More than 4,500 Utahns chimed in last month on how they think their beloved Wasatch canyons should be managed in the future.

The state, Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City are in the midst of a yearlong planning process, dubbed Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow, as part of updating the county's 1989 canyons master plan.

The project covers City Creek, Red Butte, Emigration, Parleys, Millcreek, Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood canyons.

The November results, which include 4,500 responses to an online survey and 245 attendees of four public open houses, have not yet been analyzed.

But 5,000 comments received in an earlier round in May show most participants support the following:

» Year-round public transportation in the major canyons.

» Watershed protection and open-space preservation.

» A rail line in Little Cottonwood.

» Upgrades to trailheads.

» Bans on parking on some portions of major roadways to prevent overcrowding.

» Ski resort upgrades for year-round outdoor activities.

» Improvements to backcountry areas for rock climbers and mountain bikers.

Rosemary Winters