Under the proposed Y Mountain Access Enhancement Act, a bill promoted by Congressman Jason Chaffetz, BYU would be given ownership of the entire Y Mountain Trail and land the Y sits on.
Currently, the land surrounding the Y is under two commands, BYU and the US Forest Service. BYU owns a portion of the trail and trailhead, while the US Forest Service owns the remainder of the land.
'Split ownership complicates maintenance and long-term management, which ultimately puts public access at risk,' Chaffetz said in a press release.
A focus in public access appears to be the primary concern for all locally involved due to the heavy public use of the land.
'The land is used a great deal for hiking, mountain biking and horse-use,' said Loyal Clark, a representative from the US Forest Service. 'No matter the outcome of the bill, the focus will be to maintain public access to national forest land.'
BYU currently maintains the Y trail and wants to but the upper portion to better serve outdoor enthusiast, visiting tourists and the entire Utah County community Chaffetz said.
Todd Hollingshead, a BYU spokesperson, said BYU currently maintains the entire trail.
'We will continue to and ensure the opportunity to keep it preserved and make sure it is open to the public,' Hollingshead said.
The Y stands as a landmark for locals and students and many agree hiking the Y is a necessary part of the BYU experience.
Dani Peterson, a junior from Orem studying Neuroscience, has hiked the Y multiple times.
'It has been a tradition in my family for years,' Peterson said. 'I used to hike the Y with my family all growing up, and then coming to college I've hiked it with friends.'
Many students and locals have sentimental feelings associated with the Y and see it as an icon welcoming home, including Provo Mayor, John Curtis. Curtis has recently expressed his support for Chaffetz's bill.
The Y Mountain Access Enhancement Act is bipartisan co-sponsored by several BYU alums in Congress, Eni Faleomavagea (D-America Samoa), Buck McLeon (R-CA) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and it has the support of local elected officials.
Utah County Commission supports the bill and values the enhanced ability to control erosion and secure a place for the Y on the mountain.
With local and national support, Chaffetz will continue forward in moving the bill through the legislative process.