Utah County Planning
Fenced Livestock Trail

PAROWAN, Utah —(AP)— Cattle and sheep growers want to create a fenced trail system through major corridors of the county that will protect the annual spring and fall movement of livestock from development.

Cedar Livestock Association spokesman Matt Bulloch told county commissioners last week that the group will support multiple-use trails that protect non-motorized travelers from increasing traffic.

Commissioners asked the organization to create a priority list of major livestock arteries.

Cedar City engineer Kit Wareham said the city will also work to create a route.

For more than a century, cattle and sheep owners have moved their animals from winter grazing range in the valley to summer range on Cedar Mountain.

Bulloch said growth and development are threatening that tradition and an industry that is struggling to survive.

The county master plan recognizes all county roads as livestock trails.

However, increased traffic makes it more difficult to get animals across roads. Some animals wander back onto the road, creating unsafe conditions for drivers.

Bulloch said developers often tear down livestock fences that are intended to keep the animals off private property.

Bulloch said fenced trails should be built along existing roads with minor changes where required.

Wareham said a multiple-use trail system is a great solution because it seeks to satisfy a number of needs. Many funding sources are available for a project that preserves a historic tradition, is conducive to agricultural needs in the spring and fall, and is open for recreation.