Mantua agrees to contingent snow‑plowing for Forest Service road; residents voice concerns about proposed state park

The Mantua Town Council voted on Feb. 19 to continue plowing South Park Road contingent on a U.S. Forest Service permit. Residents Jeffrey and Kim Maughan requested plowing for a National Forest System Road that leads to their home; Public Works Director Marcus Abel warned of equipment wear on unpaved surfaces and possible liability. Mayor Pro Tempore Matt Jeppsen moved that, contingent upon a Forest Service permit, the town will plow the park road for the duration of the permit (one to ten years); Council Member Cheryl Burgan seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Jeppsen said he will contact Forest Service engineers to clarify permit terms before finalization.

On a related topic, the council reviewed a Feb. 6 fact‑finding tour of Echo State Park and discussed potential transition of Mantua Reservoir to a Utah State Park. State officials cited $10 million in planned investments for ramps and restrooms and noted 2026 legislation allocated $2 million for a Mantua State Park study; officials said the project’s advancement depends on documented community support. Mantua resident John Hurd told the council he fears a state park designation would erode the town’s 'local feel,' reduce discounted resident access, increase visitor volume and road wear, and raise water‑quality concerns from motorized boats; he suggested pursuing local grants as an alternative to relinquishing local control.

Fire Chief Will Hodgins also briefed the council on department needs: donations of gear and a $5,000 anonymous donation were reported; Hodgins proposed a long‑term plan to transition Mantua to EMT services to reduce current $2,400-per-call costs for Brigham City transports, requested land designation for a future 4–5 bay fire station, and is negotiating purchase of a used engine for about $10,000 plus $6,000–$10,000 in gear. The council approved fireworks spending for Little Valley Days not to exceed $6,500.