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Burch Hollow Trail

Pipeline Trail, Millcreek Canyon
By: Alexis Elbrader and Jessica Farmer

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Table of Contents
A. Summary
I. Project Overview
5
II. Key Findings
III. Key Recommendations
6
B. Overview
1.

3-4

Burch Hollow Trail Site Assessment

Alexis Elbrader and Jessica Farmer

Ecology & Management Wildland Recreation

Settings
University of Utah

Site Description
I. Physical Location & Size
6
II.
Management Agency and Ownership
7
III. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
IV.
General Use Population
8
V.
Frequency and Amount Use
VI. Key Stakeholders
9
VII.
Access To Site
VIII.
Fees
10
IX. Site Infrastructure
10

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X.

Site History
10
XI. Selection Justification
XII.
Special Considerations
11
2. Detailed Description of Users
I.
II.
III.
IV.
3.
4.

Observable Demographics
11
Length of Stay
Group Size
13
User Behavior
Unique Indicators
Site Goals

11

and Activities
12
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14

C. Inventory of Resources & Impacts

Inventory of Soil
14
I. Presence & Condition
14
a. Components
b. Characteristics
c. Structure
d. Porosity
e. Level of Activity in Organic Horizon
II.
Specific Impacts to Soil
16
Inventory of Vegetation
17
I. Presence & Condition
17
a. General Percent for Each Strata
b. Morphology Characteristics Resistance, Resilience, and Tolerance
c. Disturbance Zones
II.
Specific Impacts to Vegetation
18
Inventory of Wildlife
19
I. Presence & Condition
19
II.
Specific Impacts to Wildlife
20
Inventory of Water
20
I. Presence & Condition
20
II.
Specific Impacts to Water
21
Inventory of Night Sky
21
I. Presence & Condition
21
II.
Specific Impacts to Night Sky
22

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Inventory of Soundscapes
22
I. Presence & Condition
II.
Specific Impacts to Soundscapes
22
Inventory of Crowding
I. Presence & Condition
II.
Specific Impacts to Crowding
23
Inventory of Facilities
I. Presence & Condition
II.
Specific Impacts to Facilities
Summary of Conditions
D. Recommended Management Actions
I. Misalignment Between Goals, Indicators, and Conditions
25
II.
Elements Contributing Most to Prioritized List of Impacts
25
III. Recommended Management Strategies and Techniques
26

E. Acknowledgements and References

29

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A. Summary
-Overview
This site evaluation is designed to describe trail conditions along with
user trends at the Burch Hollow Trail in Millcreek Canyon. It will cover the
natural resources and experiential impacts to the area due to user and
natural causes. This evaluation will also provide strategy and practice
recommendations for management. This is to assist in providing a more
positive user experience while minimizing impacts to resources.
-Key Findings
Although the majority of the Pipeline trail is on US Forest Service land,
there are many key stakeholders for this area from outside the Forest
Service.

Users at this site were observed

o Hiking
o Mountain Biking
o Trail Jogging
o Dog Walking
This trail is zoned to allow mountain biking on even days and off

leash dog walking on odd days.

Majority of users on this trail are between 19 and 40 years,
followed by 40 and up group. Little to no teenagers or younger

hike this trail.

This site has very few facilities only having minimal signage at
the start of the trail and throughout. Also having a trashcan and
dispenser of dog poop bags. The parking lot and trail is unpaved.

-Key Recommendations
Reduce erosion on the trail by re-enforcing retaining walls, placing new
walls, and keeping up on the annual maintenance of the emplaced
facilities.
Reduce the creation of social trails through education on erosion
caused by social trail, and increase durability of the particularly bad
areas of trail through site hardening.
Reduce user depreciative behavior by increasing receptacles along the
trail for the disposal of dog waste.
Facilities
The shortage of facilities on the trail results in users lacking motivation
to continue to pick up after their dogs beyond the first half-mile. Because of
this there is an increase in dog feces and abandoned dog bags on the side of
the trail.
B. Overview
1. Site Description
-Physical Location and
Size
Burch Hollow Trail
is located 4.3 miles up
Millcreek Canyon on
the north side of the
canyon. The length of
the trail is

approximately 1.6 miles. It cuts

through Wasatch-Cashe National
Forest and some private property.
{Figure 1}
-Management Agency and
Ownership
Figure 1
the main management

The National Forest Service is

agency for Millcreek Canyon

and the Burch Hollow Trail. Although, there is a small section of the trail that
is

Figure 2

private property and is owned by Log Haven; this is a

restraint adjacent to the trail.

-Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS):
The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is a tool used by different
agencies to determine the diversity of recreational users and opportunities in
a natural environment. For this site the ROS has been examined through a
managerial, social, and physical aspect.
Managerial
On site visitor management practices are easily noticeable with signs
posted at the start of the trail, along the trail, and at the end. This suggests
that it would be front country. However, the land management practices for
the trail fall more into the middle country part of the spectrum. Lastly, while
there is motorized vehicle use along Millcreek Canyon to trailheads there is

no motorized use permitted on the trail itself. Therefore the trail would be
considered backcountry.
Social
While using Burch Hollow Trail it is likely that different user groups with
make contact with other groups of users. This contact that happens is not
constantly occurring. From many points on the trail different structures such
as the road, parking lots, and buildings are visible. However, from the road
the trail seems invisible. With these considerations we would place the social
aspect of the Burch Hollow trail in a Front Country Setting.
Physical
The Burch Hollow Trailhead is located directly off of a paved road, but is
greater that mile from a highway. Any modifications made to the trail or
directly surrounding areas is limited and is nicely blended with the natural
environment. These considerations place the trail in a front country setting.
The one contradiction to this is the amount of developed facilities in the
immediate vicinity of the trail. There are no established facilities along the
trail only limited signs; this would place the trail in the middle country part of
the ROS.
-General Use Population
The Burch Hollow Trail is an area for non-motorized use but allows
access to hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. Many of the
users who recreate on this trail are locals who chose to come here because
of its close proximity to the city and for its backcountry feel (convenience).

-Frequency and Amount of Use

This trail is used daily by multiple types of users. Most days the smallunpaved parking lot has its first vehicles pull in before the sun is up and the
last vehicles leave shortly after the sun goes down. Due to the zoning of
Millcreek Canyon as a whole the primary type of user varies depending on
the day of the week. However, regardless if it is a bike or a dog day there are
many users on the trail. One reason for the popularity of this trail is that it is
an easier hike with only a few mild inclines. Another reason for the constant
use of this trail is that it is on the south facing side of the mountain. This
means it gets more sun and keeps it slightly warmer in the fall and winter
months rather than the north facing trails. While it is heavily used most of
the year, during the deep winter months the amount of users drops steeply.
This is due to the cold and the lack of winter grooming.
-Key Stakeholders
This trail has many key stakeholders. The primary stakeholder is the
US Forest Service (as the trail is mainly built on land belonging to the
Wasatch-Cache National Forest). Another key stakeholder is Log Haven
Restaurant. This restaurant is built in close proximity to the trail and this
caused a very small section of the trail to cross through their property. The
type of user and their attitude can affect the environment of Log Havens
business. Some other stakeholders that have a vested interest in the trail but
do not actually possess any physical part of the land include the Boy Scouts,
the Millcreek community at the base of the canyon, as well as the Salt Lake

City community. Each of these stakeholders uses the Millcreek Canyon area
frequently and so they are concerned with the maintenance and reputation
of the trails within the canyon.
-Access to Site
The fee station is east off of Wasatch Boulevard. After a short distance
the fee station is passed and the trailhead for the Burch Hollow Trail is 4.3
miles up the canyon and on the north (left) side of the road. The Burch
Hollow trail is an easily accessed
End

