike ride and the trail system. Providing more locations that can be effectively used by non-motorized activities is a huge benefit. 381 Norm Krantz I LOVE our trails in Draper! They have brought so much good to me and my family and I would love to see even more options in the area! We use the trails to hike, run, and mountain Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. bike. It has given my boys such a wholesome outlet especially during these crazy times. If anyone from some other area were to ask whether they should encourage a new trail system around them I would emphatically say YES! The trails here are probably my favorite thing about Draper. I would be hard pressed to ever move because I don't know what I would do without our trails. 382 Juston Puchar the yellow fork rose canyon are is extremely deserving of trails to support hiking and mountain biking. growth in the area and close proximity to the city demands local options. corner Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. canyon in draper is absolutely packed, millcreek canyon and even park city have limited availability and accessible option to recreate inside if salt lake county. please consider the use and know mtb respect exists in participating in outdoor recreation 383 Jana Dennison I’m excited for this! It’ll help our kids learn how to take care of the mtn trails, but make good use of it at the same time. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 384 Melinda Krantz In 2020, more people than ever before used the trail systems in Salt Lake County and Utah County. The trail systems have a positive impacts for hikers, families, mountain bikers, runners Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. and outdoor enthusiasts. With all of the new trail enthusiasts added to the trail use this year, coupled with our state’s rapidly growing population, we are in great need of more trails for residents to use, to avoid congestion and the potential conflict that could result from overcrowding on trails. The Corner Canyon trail system is a gem on the southeast side of Salt Lake County. I would love to see a similar trail system on the southwest side of Salt Lake County. More trails will benefit our community and are a great option for providing for the well-being of residents. 385 Davy Kammer I have been coaching with NICA for 8 years now and I know first hand that this program literally saves kid's lives. It is hands down the number one reason why I Coach. This program is Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. like no other school sport - there are no tryouts, no bench warmers, everyone has a place on the team and everyone participates regardless of ability. I coached the Lone Peak Mtn Bike team for 5 years and we took on "at risk", "troubled", suicidal, and disabled kids and gave them a place to belong, help them make friends, gave them a purpose and changed their lives as well as their family's lives. I don't know of any other high school sport that can say that. I am going to share with you just 1 of many, many letters that I have from parents expressing their appreciation and excitement for what this program has done for their kids. This is the number one reason why you should build these trails - you will be a part of something much larger than just mountain biking. [Attachments not reproduced here.] 386 John Harrison Trail systems throughout the Salt Lake Valley are well utilized. Between hikers, bikers, NICA teams, and equestrians we all need more outdoor recreation resources. Not only do they Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. provide a great way to exercise, but they help spur economic development. I am a VP of Engineering at Lucid Software. We've grown from 65 people to over 670 employees over the past 5 years. I have personally hired a large portion of our engineering staff. Access to outdoor recreation opportunities is a huge draw to many of our recruits. I've been able to recruit talented engineers who had offers from Google, Facebook, and Amazon because they want to hike, bike, and ski here in Utah. NICA is getting thousands of Utah kids every year into mountain biking. They need places to practice and will grow up to love the sport and have a lifelong activity. But this requires trails. We've got a great resource here, let's utilize it. 387 Scott Miles The purpose of public lands is to provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people. I can’t think of a better way to do this than by allowing for a planned trail system for Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. mountain biking and hiking. The current available open spaces and trails available to the public in the valley are nowhere near sufficient to accommodate the demand that exists now. Planning for these types of uses is always easier to plan for and to plan around if contemplated on the front end of development of an area. 388 Protected I’ve enjoyed riding in this area and would love to see more trails developed for exploring and enjoying this space. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 389 Andy Welch Ride Mtn bikes competitively and with my kids. As this sport has grown the past 5 years, many of the trails have become very crowded. The more trails that can be created, will allow Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. additional rider, families and youth to enjoy a sport that have so many physical and mental effects. Please consider adding additional land for trails. 