MORGAN -- Hunters may have a difficult time camping near the East Canyon Wildlife Management Area this fall as a pipeline comes through the area.
The Kern River Gas Transmission Company will install a second line in October through its easement on Utah Division of Wildlife Resources property in Morgan County.
At first, wildlife resource officials were completely opposed to allowing the pipeline company unfettered access to the area during the height of the deer and elk hunt.
"It will effectively eliminate access to the area," said Ron Hodson, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Northern Region supervisor. "It's not going to be convenient at all."
Work in the area will result in open trenches not crossable by foot or horseback, Hodson said.
However, the pipeline company sweetened the deal by offering to purchase 160 acres of private land surrounded by the management area and donating it to the state after the pipeline is constructed.
The offer is tempting, Hodson said.
"It is an excellent piece where deer winter," Hodson said. Plus, the chunk of land will nicely round out the DWR property, eliminating a disconnect between two separate parcels. "That carrot dangled out there is worth dealing with the problems it presents this year. It will be worth it for the long term to gain an additional 160 acres."
However, allowing the pipeline company access to the area may mean camping hunters will get the boot. On the hunting season's opening day last year, as many as 50 trailers were pulled into the management area access just off Highway 66, Hodson said. That means some 50 hunters may have to find alternate campsites this fall.
But Hodson said his agency is trying to make the situation as easy on hunters as possible. For example, the DWR may pay for campsites at nearby East Canyon campgrounds and allow hunters to camp there instead. The DWR is even considering a temporary road that would allow hunters to camp on DWR property above the normal access area.
Morgan County officials voiced support of the DWR acquiring more land in the area.
"Anytime we have an opportunity to increase public lands in the county, we would be well-served," said council Chairman Sid Creager. He said Morgan County is the county with the highest percentage of private land in the state, and residents often express interest in increasing public property.
The council is drafting a letter to formally display support of the land acquisition.
"It will affect the hunt in 2010, but it will be a better hunt in 2011," said Councilman Rodney Haslam.
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