Start
Start

Figure
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trail directly off a paved road. There is a small parking lot in front of the
trailhead, along with parking off the side of the road across the street.
-Fees
Millcreek Canyon charges a $3 fee per vehicle and $2 for seniors when
leaving the canyon. There is also an option to buy a yearly pass for $40.
-Site Infrastructure
There is limited infrastructure within and along the trail. At the
beginning of the trail, however, there is a trailhead sign posted by the
National Forest Service that states information about dogs being on or off
leash, cleaning up after dogs, and trail courtesy. There is also a garbage bin
with dog bags attached so that owners can pick up their dogs feces and

throw them away. Along the trail there are retaining walls that are holding in
the mountain soil to help stop erosion.
-History
The Burch Hollow Trail is part of the Pipeline Trail located in Millcreek
Canyon. The Pipeline is a popular trail due to its easy access, dogs allowed,
and easy terrain. This creates frequent use of the Burch Hollow Trail because
it is one of the main junctions within the Pipeline Trail. The Pipeline Trail was
used for carrying water to generate power many years. The water would be
carried to Elbow Fork and to the upper portion of Millcreek Canyon where a
penstock and power station was located. After the power station was shut
down, and later torn down, the trail still remained. It was decided that it
would be used as a recreational trail. Millcreek Canyon has always been
heavily used. In the 1980s erosion, crowding, and water impacts were
becoming a severe problem. After the situation had gotten so bad the
National Forest Service and Salt Lake City decided to make the canyon a fee
area. This gave extra income to stakeholders like the Forest Service to help
them mitigate these impacts.
-Selection Justification
Burch Hollow trail was chosen because of its high frequency of use and
its easy access. The proximity of this trail to the city makes it quick and easy
to get to. And the curve of the canyon removes the city out of sight, which
allows users to feel more removed from the city when it is really only a few
miles away. This trail is low maintenance and easy terrain. Since the trail has

these characteristics it complements with all user levels making it a popular

trail within the canyon.
-Special Considerations
The area that was assessed is located in the lower section of the
canyon and can be accessed year round. It is however mainly used during
the spring, summer, and fall. It is also a short distance away from downtown
Salt Lake City and surrounding cities. This allows for easy access. Dogs are
allowed in the canyon (on-leash for even numbered days/off-leash for odd
numbered days) and there is an entrance fee.
2. Description of Users
Observable Demographics and Activities
The users of Burch Hollow appear to be primarily young to middle aged
adults. We did not observe any children or teenagers (2 to 18 years old)
hiking the trail but did observe a few infants being carried by adults hiking.
There were also a few older adults on the trail looking to be above the mid
50s.

Activity
Hikers

Bikers

Joggers

28%

22%

Dog walkers

32%

17%

Figure 4

While hiking the Burch Hollow trail on March 21st, 24th, 29th, and April
8th, during times varying from 1pm to 4:45pm, we observed the user
activities on the trail. We chose to observe user activity on multiple days for
more accuracy due to the zoning of activities in Millcreek. The majority of
users observed were there to hike {Figure 4}. The next majority of people
were there to walk their dogs; many of the dog walkers were either walking
in pairs or had multiple dogs with just one person. Twenty-two percent of the
users were trail joggers. This makes sense due to the trails subtle inclines
and declines and its connections to other trails creating longer available
routes. Mountain bikers had the smallest amount of users making up only
17% of the observed users, which was surprising due to the presence of bike
tracks throughout the trail.
-Length of Stay
The groups of users who visit Burch Hollow stay for varied amounts of
time. On several occasions we would observe a biker or jogger pass us on

their way in and again pass us going back implying that their stays were a
relatively short amount of time. It seemed like the largest amount of time
spent on the trail was by those walking dogs or there for a casual hike. We
would believe that the average time groups spend on the trail is between 45
min to 1hr 45min.
-Group Size
The most consistent user group size was mountain bikers who tended
to participate alone. The other user groups sizes varied from 1 to 3, with the
occasional group of 5 or 6 with dogs.
-Behavior

