The Bureau of Land Management approves conveyance of Ashley Springs Property to Uintah County
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VERNAL, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Vernal Field Office announced today that is has approved the conveyance of 790.02 acres known as the Ashley Springs Property, to Uintah County. This conveyance is a result of President Donald Trump signing into law the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (P.L. 116-9).
Soon after the bill was signed into law, Secretary Bernhardt signed Secretary’s Order 3374 establishing a task force to prioritize the implementation of P.L. 116-9 and ensure consistency among all offices and bureaus within the Department. Secretary Bernhardt’s Order required actionable steps be taken and an implementation plan created to make sure the Department met all timelines laid out by President Trump.
"This 790 acre transfer is a big deal for Vernal and Uintah County, one of the many wins secured for Utah in the lands package passed at the start of the session. It shrinks the federal estate and guarantees local control and I’m pleased the Administration was able to finalize the transfer," said Congressman Rob Bishop. "This conveyance is another important precedent showing Congress recognizes that state and local control is good for the land and for the people."
The land will be managed as open space to protect the watershed and underground karst system and aquifer. Management of this land will be consistent with the Uintah County General Plan, which lists the Ashley Springs Protection Zone as not conducive to mining or mineral resource extraction. The property will allow for non-motorized public recreation and will not allow for new roads to be constructed.
“We’re pleased to finalize this conveyance, which will enable the local community to manage the area to protect the underground aquifer and the fresh water it provides to the Valley," said Utah State Director Greg Sheehan. “We understand how important a secure water supply is in the West, and will continue to work with the county to coordinate management of adjacent lands to maximize outdoor recreation opportunities.”
The BLM is no longer accepting land use applications affecting the described public lands, and the lands have been temporarily segregated from appropriation under public land laws, including mining laws. The published Notice of Realty Action can be found in the Federal Register.
For additional information, please contact Roger Bankert, Vernal Field Manager, at 435-781-3416. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877- 8339 to leave a message or question with the above individual. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.