390 Stuart Anderson This is Stuart Anderson, manager and owner of the Mi Duole Cycling Team. Utah’s oldest standing cycling team. The trail systems in Utah are so crowded and even dangerous. Adding Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. new routes and trails on these hills would help ease the strain on Corner Canyon in Draper and allow our youth more opportunities to ride. This team is in favor of creating this new trail system. 391 Spencer Chipping Please consider the trails for the needs of outdoor activity!! We need it badly. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 392 Karen Johnson I’m so happy that you’re planning to develop some land into mountain biking trails! Three of my kids have participated in mountain biking and they love it. Not only is it a great activity to Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. increase physical fitness, but mountain biking teaches kids that they can do hard things and they can support teammates and people from other teams to overcome obstacles and succeed.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 393 Protected I would like to recommend the building of more trails in the Herriman area. There are so many reasons why but here are a few: 1. Many trail systems in our valley have increased usage Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. this year by 3 to 4 times more users this last year. Many people are finally looking to the local outdoors as a way to escape and spend time with their families. I am always in the mountains with my children and it is the greatest thing for us. 2. The effects of having a close trail system for a community are unmeasurable. As a mountain bike coach I have seen kids find their place where they had nowhere to go. Having trails close gives these kids a great outlet to find common interest and be able to grow. When they have to travel to go to the trails it is less likely they will meet up with people of their community and build relationships. 3 It is fun. To be able to just leave your house and within minutes be in nature makes life so much more enjoyable. Having a managed trail system will help the impact of our population and keep damage to a minimum. As humans we always head to the hills but we need to manage what we do. 394 Not Provided It would be so awesome to add more trails to the Salt Lake Valley for many reason. One, other trails are getting over crowded. Utah is known for its outdoors. By adding more trails you Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. expand what travelers and locals can go see and do. It will create more traffic and revenue to the west side as well. Draper is known for Corner Canyon, I think making Butterfield Canyon a destination would be incredible!! By having awesome trails in all corners of the valley improves overall quality of life for people both physically and mentally. I think it is a fabulous idea to expand trails. I am so excited and hope it happens!! 395 Protected A big part of what makes Utah great is the outdoor recreation opportunities here. Given various options for allocating this land, I can’t think of a better use than creating more areas for Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. outdoor activities that we can enjoy with our families and friends. 396 Protected PLEASE create more trails!!! As an avid trail user living in Draper, I get to enjoy wonderful trail systems and it would be amazing to have more to use and enjoy!! This trail system Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. would be amazing for people living closer to these locations so they wouldn’t have to travel as far to recreate. When we live close to trails it encourages people to get outside and take care of themselves and the environment. There is such a great need for this, especially in our Covid times!! It will also help all trail users by spreading out usage thereby alleviating trail congestion on other trail systems. YES YES YES...Good things will come from more trail systems!!! 397 Scott I support the development of the proposed trail system to provide another resource for outdoor recreation in Salt Lake County. As population and density continue to increase throughout Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. the county additional recreation options are needed. This trail system will reduce the overcrowding at existing trails and provide residents in the Southwest corner of the valley a recreation option that is close to home. 398 Protected I would like to express my desire to see a trail system built in Butterfield Canyon. My family had the opportunity to visit Butterfield canyon this summer and drove to the summit Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. overlooking the copper mine. Being a fan of the outdoors and of mountain biking I was hoping there would be trails developed in that canyon someday. The canyon is beautiful and trails would allow the public to more easily enjoy the beauty of the canyon. I would encourage those considering this project to move forward as it will be a project that will bring joy to many. 399 Justin Hill There is a critical need for additional hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in the salt lake valley. As population growth continues in tandem with increasing popularity of outdoor Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. activities drawing people to the region, it will become increasingly important to provide recreational access to public lands. I have lived in Draper for over seven years and have seen firsthand the dramatic increase in trail traffic in corner canyon. Fortunately, Draper city and community activists have had the foresight to anticipate growth and build trails, increasing access accordingly. Even so, trail traffic has outpaced trail development in large part because of users traveling from neighboring communities and even neighboring states for the sole purpose of hiking or riding the trails. The west side of the salt lake valley has had a history of utilizing public lands for ATV access and resource extraction. Times are changing and public lands use needs to change accordingly. 