Users of the Burch Hollow trail overall follow the rules posted at the
trailhead and at the base of the canyon. Some users however chose to use
the trail on days that are zoned for other users creating some user conflict,
but these occurrences are very few. Most of the dog walkers were very
conscious of picking up their animals feces, and removing it from the trail.
The most noticeable depreciative behavior was from users going off trail and
creating social trails. Additionally there was some graffiti on retaining walls
and signs.
3. Unique Indicators
Many outdoor recreationists have dogs and would like the opportunity
to take their animals with them out on trails. This is rare in Utah to have dogs
accompany their owners in canyons due to watershed laws, but Millcreek is a
canyon that is dog friendly. This attracts people to the Burch Hollow and
Pipeline Trail.
The most
dominant indicator
for this trail is the
location of it. It is a
short distance to the
destination for most
visitors. They could
be coming from
downtown Salt Lake

Figure 5

City, or other cities in the valley and it would be just minutes of driving. The
actual physical location of this trail (within the Pipeline Trail) is also
convenient for users because it is the major connection between multiple
trails.
The terrain level is at an easy level so people who are not as physically
active can enjoy the outdoors without it being too difficult. It also allows
people who are beginners in their specific recreation activity to learn and feel
safe. The trail is very durable and requires little outside maintenance so it
adds to the trail being easygoing.
4. Site Goals
Millcreek Canyon is in compliance to the U.S. National Forest Service
mission statement. The mission of the Forest Service is, To sustain the
health, diversity, and productivity of the Nations forests and grasslands to
meet the needs of present and future generations (Mission, Motto, Vision,
and Guiding Principles, n.d.). This can be seen due to the management
practices that are put in place at the trailhead.
C. Inventory of Resources and Impacts
Soil
Soil Components
The soil directly surrounding the Burch Hollow/ Pipeline trail has a moderate
organic layer with varying amounts of new and old growth. The O layer is
very dry with moisture found about 2 inches deep or in the A1 horizon. While

there is some stoniness in the surrounding soil it is less than what is found on
the trail.
Soil Characteristics
Soil Property

Characterization (On

Characterization

Texture
Stoniness
Organic Content
Moisture
Fertility
Soil Depth

Trail)
Fine
Moderate/ High
Low
Low
Low
Low

(Off Trail)
Coarse
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Medium

Soil Structure
The soil adjacent to the trail was coarse and dry. The large size of the
soil on a granular level increases the absorbency rate of the soil while the
lack of good ground cover and slope steepness causes this soil to be
increasingly susceptible to erosion.
Soil Porosity
The Soil around the Burch Hollow/ Pipeline trail is more porous than the
soil on the trail promoting increased saturation. The crust (O Horizon) quickly
absorbs water when poured over it. However, due to the decreased porosity
of the lower horizons the water does not seep in deep but continue to soak in
outwardly creating a larger surface area of mud.

Level of Activity in the Organic Horizon

The organic horizon adjacent to the trail has minimal amounts of new
growth aside from some graminoids. However, the presence of such
graminoids is still not
enough to help
reduce erosion.
Presence and Type of
Soil
The soil
surrounding the trail
is a mixture of sand,
silt, and clay. The
larger particles of soil
suggest a higher
concentration of sands than of silt or clay. Although when moistened the soil
sticks together
pliable suggesting a

Figure 6

{Figure 6} and is somewhat

fair concentration of clay in the

soil.
Specific Impacts to Soil- Social Trails and Erosion
Soil on the trail has been compacted due to continued use causing low
porosity and decreased drainage. Due to this decreased drainage during the
snowmelt and rainy seasons there is a high chance of encountering standing
water and mud holes on the trail. Also running water would easily erode the
powder fine particulate size of the soil on the trail. The slope both above and

below the trail is steep and lack of ground cover leads to increased erosion
and allows the soil to shift {Figure 7} and slide down. This causes multiple
accounts of sheet erosion. Some retaining structures have been placed along
the trail to reduce the amount of soil loss but have been poorly maintained
{Figure 8}. However the slope of the surrounding area encourages people to
stay on the trail and helps with the reduction of social trails and
concentrating them to places where users are attempting to avoid pooling
water and mud.

