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(KSL News) The major trail to Lake Mary, one of the most popular trails in the Wasatch Mountain range, was closed by the Forest Service last summer. With the close came an end to a popular July fourth tradition.
This morning the Forest Service met with community members to discuss better alternatives to the trail closure.
The old trail that ran right along a stream and was a hazard to the watershed. But the new trail runs right alongside construction.
Jim Crookston/ Big Cottonwood Community Council: "My personal experience goes back to the 1930's of hiking along the creek, hearing the stream, and seeing the stream, being in the shade. That's been taken away."
Steve Scheid/Forrest Service: "At some point, the land can only handle so much use. The water shed is going to take priority."
The Forest Service representatives say they recognize everyone has their favorite places, but to try to see both sides of the issue.
The Forrest Service will continue to keep the old trail closed to protect the water shed.