400 Dan Kaelberer I appreciate you accepting comments regarding the new trail system. I am an avid cyclist and outdoors enthusiast and Head Coach of a high school mountain bike team in Salt Lake City. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. As this sport grows, we are in desperate need of more trails to help with the current congestion on our already busy trails. Please consider building the trails in the Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh Management Area and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons. They are desperately needed and will be well-used. 401 Not Provided I would love to see another trait system put in place! This would be awsome! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 402 Heidi Munson Creating and bringing new trails to the southwest part of Salt Lake County would be benefit to the county. Trail usage has seen a huge increase in the past 5 years and significant increase Appendix B was edited to discuss costs (construction/maintenance/events). in the past year. Trails in the canyons and also Corner Canyon are extremely busy and popular. For many residents of the county, it can be a 30-45 drive to access these developed and well Refer also to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. maintained trails. Currently, usage in Yellowfork Canyon is very minimal with only a couple of undeveloped trails and several steep fire roads. By expanding a larger trail system it would create better recreation opportunities amongst all multi use trail users. Yellowfork has the opportunity to become an outdoor recreational highlight of Salt Lake County. The trailhead that was expanded a few years ago should be able to support higher trail use. As a family living in Herriman, who mountain bike regularly and participate in NICA (for high school mountain bikers) we would encourage the development of these trails and a NICA race course. The criteria required for a NICA course brings a more beginner friends trail to area the area that helps in developing young riders and beginner mountain bike skills. There are not a lot of beginning friendly trails in Salt Lake County. A NICA course would help create trail access and help teach new trail users proper trail etiquette while recreating with multi use users. These trails would also benefit local high school mountain bike teams. Also consider high school mountain bike teams maintain and clean up more trails in Salt Lake County than any other group of people. Trail systems are also a economic benefit to communities. Richfield, Utah reported an approximate economic boost of at least $240,000 to the area for 2019 (see https://le.utah.gov/interim/2019/pdf/00001155.pdf) due to two NICA race weekends scheduled in 2019. Also, consider trail users spend money before and after in local communities where trail systems are located. Please consider the time in now to bring new trails to southwest Salt Lake County. My family and especially my children would highly support and help in the development of these trails. 403 Andy Olson I’m an avid cyclist and in favor of using this land for additional mountain biking trails. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 404 Protected I strongly support new trails in ALL public lands. Trails for ALL uses near to peoples’ homes are ESSENTIAL AND INVALUABLE for out future. We should expand recreational Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. opportunities for nonmotorized recreation, especially for hiking and mountain biking!! More Utahns are enjoying these health promoting activities than ever before. More trails are needed to promote safe recreation!! MTB-only downhill trails help make other trails more enjoyable and safe for all!!! Thanks!! More trails=more joy!! 405 Angela Williams Having more trails in the Butterfield canyon is greatly important to my family! We have been part of Herriman MTB team for 3 years now and the benefits for our sons as well as my Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. husband and I (as coaches) cannot be overstated. This is a team sport that is so inclusive of all riders, at any level, and provides the unique experience of parents along many other positive adult role models being part of these kids' lives as they ride beside them, all the while being outside and enjoying the beauty nature and the health of exercise. NICA culture teaches respect of self, others, and the trails. Having more trails near us will allow the over-crowded trails in Draper to get some relief. It will also provide more opportunities for the riders to take part in their trail maintenance service projects. Having a NICA course would also be a wonderful benefit for the local economy as it brings so many people into town. 406 Bennion Gardner The Oquirrh Foundation submits the following comment in response to the environmental assessment of proposed non-motorized trails in the Oquirrh Mountains. The Oquirrh Foundation Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. supports increased non-motorized trail access to the Oquirrhs. Much of the land in the Oquirrhs is private property. Access to public lands in the Oquirrhs is very limited. Communities that surround the Oquirrhs are rapidly growing and lack proper access to open space. We believe the more that individuals are able to sustainably access public lands in the Oquirrhs the more support there will be to preserve other threatened areas within the mountain range.

