County signs on as cooperating agency for BLM High Desert Trail environmental assessment

Commissioners voted to adopt resolution R2026-3728 to enter a memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Land Management that designates Washington County as a cooperating agency on the High Desert Trail environmental assessment. Staff said the trail would become a designated motorized route connecting the southern and northern ends of the state along the western side and that the county wants to participate in planning and decision-making as the assessment moves forward.

"So the State BLM Office will be heading up this environmental assessment for High Desert Trail, which is what will become a designated motorized route that connects the southern end of the state to the northern end of the state," the presenter said, describing the project's scope. Commissioners emphasized the county should be part of the conversation and approved the MOU by voice vote.