SARA UTLE
More than 20 square miles of campgrounds in the Heber District may be closed to campers next year.
The move is under consideration by the Heber Ranger District office to allow the dispersed camping area a period of regeneration.
'Ideally, we would like to close the area for one year to allow the grounds some rest,' said Loyal Clark, Public Affairs Officer for the Uinta National Forest.
The area has typically seen 500,000 campers each year and is suffering from overuse. Continued camping at this rate would lead to loss of all natural vegetation as thistle and cheat grass overrun the area, Clark said.
Clark also said wildlife would be driven out and fisheries polluted by continued overuse of the campgrounds.
Although most people favor the closure of the grounds, the Forest Service has experienced some opposition.
'Some people realize it's our responsibility to care for the land. Other people feel it's just the government telling them what to do again,' said Clark.
Richard Dougherty of the Sierra Club agrees with the Forest Service.
'These campgrounds get heavily used and sometimes you have to shut them down,' said Dougherty.
Closing the campgrounds will mean more traffic for the developed camp sites. However, the Utah Travel Council doesn't feel the effects on tourism in the area will be significant.
'It won't have a dramatic impact in or out of state. There are still plenty of overnighting opportunities,' said Ruth Kurtzbauer, Assistant Director for the council.
Michael Mack, Tourism Development Director for Utah County, expects the closure will be beneficial for tourism.
'Long range, the impact is positive. You can't abuse these lands and then expect them to support camping,' he said.
Limiting the use of the land to the daytime only, or hardening the ground with gravel, are other options being considered by the Forest Service.
Full development of the area would include restrooms, fire hydrants, water facilities, picnic tables, and concrete slabs and would cost $200,000 per camp site.
An open house will be held May 16 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Heber Ranger District office, 2460 South, Hwy 40, Heber City. Forest officials will be available to answer questions and discuss options