ST. GEORGE — The Bureau of Land Management recently acquired 231 acres from a private property owner near the Gooseberry Mesa National Recreation Trail in an effort to enhance the outdoor recreation experience for visitors and provide economic growth for the tourism-based economy in Washington County.
“High-quality outdoor recreation is among the driving forces for economic growth and travel to Washington County, with mountain biking, specifically Gooseberry Mesa, among the top draws,” Brian Tritle, field manager for the BLM, said in a statement.
There are 21 guiding service companies that operate in Gooseberry Mesa and more than 21,000 annual visitors, including those participating in competitive mountain biking and trail running events. The acquisition will allow future upgrades to the road to White Trailhead. Also planned is a new trail connecting Gooseberry Trailhead with both the Practice Loop and the Windmill Trail.
The BLM applied for and received money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the $600,000 purchase from Quarter Circle 2 Ranch LLC. The fund supports specific conservation, recreation and related projects that enhance management of and public access to existing public land and resources.
Gooseberry Mesa is approximately 4 miles southwest of Zion National Park and 3 miles northeast of the Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area. Northern views from the mesa include the sandstone sentinels of Zion National Park.