It wasn't an easy decision. The trail issue has been bandied about for two years. Some vocal homeowners in the upscale Emigration Oaks subdivision were vehemently opposed to a trail that would run, essentially, in their back yards. But, building next to open public land doesn't ensure that you have exclusive rights to use that land or simply enjoy its beauty.

Public land should be available as much as possible for appropriate use by the public, while being protected from misuse.

The County Council, voting 8-1 with Councilman Randy Horiuchi dissenting, stood up for the interests of the majority in choosing the mid-slope trail proposal supported not only by outdoor recreationists but also by trail experts. The council rejected the questionable arguments of a few - who said they fear fires and crime perpetrated by recreationists and a drop in their home values - and relied instead on objective studies.

An alternative trail farther up the canyon hillside from Emigration Oaks was recommended earlier by the Emigration Township Planning Commission and favored by the Township Board. But the steeper trail was judged to be too close to the Red Butte Research Natural Area and the council wisely rejected it. The same good judgment also nixed a third proposal that would have had hikers and cyclists crossing the busy canyon road, at their peril.

The trail configuration ultimately adopted by the County Council will run the length of Emigration and connect the Bonneville Shoreline Trail at the mouth of the canyon with Summit County and its trail system. It's a sensible way to keep some of the last and most beautiful open space in Salt Lake County open for quiet recreation.

The council in its wisdom also voted to preserve Perkins Flat, an open space midway up the canyon, primarily for hikers.

The trail still must gain Forest Service approval and will be subject to environmental-impact studies. But the council deserves credit for ending many months of wrangling with an informed decision that makes sense.