Mantua Reservoir State Park Echo State Park Visit Meeting Minutes Date 6 February 2026 Location Echo State Park
Notice Type(s)
Meeting
Event Start Date & Time
February 6, 2026 10:00 AM
Event End Date & Time
February 6, 2026 01:00 PM
Description/Agenda
Mantua Reservoir State Park Echo State Park Visit - Meeting Minutes Date: 6 February 2026 Location: Echo State Park
Attendees (unofficial)
- DNR: Chris Haramoto (Deputy Director, host), Scott Strong, Amber Goodell (Echo SP Manager), Rick Haskins (Construction), Echo Park Ranger, Eric Bradshaw
- Bureau of Reclamation: Ben Woolf, Mark W.
- Willard Bay: Ben 'Benny' (Manager)
- Media: Tameron Williams (Box Elder News Journal)
- Mantua: Annette Ash (Mayor), Cheryl Burgan, Scott Ross, Rob T., Dave H., Sherita Schaefer, Hank Dovey
- Brigham City: DJ Bott (Mayor)
- Coalville: Roy Swenson (Mayor)
- Other: Wendy, BE News Journal
Host and Opening
- Meeting hosted by Chris Haramoto, DNR Deputy Director. Welcome and site overview; noted Chris Haramoto's Brigham City background.
Background / Park History
- Echo State Park construction completed December 2017.
- Echo Dam originally built in the 1930s for water storage. Concessionaire previously managed the site under a long lease that expired before park designation; that period had significant safety, sanitation, and maintenance issues that have improved under state park management.
Key Presentations / Topics
1. Bureau of Reclamation (Ben Woolf)
o Reviewed original purpose of Echo Dam (water storage) and current water-management responsibilities under existing agreements.
o Echo serves as a point of diversion for multiple flows/projects (including Central Utah and Weber Basin projects); BOR coordinates with DNR to control water output.
2. Coalville (Mayor Roy Swenson)
o Noted improved conditions around reservoir since state park designation.
o Clarified Coalville city boundaries lie outside Echo SP; the city does not directly receive state reservoir fee revenue.
o Echo SP has increased tourism and local business support during summer boating season; ice fishing important in off-season.
3. Echo SP Management (Amber Goodell)
o Park offers expanded boat ramp (up to three simultaneous launches), improved parking, cleaner facilities, restrooms, camping and cabins.
o Park open year-round; staffed by full-time and seasonal employees (local young workers).
o Park runs community events (e.g., Easter egg hunt, ice fishing tournament); fishing is a major draw. Peak season March-October, slower November-February.
General Discussion / Issues Raised
- Infrastructure outside park boundaries (UDOT, Mantua streets, north highway interchange) are not included in park planning costs; coordination with appropriate agencies required for improvements.
- DNR noted Echo construction cost was in the ~$10M range (over ten years ago).
- Algae blooms: occur at south end due to agricultural inflow; conditions have improved under state park management. Representative Peterson introduced legislation for additional algae study/clean-up funding for Mantua in 2026.
- Lost Creek described as a wakeless reservoir aimed at anglers.
- Positive remarks regarding state park staff support for local law enforcement and emergency medical resources.
- Park currently does not use a concessionaire.
- Community pushback: examples of public concern about state park planning timelines and local impacts discussed (Echo/Coalville and Hyrum Reservoir referenced). DNR currently engaged with Central Utah residents on Gooseberry Narrows project facing public pushback.
- Park utilities: Echo reservoir has its own culinary well with water piped to a tank; a wastewater field is sited well away from the well. Park staff manage maintenance and waste disposal.
Legislation for Mantua State Park - History & Status
- 2026 legislation includes $2M that could be used for study/planning for Mantua SP; funds must still pass appropriations and DNR review. Mantua community support will be an important factor for authorization. Unused funds would return to a restricted account.
- The funding idea was generated in fall 2025 without input from Mantua officials. Separate early-2025 discussions among government officials were noted but did not involve Mantua representatives.
Site Tour
- Group toured main park entrance, boat ramp, and cabin area.
- Observations: improved ramp and parking, cabins and restrooms, park well and water tank, waste field location, and general park maintenance.
Local Business Perspective (pre-meeting in Coalville)
- Polar King Restaurant owner reported improved lake-level control, longer boating season, and increased summer business from improved boating/camping facilities. Off-season business sustained by locals; some area businesses close in winter.
Media
- Tameron Williams (Box Elder News Journal) attended morning events and is covering the Governor's proposal and Mantua SP assignment.
Actions / Follow-up Items
- DNR to review legislative funding language and criteria for use of the 2026 $2M for study/planning; report back to Mantua leadership on process and timelines.
- Mantua officials to assess and document local support and priorities for Mantua SP to inform DNR and appropriations process.
- DNR and Bureau of Reclamation to continue coordination on water-management issues and share operational impacts relevant to Mantua planning.
- Clarify responsibilities and potential costs for off-park infrastructure (UDOT, Mantua streets, north interchange) with respective agencies; Mantua to identify immediate infrastructure concerns for planning.
- Monitor and share updates on algae-study funding and any Rep. Peterson initiatives relevant to Mantua.
- DNR to provide information about community engagement best practices and timelines based on Echo experience, to assist Mantua in local outreach.
Next Steps / Meetings
- Mantua to schedule follow-up with DNR to discuss local support documentation and specific planning needs.
- DNR to provide timeline for review of 2026 funds and recommended next steps for study/planning if funds are authorized.
- Parties agreed to remain in contact; further coordination meetings to be scheduled as needed.
Adjournment
- Visit concluded shortly after noon on 6 February 2026.
Prepared by: Hank Dovey (notes provided by meeting participant) (For distribution: Mantua officials, DNR, Bureau of Reclamation, Coalville, Brigham City, Box Elder News Journal)
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing auxiliary communicative aids and services for this meeting should contact the Management Services Department at 629-8701 (TTY/TDD: 711 or 888-735-5906) or by emailing town recorder at sschaefer@mantuautah.gov at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation
Public meetings may be held electronically in accordance with Utah Code Annotated 52-4-207 to allow Council members to participate via teleconference. The anchor location for the meeting shall be held at the Mantua Town Hall 409 North Main St, Mantua Utah 84324
Other Information
Certificate of Posting
The foregoing agenda was (1) posted on the Utah Public Notice Website created under Utah Code Section 63F1-701. (2) Town of Mantua website, and (3) posted in Town of Mantua City Office on 2/12/2026 by Sherita Schaefer - Town Recorder