Provo » Utah County Commissioners have OKd plans to work with federal officials to build a motocross track near Payson.
The commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to approve a contract with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Payson and Rocky Mountain ATV to develop a motocross track and ATV trail system in West Mountain, near the Payson City Landfill. However, the commissioners did request some changes in the document.
Commissioner Larry Ellertson asked that the contract be modified so that if the track is closed, the county will take down only buildings or other fixtures that the BLM requests. The original contract stated the site would be fully restored to its original appearance if the motocross track were to close.
The commission also clarified that the Utah County Sheriff's Office would help patrol the area, which is on federal land. Commission chairman Steve White said it makes sense.
"Seeing that [the BLM] only has two enforcement officers in the Wasatch front, what could they do besides come if there's a call?" White asked.
The idea for the track came from Dan Thomas, owner of Rocky Mountain ATV in Payson. He said the track would provide ATV users in the county with a close, legal place to ride their machines. He said the nearest public motocross tracks are in Tooele and Price.
The site in question has become an unofficial track. The goal is to create a track and ATV trails in time for the city's Onion Days celebration on Labor Day, and later develop a 26-mile trail around West Mountain for ATVs, bikes and hikers.
The BLM will conduct an open house in Payson on Jan. 27 to discuss the proposal. It is also accepting public comment until Feb. 15.