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Letter # Commenter Comment Response 407 Not Provided I am very excited about the possibility of more trails in this area. With the continuing increase in popularity of Mountain Biking and hiking, many great areas such as Corner Canyon Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. continue to become more busy. It would be great to have more options for people in this area. I think the trails can be done in a way to not have major impacts on vegetation and allow people to get out and enjoy this area. 408 Protected I would absolutely love new trails around Butterfield Canyon. The trails are badly needed to help spread out some of the congestion and popularity on mountain biking that is happening Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. on other trails around the valley. It would also be great to have a race venue in the area. 409 Joey Smith THESE TRAILS ARE SO IMPORTANT!!! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 410 Protected I have been involved in Mountain Biking in Utah since I was 16 - over 30 years ago. I grew up on Ogden, and first road on the trails there. It's continued to be a passion of mine. For the Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. last 22 years, I've lived in the Salt Lake Valley. When my oldest son was a freshman in High School in 2014, he joined the Corner Canyon High School mountain biking team. It was a great experience for both of us. I was a ride leader, and he was on the team. The next year my 2nd son joined the middle school team. My oldest son rode for all of his high school years, and my 2nd son rode one year in middle school, and all his years in high school. And recently my daughter has just finished 2 years of being on the middle school mountain biking team. I've now been an assistant coach on the high school and middle school teams for 4 years. I've seen first hand the great, positive impact that mountain biking has had on so many youth. I've also seen the popularity continue to grow and grow. What's also exciting is the number of young women who are riding. I just watched a documentary today about the inequality of women in pro road cycling. It's made me appreciate even more the growth and support of young women and women in mountain biking, especially in the salt lake valley. Mountain biking is such a great sport for both young and older. There's the exercise of it, the social aspect to it, the trail stewardship and nature appreciate to it, the confidence it builds, and more. With the teams and others, my family and I have spent countless hours maintaining trails as well. I've also taken up road biking in recent years, and ride up Butterfield canyon on my road bike. I've mountain biked in yellow fork a number of times. Whenever I ride Butterfield canyon, I've always thought of the great potential of mountain biking on the western mountains in the valley. I'm a big proponent of building more trails in the Salt Lake Valley. Please consider my support, as well as all of my family in support of this. 411 Karla Joffs Please, please, please, we need more trails in Butterfield Canyon and Rose Canyon, Yellowfork for Horseback riding, trails that are maintained and with proper signage, we went riding Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. and got lost couldn't find our way back to our truck and horse trailer, we ended up in Eagle Mountain found someone at 2 am to pick us up we should have been an 1-2 hour ride, back to our truck by 7pm, 8pm at the latest. We also need proper mountain biking trails which are maintained and has signage. When we ride our horses if a bike comes up behind us it spooks the horses. People get hurt and emergency services are needed. We are very athletic, we ride bike, horses, we run and hike trails but many times we have to travel too far an hour or more away. This is why I support this. 412 Amy Peterson I hope that we will have more mountain bikes trails in Butterfield Canyon! Mountain biking has been priceless to my teenagers, my husband & I for this weird year when so much fun was Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. cancelled! The benefits of health, emotional, social are so valuable! My daughter & 2 sons have been on the high school mountain bike team for several years now & would greatly benefit from a NICA type racecourse in Salt Lake County! Have more options closer to home for practices and races will safe so much in drive time & travel expenses. It would also help more of the high schools to be able to develop a team. At the races I've noticed that so many of the high schools on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley are super small, or have no team at all. Driving from Kearns or West Valley to the current options in Herriman or Draper, or in another county, make it hard to develop teams. Having an option in Butterfield Canyon would help those teams and (more importantly) those teenagers greatly. This project is worth the time and money it will take! The teams will contribute so much by way of service hours & we can benefit so many with expanded access to bike trails in Butterfield Canyon. 413 Steve Thurgood I think adding trails for MTB would be a great use of public lands in that area. Between camp Williams and Rio Tinto there isn’t much access on the west side of the valley which is Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. causing overcrowding on the east canyons. These trails will help spread people out and enjoy the public lands! 414 Kimball Hodges We need more trails and open spaces in Utah particularly in Butterfield Canyon. This new trail system will be a huge benefit to kids and adults. It’s so inspiring to see so many JR high and Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. high school kids actively mountain biking. Please support these trails to make Utah even more awesome. These trails will add tremendous value for many generations. 