Local Control
Big Cottonwood Canyon is managed by a mix of agencies across federal, state, county, regional, city, and local levels, each with a specific role in maintaining and regulating the canyon. While every level of government plays an important part, the Town of Brighton – whose residents have a direct stake in preserving and conserving the canyon – is best positioned to make decisions on local issues and manage land use effectively.
One ongoing concern is state government involvement in canyon matters (particularly the potential for state intervention in the Old Stage Road parking lots). I think it is fair to say the Utah state legislature has had a pro-development stance in recent history – sometimes to the benefit of all Utahns, but often conflicting with the priorities and interests of local communities.
To ensure local interests are represented at the state level, the Town of Brighton retained a government relations lobbying firm in January 2025. This enables the town to actively advocate for its priorities at the Capitol – a worthwhile investment for protecting the canyon’s future.
Examples of bills from the most recent Utah legislative session (January 21 to March 7, 2025) with major implications for Big Cottonwood Canyon:
Utah Senate Bill 236 (SB 236) – State Parks Amendments
Introduced: February 6, 2025
Purpose: Proposed the creation of Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon State Parks
Provisions: Authorized the Utah Division of State Parks to enter agreements with the U.S. Forest Service to manage and use canyon lands as part of the Utah State Parks system and to acquire land via purchase, donation, or exchange for this purpose.
Implications for Big Cottonwood Canyon: State control could have long-term consequences for land use and development in the canyon Opinions vary on whether Big Cottonwood Canyon land under state control would be more or less likely to see excessive development.
Status: Tabled in committee and filed as “not passed” on March 7, 2025.
Utah House Bill 196 (HB 196) – Vehicle Traction Amendments
Introduced: January 14, 2025
Purpose: Expanded highway authorities’ ability to regulate traffic on controlled-access roads during adverse weather conditions.
Provisions: The bill aimed to grant highway authorities the ability to restrict traffic on controlled-access highways during adverse weather conditions to vehicles equipped with specific capabilities (i.e. chains, winter tires, or four-wheel drive). It also sought to clarify that highway authorities may limit traffic under certain conditions and grant rulemaking authority to implement these restrictions.
Implications for Big Cottonwood Canyon: This bill empowers the Unified Police Department, to enforce traction laws more effectively during adverse weather conditions in Big Cottonwood Canyon (i.e. chains, winter tires, or four-wheel drive). By allowing for specific vehicle restrictions, it aims to enhance safety and reduce congestion in the canyon during winter storms.
Status: Passed both the House and Senate and signed into law by Governor Cox on March 26, 2025.
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