Porcupine Reservoir Update

[dubob]

As usual, the real story surrounding a given issue is mostly devoid of facts.  Such is the case with the new gate recently installed near the dam creating Porcupine Reservoir.  In the interest of clarity, I called the Cache County Road Division for clarification.  Ownership of the road to and around the reservoir belongs to Cache County – it is, in fact, a county road.  According to the Cache County Road Department employee I talked to this morning, the gate was installed because the county does not have the capability to maintain the road during the winter season.  The employee also said the gate is temporary and will be replaced later with a permanent gate that will allow passage of OHVs (snowmobile/ATV) when it is closed and locked.  The employee also indicated that the gate is not currently locked.

The reservoir itself is owned by a private irrigation company.  The county road department employee also told me there is an interest by the State of Utah to obtain ownership of the reservoir from the private irrigation company.  I have no further information about the purpose or the timeline for acquiring this property.

For this ice fishing season, the road past the dam at Porcupine Reservoir has a temporary gate installed that may, or may not, be locked.  I’m not going to go check for sure.  There is a walking, pass through opening in the gate that may, or may not, allow passage of an OHV.  I’m not going to go check for sure.

If you need more information about this subject, call the Cache County Road Department at (435) 755-1560.

[oldguy]

As usual, the real story surrounding a given issue is mostly devoid of facts.  Such is the case with the new gate recently installed near the dam creating Porcupine Reservoir.  In the interest of clarity, I called the Cache County Road Division for clarification.  Ownership of the road to and around the reservoir belongs to Cache County – it is, in fact, a county road.  According to the Cache County Road Department employee I talked to this morning, the gate was installed because the county does not have the capability to maintain the road during the winter season.  The employee also said the gate is temporary and will be replaced later with a permanent gate that will allow passage of OHVs (snowmobile/ATV) when it is closed and locked.  The employee also indicated that the gate is not currently locked.

The reservoir itself is owned by a private irrigation company.  The county road department employee also told me there is an interest by the State of Utah to obtain ownership of the reservoir from the private irrigation company.  I have no further information about the purpose or the timeline for acquiring this property.

For this ice fishing season, the road past the dam at Porcupine Reservoir has a temporary gate installed that may, or may not, be locked.  I’m not going to go check for sure.  There is a walking, pass through opening in the gate that may, or may not, allow passage of an OHV.  I’m not going to go check for sure.

If you need more information about this subject, call the Cache County Road Department at (435) 755-1560.

Thanks for the clarification Bob

[packfish]

As usual, the real story surrounding a given issue is mostly devoid of facts.  Such is the case with the new gate recently installed near the dam creating Porcupine Reservoir.  In the interest of clarity, I called the Cache County Road Division for clarification.  Ownership of the road to and around the reservoir belongs to Cache County – it is, in fact, a county road.  According to the Cache County Road Department employee I talked to this morning, the gate was installed because the county does not have the capability to maintain the road during the winter season.  The employee also said the gate is temporary and will be replaced later with a permanent gate that will allow passage of OHVs (snowmobile/ATV) when it is closed and locked.  The employee also indicated that the gate is not currently locked.

The reservoir itself is owned by a private irrigation company.  The county road department employee also told me there is an interest by the State of Utah to obtain ownership of the reservoir from the private irrigation company.  I have no further information about the purpose or the timeline for acquiring this property.

For this ice fishing season, the road past the dam at Porcupine Reservoir has a temporary gate installed that may, or may not, be locked.  I’m not going to go check for sure.  There is a walking, pass through opening in the gate that may, or may not, allow passage of an OHV.  I’m not going to go check for sure.

If you need more information about this subject, call the Cache County Road Department at (435) 755-1560.

Thanks for the clarification Bob

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that would be interesting to see what happens with the state and porcupine res. The water users are never going to give up any water rights .

[SkunkedAgain]

Sounds like a Willard bay situation, wonder if they would put a state park up there? Thanks Bob for the follow through. I’ll check the gate for OHV width once the ice gets thick enough to fish it. I think Alan said it was wide enough for a snowmobile as long as the snow doesn’t pile up too much. Just hoping for ice now. Later Jeff

[packfish]

Please God I haven't asked for much but I am asking DONT LET A STATE PARK GO UP THERE. Not even a boat ramp.

[BearLakeFishGuy]

Please God I haven't asked for much but I am asking DONT LET A STATE PARK GO UP THERE. Not even a boat ramp.

Agreed.  I'd rather launch from shore on a dirt boat ramp than have a state park that over-regulates everything.

[SkunkedAgain]

Agreed, but rather than the Fed model for Pineview, strawberry and even Tony Grove, I'd take a state park, so one pass will let ya in... rather than having to pay to play at every spot you want to go.... Later J

[BearLakeFishGuy]

Agreed, but rather than the Fed model for Pineview, strawberry and even Tony Grove, I'd take a state park, so one pass will let ya in... rather than having to pay to play at every spot you want to go....  Later J

I agree with your point for sure.  But I would highly doubt the feds would take it over.  It isn't their land, so they don't have the authority.  Nor would the fed acquire any property....especially in Utah!   In any case, I wish Cache County would figure out a better solution than gating the road.  I know they don't want to maintain the road in the winter but at least let people up to the top of the damn and then plow out a turn around/parking area.  There isn't much room but more so than on the road up to the damn.

[SkunkedAgain]

I think we have one of our BFT members that has usually been plowing the road up on top of porcupine dam to get feed into the cattle or deer, I don't remember... Anyway the county hasn't been doing it in years past anyway... So it's funny they all of a sudden decided to start managing it... Most years the sun keeps that road mostly clear anyway, unless it's a deep snow year, then I know folks get in trouble trying to drive up there when they shouldn't, but I think they learn a lesson when they get stranded up there... As for me, I really like taking the snowmobile from the lower parking lot, it's a lot less nerve racking than trying to keep from sliding off the icy road and over the cliff... Had a couple close calls on that hill over the years and so I'm okay doing things like I have been lately... Really hoping they leave the opening for snowmobiles and it may end up benefitting my method of fishing it... Later J