415 Brandon Preece I am a big supporter of trails in the southwest part of the salt lake valley. I am a NICA coach for one of the high school teams, we are riding trails several days a week. Our teams would Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letters #2 and #32. greatly benefit from having more trails to access. It would improve the usage for everyone of all varieties by having more trails for users to access. One of the major issues is we have a very large NICA league in Utah. We tend to overrun the existing trails in the area making it hard for other users to enjoy the trails while we are there. Having more trails would allow all of us to enjoy them more because it would allow our teams to spread out better. Our High School teams are a primary maintainer for the trails. Our teams put in hundreds of hours each year in maintaining and supporting trail systems. These trails, when built, would be lovingly provided for. It would be a hallmark for the area. In order to have the trails be the best they can be, facilities need to be build to support them. We need pavilions, restrooms with flushing toilets, paved parking lots etc. they need multiple access points and trailheads. I do not believe that they need to be mountain bike only. I love to see users of all types enjoying trails. But, we need to have some specific use trails to separate use types. Having MTB specific trails and hiking only or equestrian trails are important. I hope we can have a planned trail system that we all can enjoy. I also hope it includes a NICA race course. Our league could use one in the Salt Lake valley. I hope you approve this land usage. It would benefit everyone in the southwest portion of the valley. 416 Protected We definitely agree with the proposed development of trails. As an active family, we cherish the great outdoors in the great state of Utah! Half of our family are avid mountain bikers who Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. contribute to volunteer trail maintenance as part of the Utah high school MTB league (which is remarkable for both participants and spectators). We appreciate the growing number of youth and adults who are spending more time outside, and we need additional trails—including the proposed—to chase the demand. I’m not a fan of permitting dirt bikes and/or other ATV/UTV for the trails. Ebikes in designated areas could be permitted. Please consider the immense positive impact of the proposed trails, and disallow a few potential challenges from stalling or destroying a fantastic opportunity for the proposed area! 417 David McEntire Please open this land for trail use. We frequent Corner Canyon, Millcreek and Eagle Mountain and Herriman . We would LOVE to have more option on our back yard. Please book-end Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. the valley with adventure by moving forward with this initiative. 418 Gary Wekluk This project is a welcome addition to the outdoor recreation in this area. I seems to be low impact and will not cause adverse noise to current or future residence. It will also help to Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. relieve the pressure on other nearby trails. I for one welcome it! 419 Brad Davis PROPER TRAIL DESIGN: This will be a key in creating sustainable trails. OVER USE AND TRAFFIC: We drive 2x a week over an hour each way to practice on already crowded trails. Refer to BLM's responses to Comment Letters #2 and #22. More open space for trails is what BLM is made for! MOUNTAIN BIKERS GIVE BACK: Remind them we give back each year through our trail maintenance hours and caring for the environment when we ride. 420 Julie Helzer As a hiker and biker who uses this area, I would love more trails! Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2. 421 Irina Wong I strongly support the building of these new trails. they make a difference to me and my family and our mountain biking team. Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2.

Comments Received via Email

94 March 2021

Letter # Commenter Comment Response 422 Jay Griffin I'm 61 years old and have been mountain biking since 1989. It keeps me feeling young. It's also an activity I have enjoyed for many years with my entire family. With the increasing Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2 population in Salt Lake, Tooele and Utah counties we need more trails to help avoid overcrowding and conflicts. Please develop and build as many new trais as you can. How many crimes/riots do you think there would be if most kids grow up enjoying the outdoors with their families? 423 Toni Sprague I am a resident of Draper City and advid trail user. My whole family uses the Corner Canyon trails for mountain biking and hiking for the last 15 years. The trails are often congested Refer to BLM's response to Comment Letter #2 especially during peak times in the morning and afternoon and during high school mountain biking season. There are high school teams from all over the valley that use our trails in Corner Canyon. If there was other trail systems in the South West part of the valley that would be especially beneficial to help alleviate the traffic on our trails in Corner Canyon. I have seen inexperienced bikers on the wrong side of RUSH which caused a horrific accident and left a biker with several broken ribs and a collar bone because he was trying to avoid an inexperienced lady on the wrong side of the trail. In addition, some dog owners do not pick up their dog feces and people do not carry out their garbage and water bottles so it makes it not as nice because our trail system is the only trail system in the south part of the valley. Corner Canyon is a gorgeous area and has been discovered especially this year by thousands of people. If another trail system were developed it would keep the beauty of Corner Canyon in tact for decades to come. Please consider developing another trail system so that Corner Canyon can continue to maintain its beauty and the new trail system could possibly host NICA and iCUP events that could draw more bikers into the inclusive amazing sport and in turn help the local city’s economy. I hope you seriously consider developing a much needed trail system to alleviate our congested trail system in Corner Canyon. Thank you for your time and consideration.