It’s time to sit down with Emery County Commissioner Jordan Leonard who was happy to report on a partnership regarding fire season and security on the desert, and he also took time to highlight the Emery County Aquatic Center. Castle Country Radio has the opportunity every other week to speak with the commissioner to keep citizens informed on the latest news and events.
It’s important for the county to have a great working relationship with the U.S. Forest Service agency, especially with fire season approaching. “We want to make sure we’re prepared, so building and keeping a relationship with the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands in Emery County. Making sure that we’re prepared if there’s a fire in our community, make sure we’re on top of it, and we’re communicating,” said Commissioner Leonard. The county is excited to continue working alongside the agency and its counterparts.
Another great partnership that was discussed and will continue is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) relationship for areas located out on the desert. “It’s making sure we have eyeballs out on the desert if it gets busy. Having law enforcement out there to keep an eye on things, making sure people are safe best as possible, obeying different laws and things like that. So we did okay a partnership with law enforcement and BLM and Emery County to have law enforcement out on the desert. So that was another good one,” said Commissioner Leonard. Having a strong relationship with the BLM helps in managing those desert areas throughout Emery County.
The commissioners also discussed some mountain biking projects that would be coming up, one of wish is developing a NICA bike trail for the high school mountain biking athletes. “Now this one is on private property, we’ve supported a grant to help them build this facility so people can access that. As well as, a trail up near Joe’s Valley, the Forest Service is looking to build a mountain bike trail that people can enjoy up near Joe’s Valley. So we’re excited about those projects,” said Commissioner Leonard. It was not known when work would begin on either project at the time of the radio interview.
Like with every interview with Commissioner Leonard likes to take time to highlight a department within the community for a job well done. With the temperatures warming up it was only fitting to spotlight the Emery County Aquatic Center. “The swimming pool is kind of a hidden gem in our community, the outdoor pool is a lot of fun and the indoor. They’re getting ready to open the outdoor pool. We have a lot of interest in the swimming pool as the weather gets warmer. But a great staff, great lifeguards, and excited for you to come out and swim this year,” said Commissioner Leonard.
The Emery County Commissioners meet twice a month at 3:00 pm at the Emery County Courthouse at 75 East Main Street in Castle Dale. A schedule of meetings is listed on the Emery County website at http://www.emerycounty.com/