Summit Conference Big Success

Gudy Gaskill shares her wisdom at the GWT Summit Conference


Concerned trail users of all interests convened April 3 and 4 to determine the Great Western Trail's future, resolve concerns, and build partnerships in promoting and developing this very unique recreational resource.

The Great Western Trail, which reaches from Canada to Mexico, is more than 80 percent completed through Utah, but routes north of the beehive state are still under consideration. This large trail corridor provides recreational opportunities for backpacking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, trail-bike riding, snowmobiling, and ATV riding.

This trail system is a relatively new concept for many trail users and the shared-use notion seems to intimidate some, according to several speakes. Some trail users have growing concerns about the shared use concept and are suggesting that ATV users have no place on a national scenic trail route. Others fear that shared use may reduce opportunities for their singular uses.

Lyle Gomm, keynote speaker for Thursday's session, enthusiastically shared stories of rolling rocks down the hillside and discussed the momentum and power they acquire as they continue downhill. The Great Western Trail was likened to a great rock, making lots of noise as it rolls downhill and evoking fear for some individuals. Ken Travous, Director of Arizona Parks and Recreation later added, "One mission of the Great Western Trail Association is to let them know that this boulder is a friendly one."
Travous also suggested that the Great Western Trail has always existed and it actually reaches to the tip of South America. He explained, "I would submit to you that if you would go into the anthropology books, you will see a map somewhere with a big arrow on it that goes along the Great Western Trail and it will take you all the way the southern tip of Argentina. You may have the first dual hemisphere/dual continent trail, that existed thousands and thousands of years ago, and we are just rediscovering and recognizing it again."

Mike Titus, President of the Great Western Trail Association, was pleased with the conference and reported, "There were so many concepts shared during this conference and people were very enthusiastic as to how the trail is growing. This conference was an educational experience for many agencies and the result will be the continuous positive growth for the trail."

One major highlight of the conference included the signing the Memorandum of Understanding between officials from the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, State Parks, and other participating agencies. Titus explained the significance of this event, "The Memorandum of Understanding is important for the tr.ail system because animosity and frustration often exists between different agencies. The Memorandum brings people together to the same concept and helps them work together for a common goal."

Other highlights of the program included comments from Gudy Gaskill, of the Colorado Trail Foundation, who discussed the need for volunteers in all aspects of the Great Western Trail Association, from sharing information to maintaining trails. She also discussed how their efforts can significantly impact the trail system and create an enjoyable experience for all users.

Richard Leyba, of Sevier County Economic Development, reviewed the economic impact of the Paiute ATV trail on neighboring communities in central Utah. He reported those trail users spend an average of $1000/ day during annual events, planned along the Paiute Trail. The Paiute ATV Trail has been established as a part of the Great Western Trail.

Brad Smith, Executive Director of Foremost West, addressed economic possibilities and increased international travel, as the Great Western Trail is developed and obtains national status. He stated, "Build it and they will come . . . " Foreign visitors spend more money, stay longer, and have more growth potential than any other travel market today. He reported that small communities can really benefit from the establishment of this significant trail.

Titus concluded, "This trail goes through some magnificent areas and reflects the unique diversity, found in the mountain west. The magnificent vastness and beauty of this trail cannot be found anywhere else in the United States. It is my hope that this conference will expand the viewpoints of participants and it is also our hope that the conference has helped participants reach one step farther and set different goals, one step above the past goal, and include the Great Western Trail in it."