Figure 7

Vegetation
General Percent for Each Strata

Figure 8

Vegetation
Ground Cover

20%

Saplings

Mature Trees

10%

70%

Morphology Characteristics,
Resistance, Resilience, and
Tolerance
The first abundant type
of vegetation is graminoids.
This is the small amount of
grass that is growing right
along the trail. It is tufted
growth and the grass is flexible and can bounce back after being stepped on
multiple times. This determines that the graminoids are resilient rather that
resistant. The second most dominant type of vegetation is a small plant that
has many pointy leaves. They are not prickly to the touch, but they are
shaped at the ends in a point. This is a resistant plant because it comes
back after the winter months and trampling. The dominant type of

vegetation in this site is gamble oak. Gambel oak is a woody, flexible sapling
tree. It has bark for protection and has smaller, thick leaves. Each of the
trees grows in close proximity to other Gambel Oak trees. It is the most
abundant vegetation seen on both sides of the trail. This type of Oak is
highly resistant and resilient.
hard to destroy. But also they

Its leaves are flexible, so they

Figure
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are resistant because they are

very close to the trail and are flourishing even when in constant contact with
users. All of these types of vegetation are tolerant because their
morphological characteristics give them the strength to survive in a heavily
used recreation area.
Specific Impacts- Social Trails
The major impacts to vegetation is trampling
caused by different user groups. Mountain bikers
tend to drive their bikes up onto the side of the
mountain and hikers walk off the trail to avoid
standing water, easier route, or even to explore
another area. When people walk off the trail they
compact the top layers of the soil and this changes the soil characteristics. It
does not allow airflow, or water to drain and
nutritious the vegetation.
Wildlife
Presence and Condition

Figure
11

The wildlife that can be found along the Burch Hollow Trail/Pipeline Trail
varies among deer, moose, elk, birds, and coyotes. When observing the trail
birds were frequently seen and heard. When hiking the trail there was elk
scat leading to the assumption elk wander near the trail. Moose are one of
the more commonly seen wildlife by most users who visit Millcreek Canyon.
However there is no constant presence of wildlife so it is safe to assume that
if they are not seen one day does not mean they do not exist. The lack of
seeing wildlife could be due to how many users recreate on the trail day-today, but also because of dogs that are on the trail. The area of Burch Hollow
in Millcreek is a great
habitat for wildlife. It is a
south-facing slope so it
is warmer for animals,
but is well shaded by
sapling trees. There is
also a stream across the
road. This would create
Figure
12

a situation where wildlife

would have to cross the Burch Hollow to reach the water.

Specific Impacts High Traffic Use
Dogs are used as a defense against wildlife for people who want to
recreate alone in nature. They are very good at scaring away the wild
animals. This is cause a direct impact on the wildlife. There are also people

frequently on the trail and animals are highly sensitive to noises and smells
of humans. This could also frighten animals and push them out of an area
they graze in.
Water
Presence and Condition

At the very end of the trail there is a small stream where the Church
Fork Trail joins the Pipeline/Burch Hollow Trail. There is a solid bridge that
allows access over this stream. Also along the trail there are several natural
streambeds that dry up during the dry seasons and act as natural drainage
systems when the climate is wet. {Figure 13} There is also a stream that

Figure 14

Figure 13

Figure 15
runs down the base of the canyon that can be seen and heard throughout
the majority of the hike but does not run directly alongside the trail.
Specific Impacts to Water- Turbidity and Dogs
Due to the steep slopes and fine soil when water is present and
crossing the trail there will likely be increased erosion causing increased
turbidity in the stream below. As users continue to leave the trail and disrupt

Figure

the vegetation reducing the amount of ground cover it increases the

particulate matter that is carried down the slope and into the natural
waterway below. Also, although not a serious threat due to the distance of
the trail from the running stream, users who choose to bring their dogs and
then fail to clean up after them and then they end up leaving feces along the
trail {Figure 15}. These feces contain coliform bacteria, which could be
harmful to the water flowing down the canyon from which many animals
depend on and people use for recreational opportunities. This hazard is
reduced due to the amount of soil that the water must travel over and
through to finally reach the stream below. The resulting effect of osmosis is a
reduced bacterium at the entry point to the water.
Night Sky
Presence and Condition of Night Sky
The night sky on the Pipeline trail is better than the night sky in Salt
Lake City but not by much. There can be seen some sky glow and increased
light on the horizon. Due to the non-point source light pollution in Millcreek
Canyon its night sky rates at a 4 or 5 on the Bortle Scale classifying it as a
Rural/Suburban transition sky. While the sky is beautiful here this trail is not
an ideal location for night sky viewing due to the trails location in the base of
the canyon as well as its proximity to wasteful light sources.

