Last chance to comment on Wasatch Canyons' future

SALT LAKE CITY — County residents and businesses will have their last opportunity to comment on the future of the Wasatch Canyons at open houses this week hosted by Envision Utah.

The process will help elected officials make zoning and land-use decisions for the canyons between now and 2030.

Canyons included in the study are City Creek, Millcreek, Parleys, Emigration and Big and Little Cottonwood.

The outcome of the public process could result in changed transportation and parking schemes for the canyons. Several scenarios propose charging for trailhead parking.

The study also is looking at watershed sustainability. The majority of options given concerning recreation say that ski resorts should not be allowed to expand beyond current National Forest Service boundaries, set in 2003.

Thousands of people already have taken part in the process, said Envision Utah planning director Gabe Epperson. More than half of online survey respondents said limiting land development would be the best management approach to ensure environmental health. A higher percentage yet — 61 percent — want the county to strengthen development regulations.

At first, Brighton Ski Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort declined to be involved in the process but have since joined committees and given input, Epperson said.

Snowbird also has posted signs around the resort and sent e-mails to season pass holders.

"We encourage everyone to get involved," said Snowbird spokesman Jared Ishkanian.

Small groups of people can be very influential in the process, Ishkanian added.

The meetings get under way at 7 tonight at West High School, 241 N.300 West, and the Canyons School District Office auditorium, 9150 S. 500 West, Sandy. Meetings continue at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Skyline High School, 3251 E. 3760 South, and at Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Parkway.

A final report will be given to the Salt Lake County Council for approval by the end of May. The last such study was done in 1989, Epperson said.

e-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com