This website was started in June 2019 to share information about planning efforts in Mill Creek Canyon in Moab. It will be updated and changed as community meetings happen and there is more information to provide. Thanks for checking in!
Management Options Summary
The MCCC is asking for public input on options that the group has developed for addressing some of the impacts of these high levels of use in the canyon. These options range from no changes at all to changes to accommodate use levels similar to 2019. Other options include: moving primary access to the Powerdam and Front Country areas to Potato Salad Hill, and increasing in parking and access on both sides of the Powerdam. While most people are not happy with increases in visitor numbers to the Canyon, these numbers are not declining. In fact in 2020 appear to have increased despite the pandemic.
The four options were developed based on the June 2019 survey results and with the 18 organizations within the Mill Creek Community Collaborative. In this next phase of planning feedback from the community is key. MCCC is asking local residents for more input to these recommendations.
Each option is explained in more detail, and is accompanied by a table that outlines the suggested management actions for each zone as well as a map that illustrates how each option could be implemented at the primary canyon access point, the Powerdam,
In all management options propsed, projects that improve watershed health would continue to work to improve riparian conditions, wildlife habitat, soil health including reduced erosion, floodplain functionality and water quality conditions. These kind of projects started being done in Mill Creek Canyon in the 1990s and continue in the canyon and through town to this day. Work being done includes reducing invasive plants, regenerating native plants to restore plants to damaged areas, working to minimize social trailing up the canyon.
Each of the options are summarized briefly below - please go to each option for a more detailed explanation of these options, and remember these are conceptual plans to be used to help create recommendations to City, County, SITLA and BLM land managers about actions that can be taken to protect the riparian corridor that is so integral to Moab's history and sense of place.
Photo taken by Brian Murdock on Memorial Day 2020
No changes to current management
Once trail system is designated work to maintain trail system
Signs added to direct to falls and parking lot
Continue vegetation management and cultural resource protection
No significant parking configuration or access changes
Management modified to address impacts of current use level
Once trail system is designated work to maintain trail system
Signs added to direct to falls and parking lot
Continue vegetation management and cultural resource protection
No significant parking configuration changes at Powerdam
Direct some users to nearby designated parking areas
Develop a turn around & City Park at the end of gravel on Powerhouse
-Management modified to address impacts of current use level
Once trail system is designated work to maintain trail system
Signs added to direct to falls and parking lot
Continue vegetation management and cultural resource protection
Establish parking area at Potato Salad Hill as the primary access
Powerdam parking lot only open in winter months
Direct some users to nearby designated parking areas
Develop a turn around at the gravel on Powerhouse
Management accommodates large increase in users by developing “Front Country” use at Powerdam and Potato Salad Hill areas.
Once trail system is designated work to maintain trail system
Signs added to direct to falls and parking lot
Continue vegetation management and cultural resource protection
Establish parking area at Potato Salad Hill as a primary access
Direct some users to nearby designated parking areas
Develop a turn around at the gravel on Powerhouse