Specific Impacts- Non-Point Source Pollution

The major contributors to the light pollution on this trail are Salt Lake
City and its suburban neighborhoods. Log Haven Restaurant also contributes
to the pollution due to the lack of shielding on their light fixtures. Another
contributor to light pollution is multiple vehicles driving up the canyon before
sunrise, and down the canyon after sunset with their headlights on.
Soundscapes
Presence and Condition of Soundscapes
There is a good amount of noise on the trail. It is very close to the main
road in the canyon, and on peak days/seasons cars are very easy to hear
because they are continuously driving up and down the road. The vegetation
absorbs a good amount of the noise to make it quieter versus it not being
there at all. There is also a running creek across the road that can be heard,
but it is faint and a natural noise, so it is not too disrupting.
Specific Impacts- Vehicle Traffic
The main source of soundscapes is a non-point source sound: the
driving of cars. This interrupts a persons state of mind when they are trying
to mentally escape out of their day-to-day life. Hearing a car can instantly
make someone think of the city, people, and stress. It helps that vegetation
can screen the road, but it cannot mask it all.
Crowding
Presence and Condition of Crowding
Burch Hollow/ Pipeline trail has a high frequency and amount of use for
many reasons. Its location less than 5 miles from a highway makes it easily

accessible. It position in lower Millcreek Canyon means the season for

hiking is longer usually opening up in April and remaining open until late
November. Although use is consistent the size of the parking lot limits the
amount of people able to access the trail from this location. However the trail
is interconnected with other trails so users may encounter a larger quantity
of users who are starting from other locations. Trail usage increases over the
weekends but not by a significant amount.
Specific Impacts-Tolerance
This trail being in Millcreek Canyon is part of a zoned trail system
reducing the user conflict by limiting use to certain groups on specific days.
Even with the zoned use there is still an abundance of use on this trail and,
the people recreating on this trail are aware of its popularity. Due to user
awareness most users expect to pass or encounter other parties while
recreating and so do not feel overly crowded while using this trail.
Facilities
Presence and Condition of Facilities
There are limited facilities for the trail. The first facility seen is the
trailhead for the Trail. Sitting behind the trailhead is a garbage can with dog
bags and an educational notice for picking up dog feces. There is also a sign
at the end of the trail stating how far it is back to the trailhead, and how far
it is up the next portion of the Pipeline Trail. The Forest Service put in a
specific wall in spots along the trail to help with preventing erosion.
Specific Impacts- Limited Quantity and Maintenance

The main facility on the trail is a sign that describes steps to take to
pick up after dogs when they leave excrement and to recreate appropriately
with other users. There is no distance stating how long the trail is on the
trailhead. This can confuse users on how far they need to go to arrive at the
next portion of the Pipeline Trail. There is a garbage bin, and a device to
dispense dog bags. The problem with limited facilities is they do not have an
extra garbage bin in the middle of the trail so users leave their bags/feces on
the ground. Also the wall they have installed to prevent erosion is becoming
ineffective because water is veering around it causing soil to shift.

Summary
of
Conditions
Erosion
There
are large
amounts of
erosion
throughout
the
majority of
the trail. There needs to be better maintence of emplaced facilities. Without

proper maintence the trail will deteriorate and people will no longer be able
to access/use the trail.
Social Trails
Improper drainage on the trail causes standing water and mud holes,
which is an undesirable recreation setting and leads to the creation of social
trails. The lack of educating users to stay on the designated trail also applies
to creating social trail. This is because mountain bikers like to go off trail and
it reoccurs.

