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John Hollenhorst ReportingFor years, recreationists have dreamed of having an unbroken trail running alongside Utah's most populous area. Now's your chance to have your say on a major missing link in the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, as the Forest Service launches an environmental study.
On a beautiful day like today, a lot of people love to head for the foothills. But the trail network below us in the mouth of Parley's Canyon pretty much peters out right on Wasatch Boulevard.
That's why people who love hiking and biking and just walking the dog would like to see the completion of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
About 26 miles are complete north of Parley's. The proposed new addition would run along the populated east benches of Salt Lake County from Parley's almost to Point of the Mountain. Mostly it would be at the 5200 foot elevation, following the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville.
Some recreationists think Utah has some catching up to do with other Western cities.
Don Paullet, Jogger: "I think it's good. I think Salt Lake needs the type of recreation infrastructure like, you go to visit places like Denver, Colorado Springs or Boulder, and you're sort of overwhelmed that they really have their act together. They're really doing a lot for the people."
Steve Scheid, Project Manager, U.S. Forest Service: "We're in a time and place where recreation is at a premium. It provides stress relief, it provides exercise, all kinds of positive values to the communities."
The Forest Service is just beginning the environmental impact process. They want your comments by April 17th.
There will very likely be some controversy because 16 of the 24 trail miles would be across private land belonging to several dozen landowners.
Steve Scheid: "We've sent them all a letter announcing this was going to happen. We don't want to surprise anyone, to make sure everybody's aware of what's happening."
They say no one will have to give up access involuntarily. The plan is to buy property or negotiate easements. Other trails have generated controversy from neighbors. This discussion is just getting started.
