EVANSTON — The Herald attended both the work session and regular meeting held by the Uinta County Commission on Feb. 6.

During the work session earlier in the day, Bear River State Parks Superintendent Tyfani Sager and Wyoming State Parks Manager Kyle Bernis met with the commissioners and other county officials to discuss the possibility of purchasing the 1,000 acres adjacent to the state park.

“It’s a great opportunity to expand the park and keep the conversation going,” said Bernis. Sager and Bernis mentioned they have ideas about adding trails, campsites and perhaps even a wildlife center.

Commission Chairman Mark Anderson explained the county’s current interest in pursuing the state’s proposed shooting facility, an opportunity for which he hopes Evanston stands a good chance at being chosen. Commissioner Brent Hatch inquired about when the state planned to announce the facility’s location, to which Anderson replied “a top five will be chosen in March, but the top three won’t be decided until July, the finalist in August.”

Anderson continued, “I see a huge advantage of having it next to the state park, [in regards to] camping and tourism.”

Hatch reiterated the positive “ripple effect” the facility would have on the community.

Sager noted the possibility of future campsites and wondered if the state park could manage those. Bernis voiced concerns about the park not having room for expansion.

“It doesn’t have to be 1,000 acres, and I’m hearing that you’re still open (to it),” he said.

Uinta County Sheriff Andy Kopp asked about the need for law enforcement if the land were used for campsites. Sager confirmed, “Yes, a ranger.”

The “road to nowhere” and its maintenance and possible expansion were also discussed.

The price tag for the land was broached, but Anderson replied, “We’ve never had a set price; people in the past were interested.”

Commissioner Eric South interjected, “Past offers were too low.”

Anderson concluded that the county’s game plan is to see how the shooting facility project pans out, but conceded that there are still too many unknowns if that comes to fruition. That includes whether the facility would be state-, county- or privately-operated. Bernis offered to come back in August after the conclusion of the shooting facility location selection.

During the regular meeting later in the day, Karsten Hauf was appointed to the Uinta County Predator Management Board.

The Bluemel lease at the Ft. Bridger airport hangar was extended.

Jeff Breininger with Uinta County Maintenance requested a bill of sale for a 1982 GMC, which recently sold at auction for $7,070. The motion was approved.

County Planner Kent Williams discussed the proposed reconfiguration of a 16.4-acre lot in Sage Industrial Park No. 8 into four smaller lots, zoned as minor industrial business. Williams explained the property has municipal water and sewer, though there was difficulty locating the sewer line. He further maintained that the lot owner’s association, not the county, would be responsible for expenses to bore out or dig up the line. The commissioners unanimously agreed and approved the reconfiguration.

Uinta County Emergency Manager Josh Rasnake inquired about signatures required for a $92,164 grant reimbursement for a completed fence project at the county jail. He explained that it was extended due to the construction, but the reimbursement was ready for submission. The commissioners acquiesced.