Figure 16

Facilities
Since the trail has limited facilities it causes depreciative behavior
within user groups. There are excrement bags left along the trail, conflict
between users, and natural resource impacts.
D. Recommended Management Actions
-Misalignment between goals, indicators, and conditions:
The goal is to maintain for generations, but the facilities emplaced to
maintain the integrity of the trail lack proper maintenance. The goals of the
agency do not align with the conditions of the trail. If the agency wanted to
align the goal with the condition more often they would go in and set up
retaining walls to reduce erosion, and fix walls that are already standing so
they function correctly. The goal and indicators are aligned. They want to
protect natural forests and grasslands for use and this trail is definitely used.
-Elements contributing Most to Prioritized List of Impacts:
Trail Erosion

Steep-slopes are a large contributor to the trails erosion. This is shown

by the many retaining walls required to keep the trail emplace.
Social Trails
Increased disturbance zones adjacent to the trail due to users avoiding
undesirable conditions as well as thrill seeking mountain bikers result in
social trails. This leads to increased erosion on the trail along with the
surrounding slopes.
Facilities
The shortage of facilities on the trail results in users lacking motivation
to continue to pick up after their dogs beyond the first half-mile. Because of
this there is an increase in dog feces and abandoned dog bags on the side of
the trail.
-Recommended management strategies and techniques

Figure 17
Trail Erosion Strategy and

Technique
StrategyIncrease durability of the resource
TechniqueHardening the site
This trail already has hardening in place through retaining walls and
piping to reduce the erosion. However the maintance of these measures are
not kept uptodate with current erosion leading to poor ineffective structures.
It is shifting the erosion and causing more erosion in other areas. This
strategy would work if annual maintenance were performed to maintain the

current structure and new walls were placed where they are needed to
prevent new erosion from taking place.
Reinforced fence
Social Trail Strategy and Technique
StrategyIncrease the durability of the experience
TechniqueRules and regulations
There should be more posted signs about staying on the trail and the
consequences of going off the trail. If there were more regulations emplaced
for users that veer off the trail there would be a reasonable assumption that
there would be a decline in how many social trails are created in Burch
Hollow. The social trails are not created by chance because the topography
of the area makes it very difficult to go off the trail. But where it is possible
people have taken advantage of the opportunity. In general most were
mountain bikers going up on the side of the mountain. This shows it is a
deliberate choice. And most people know they should ride on the side of the
mountain, this is where rules and regulations could steer them to staying on
the trail.
Facility Strategy and Technique
StrategyIncrease supply

TechniqueInformation and education

This site has very limited information facilities that are important to
keeping the trail functioning and enjoyable. Management should emplace the
strategy of increasing supply. The technique they should use is information
and education. There should be more posted signs along the trail saying to
stay on the trail, along with information why it is important to stay on the
trail. If people knew going off the trail can be a factor in erosion, and erosion
in this specific area could wipe out the trail, they may rethink going off the
trail. Also there should be more garbage bins along the trail for users with
dogs. This allows them to throw away dog feces right away and not have to
carry them or leave them along the trail.

E. Acknowledgements and References

US Forest Service - Caring for the land and serving people.. (2013,
March 23). US Forest Service - Caring for the land and serving people..
Retrieved April 29, 2014, from
http://www.fs.fed.us/aboutus/mission.shtml

Mill Creek Pipeline Trail. (2002). Retrieved April 25, 2014, from
UtahMountainBiking.com website:
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/pipeline.htm

McMann, B. (n.d.). Exploring Mill Creek Canyon Utah. Exploring Mill

Creek Canyon Utah. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from
http://www.outdoorsinutah.com/millcreekcanyon-exploring.htm

Forest Service. (n.d.). Forest Service. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!
ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72
BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!?
ss=110419&ttype=recarea&recid=9589&ac

Hiking in Utah's Wasatch Mountains. (n.d.). Hiking in Utahs Wasatch

Mountains RSS. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from
http://www.wasatchhiker.com/trails/trail-details/?
Trail_ID=284&Name=Pipeline_Trail_from_Burch_Hollow_TH