Rocky Mountain Power
Wildfire Mitigation Project
April 22, 2025 Trail Update:
- BST Trail Rehabilitation work has begun in the East City Creek and Upper Avenues area. Affected trails include BST Valleyview, BST East City Creek, Terrace Hills East, and 19th Ave downhill bike trail. Expect trail closures in these areas. See project page for details.
- Rocky Mountain Power has regraded access roads and reseeded disturbed areas in the East City Creek and Upper Avenues areas of the Foothills. See project page for details.
- Please stay on marked trails and follow signs. Keep dogs on leash to avoid disturbing freshly planted native grass seeds in project areas.
Salt Lake City’s website contains information about trail impacts. Visit the Rocky Mountain Power project website to learn more about the project benefits, schedule, and other details.
Phase 3 Status: Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) began Phase 3 of its Wildfire Mitigation Project in the Foothills Natural Area in September 2024.
Winter 2025 – Spring 2025
Regrading work is being done until ground frost renders the soil unworkable. Crews are returning displaced soil to the access roads that were created for construction equipment. Some access roads will be regraded, with the soil returned to its original contour while other access roads will be partially regraded to allow access for smaller equipment and vehicles. Soil surface will be left in a rough, textured condition. Note: Trenches that were dug across the Terrace Hills access road in 2021 were removed.
Seeding of affected areas and around power pole structures will occur in early spring. Seeding of the entire impacted area will be completed in the Spring 2025 with a planned start date in early April (weather dependent). SWCA Environmental Consultants has been contracted to perform long-term (two years) assessment and inspection of the restoration. Seeding will require much smaller equipment than re-grading heavy equipment.
Trail Updates:
Rehabilitation of trails damaged during the RMP project will begin in April. These trails will include BST East City Creek, 19th Ave, Meadow Trail, BST Valleyview, Avenues Ridge, and East Terrace Hills.
Trail work will occur April through early summer (weather dependent). Trails will close during restoration.
For questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Rocky Mountain Power project managers:
- Brant Swander: brant.swander@pacificorp.com
- Lisa Romey: lisa.romney@pacificorp.com
Project Overview
Since 2022, the City has been in extensive planning and preparation with Rocky Mountain Power for its Wildfire mitigation Project, which will replace outdated power poles throughout the Foothills.
Construction will utilize heavy machinery including bulldozers, cranes, and helicopters. Active restoration of disturbed lands and trails is included as part of the project. SLC Public Lands will also initiate land restoration in conjunction with the RMP project.
Project History
Rocky Mountain Power has held a utility easement across the SLC Foothills for power transmission and distribution across the North Capitol, Upper Avenues, and University neighborhoods since the 1950s. Construction work occurs within RMP’s utility easement except where access is re-routed to minimize disturbances to the landscape.
Locations
Power Pole Replacement Project Map
PHASE 1) “Medical to Research”
- Area: Dry Creek Canyon to Red Butte Canyon
- Schedule: June – November 2022.
- Status: Completed, with continued restoration maintenance
PHASE 2) “Northeast to Medical”
- Area: Popperton to Dry Creek Canyon
- Schedule: July – September 2023
- Status: Completed.
PHASE 3) “North Bench to Northeast“
- Area: East City Creek to Upper Avenues to West Perry’s Hollow
- Schedule: September – Spring 2025
- Status: In progress
PHASE 4) “Capitol to North Bench”
- Area: Warm Springs Park to Memory Grove to East City Creek
- Schedule: Fall 2025
Contact
Trails and Natural Lands Division Director