The Uintah County Commission announced on Monday that they are considering a Resolution that would authorize and approve eminent domain proceedings on land owned in the Ashley Gorge by the Ashley Valley Water and Sewer Improvement District and the D.T. Johnson Family Partnership. In 2020, Uintah County was transferred ownership of 790 acres in Ashley Gorge through the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. Monday’s press release from Uintah County states that “Access is necessary for the County to manage the property and fulfill the purposes of the federal conveyance. Ashley Gorge Road is an existing, passable roadway providing access to the Ashley Gorge Property…The County has also pursued other paths toward certainty by seeking easement rights from the two adjoining property owners…To date, the parties have not reached an agreement.” A July 27th press release on this topic from the Ashley Valley Water & Sewer Improvement District states, “Once the Via Ferrata was constructed and in use, the County began pursuing efforts to gain ‘public access’ by claiming rights to a pipeline easement as a ‘road’. This assertion was never verified by the County, and both private property owners contest the County road classification. This has led to the County threatening condemnation proceedings and threats to remove long existing drinking water facilities in order to force AVWSID to open its gates to foot and vehicle traffic for people to explore the area…” Monday’s announcement from Uintah County states that a hearing on the proposed Resolution is scheduled for September 15th at 3pm in the Uintah County Commission Chambers.
Link to 8/31/26 Uintah County News Release
Link to 7/27/2026 Ashley Valley Water & Sewer Improvement District Press Release