Forest Service gives approval for Bonneville Shoreline Trail

SALT LAKE CITY — After waiting more than two years and gathering $130,000, volunteers are being allowed to build portions of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail between Parleys Canyon and Sandy.

"It's a well-used trail where it has been constructed," said Forest Service ranger Cathy Kahlow. "We're just real excited about being able to provide a good, healthy recreation opportunity."

On Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service gave environmental approval for the entire 56 miles of trail. However, only 27 miles of that trail is currently usable. The Forest Service owns portions of the trail that make up another 11 miles.

Because no funding has been allocated, Kahlow doesn't expect trail construction on federal land this year.

The remainder of the land on which the shoreline trail is planned is divided into 62 parcels, most of which are on private property. Salt Lake County is working with developers to acquire some of that for public use.

A total of $130,000 in private and public funds accumulated by the nonprofit Bonneville Shoreline Trail Committee over the past four years was used for the environmental study, said committee co-chairman Jim Byrne.

That group is planning trail construction in the Mount Olympus area with Salt Lake County funds that have been set aside for months.

"The major effort, of course, is getting permission to build the trail," Byrne said. "There's still a lot of work to be done."

Ultimately, organizers hope to make the trail that roughly follows the shoreline of ancient Lake Bonneville extend from the Idaho border to Santaquin. Portions already have been built as far away as Cache Valley, and one of the most heavily used portions is near Red Butte Garden, Byrne said.

"I think it's a great concept," said the avid mountain biker. "It's a great resource for where the majority of the population lives, along the Wasatch Front."

For more information or to volunteer, visit bonnevilleshorelinetrail.org.

e-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com