Division of Outdoor Recreation picks firm for environmental assessment of 700-mile High Desert Trail
The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) has chosen a Phoenix firm to conduct the environmental assessment process by which the High Desert Trail through the state will become compliant under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
In addition to guiding the NEPA process, SWCA Environmental Consultants will also head the cultural resources compliance process within the seven counties through which the trail passes.
Employee-owned SWCA Environmental Consultants maintains a Salt Lake City office from which the assessments will be conducted.
The High Desert Trail spans more than 700 miles on existing roads across western Utah. It is a collaborative effort among state agencies, local governments, federal land managers and trail user groups. The project aims to create a resilient, well-maintained trail that enhances recreation, supports tourism and boosts the economies of the communities along the route, DOR said.
The trail traverses multiple Bureau of Land Management field office domains and U.S. Forest Service lands. It features diverse landscapes, multi-use access and numerous points of interest. While the trail currently consists of existing public roads, formal recognition by federal land management partners will allow each county to designate staging areas, coordinate maintenance and add signage, thus improving the user experience while safeguarding sensitive natural and cultural resources.
“We’re excited to partner with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and their county partners,” said Gretchen Semerad, senior environmental planner at SWCA. “Our Salt Lake City team not only works here, but plays here, too, giving us an in-depth understanding of local land management. It’s a privilege to apply our expertise to the places where we recreate with our families and friends.”
In providing support to the DOR, SWCA will facilitate a public comment period, coordinate agency meetings, conduct cultural resources surveys, identify issues, complete a comprehensive impact analysis, prepare an environmental assessment and catalog and analyze public comments. SWCA has completed over 560 NEPA-related documents and over 300 cultural resources projects in Utah in the past five years.