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Dedicated to conservation and multiple use of public lands for recreation opportunities. Edited by: John Stewart |
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5-Mile Pass Cleanup June 16, 2001
by Todd Adams
On June 16, 2001 a number of OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) folks got together to help the BLM clean up the popular 5 Mile Pass OHV area located on State Highway 73 approximately 50 miles south west of Salt Lake City and 25 miles west of Lehi. This old mining district has become a popular OHV area and sees heavy use. Over the years the old mining area had been used for many activities other than mining including target practice and dumping waste. Careless visitors not packing out what they packed in has contributed to the mess.
This is the second year the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Salt Lake Field Office, Utah Rockhoppers 4X4 Club, and other community volunteers have cleaned up the Five Mile Pass area. Last year the volunteers filled two large dumpsters and removed many old abandoned vehicles. That cleanup concentrated on the south side of the pass.
The area is often used as a dumping ground for trash which is not only unsightly, but can pose a safety hazard to those recreating in the area. Glenn Carpenter, Salt Lake Field Office manager, said, “The area is littered with truck beds, camper trailer remains, and target shooting debris. Debris remains from target shooting, although the area has been closed to target shooting during the past year. We’re particularly concerned that the large debris can be a danger to those riding motorcycles or off-highway vehicles.”
Carpenter said, “The volunteers last year did a tremendous service and approached us again this year offering their assistance, which we gladly accepted.” Carpenter continued, “Because the area is so easily accessible, many believe they can discard their garbage unnoticed. As more recreationists become conscious of the problem, we encourage them to report any violations of illegal dumping to the BLM.”
This year, the north side needed attention and efforts focused on the most heavily littered area at Five Mile Pass. Participating volunteers were from the Utah Rockhoppers, BLM employees, Sport-n-Utes, and Wasatch Explorers and other Utah Trail Patrol members. The Utah OHV Trail Patrol is a group composed of educated, responsible, caring OHV enthusiasts that sign a pledge to conduct volunteer service work for the various public land agencies. Daynene Snyder, President of the Salt Lake City based Rock Hoppers 4X4 Club that is also a Charter Club member of the Utah OHV Trail Patrol, organized this years clean up. Two other Salt Lake City area clubs, Sport'N'Utes and Wasatch Explorers, who are Trail Patrol Charter Clubs as well, were able to help round up donated equipment.
BFI of West Valley City donated three large dumpsters. UW Trucking provided one of the tractor/flatbed trailers. Amos Rents Inc. provided a backhoe, and Intermountain Rigging & Heavy Hauling provided two bobcats and the other tractor/flatbed trailer. Without these generous donations, there is no way these volunteer groups could have accomplished what they did.
The three large dumpsters were filled, actually over filled, by 1:30 in the afternoon with everything from refrigerators and shot up TV's to abandoned campers. Care had to be taken when moving some of the junk as was found out by some that had close encounters with rattlesnakes. Everyone worked safely without incidents, although a bit tired at the end of the day, which included playtime once the work was done.
Another clean up is planned for later in the year to get what was missed this time around. Many thanks go out to all who participated and donated equipment. For further information, on this project, Rock Hoppers 4X4 Club, Utah 4-Wheel Drive Association or Utah OHV Trail Patrol you can call Daynene at (801) 963-1913.
 Early morning staging with an empty dumpster |
 Volunteers collecting trash |
 Volunteers loading trash on trailer |
 A full dumpster at the end of the day |
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