A new telephone system will be installed in the area, replacing an antiquated one that accommodates only three lines and has frequent interruptions in service.
Fishlake National Forest Supervisor J. Kent Taylor has given approval for the South Central Utah Telephone Association, Inc. of Escalante, Garfield County, to bury eight miles of underground telephone cable along existing roads within the Fish Lake Basin and construct a small building adjacent to the Sleepy Hollow recreation residence development.The Fishlake Forest plan emphasizes recreation, so it allows uses that complement developed recreation facilities.
The project will provide better emergency communications for recreation visitors and a level of telephone service that is normally expected at similarly developed areas. Taylor said the number of visitors in the Fish Lake Basin sometimes exceeds 10,000.
There are three resorts at Fish Lake that offer food and sleeping accommodations as well as several improved campgrounds with water and restroom facilities. Johnson Reservoir is also located in the basin and has a boat ramp and nearby campgrounds. A substantial number of summer homes are well-hidden in dense aspen west of Fish Lake.
Taylor said the telephone project has been discussed with the homeowners association, resort owners, the Sevier County Sheriff's Department, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah State Parks Department and other interested parties. He added that it is expected to be implemented in early September.