Cardiff Fork Canyon Access
Restoring and Protecting Public Access in Cardiff Fork
The Importance of the Wasatch Canyons: The Central Wasatch Canyons are the lifeblood of our community, providing drinking water and serving as a world-class recreational backyard for millions. However, much of this terrain—specifically in Big Cottonwood Canyon—is a "checkerboard" of private mining claims and public U.S. Forest Service land. Without careful management and diplomacy, public access to these iconic areas can be lost in a maze of "No Trespassing" signs and legal disputes.
The Challenge: The 2012 Access Crisis. By 2012, Cardiff Fork had become a flashpoint of conflict. Locked gates and a breakdown in communication between landowners and the Forest Service threatened to permanently cut off public access to one of the most popular backcountry areas in the Wasatch. The community was facing a future of "access wars" that benefited no one.
The Robinson Solution: Results Over Rhetoric Dave Robinson stepped in as the volunteer advisor for the Cardiff Canyon Owners Association (CCOA) to break the deadlock.
Private-Public Diplomacy: Rather than pursuing litigation, Dave focused on building an "alliance" between the landowners and the U.S. Forest Service.
Technical Expertise: Dave utilized his deep knowledge of land-use policy and his relationships with public officials and the backcountry enthusiasts to navigate the complexities of the Special Use Permit process.
The "Cardiff Model": Dave pioneered a model based on mutual respect for property rights and a shared commitment to the public good.
The Successes: A Decade of Guaranteed Access
Opening the Gates (2012 & 2014): Dave was a primary architect of the agreements that first unlocked the gates in Cardiff Fork, restoring access for hikers, skiers, and families.
The 10-Year Special Use Permit (2022-2032): Most recently, Dave helped shepherd the negotiations between the US Forest Service, backcountry organizations, and private landowners for a landmark 10-year Special Use Permit. This ensures that, for the next decade, the public has guaranteed legal access across private parcels to reach thousands of acres of federal backcountry.
Conservation Without the Price Tag: Dave’s volunteer efforts have protected the "wild" character of Cardiff Fork without requiring expensive government intervention.
"My work in Cardiff Fork proves that we don't need top-down government mandates or secret deals to protect our canyons. We need leaders who know how to bring people to the table and deliver real results for the public." — Dave Robinson
