In response to mounting safety concerns, the Logan, Hyde Park and Smithfield Canal Company has fenced off the entrance to a popular tubing location in Logan Canyon. Tubing has never been a sanctioned activity, said Jim Huppi, a member of the company board, but encouragement from Utah Highway Patrol and discussions of public safety have increased the need for more action.

“We don’t allow people to use the canal for recreational purposes. They use it at their own risk,” Huppi said.

Sgt. Tony Hutson of the Utah Highway Patrol said the decision to close the canal entrance had been talked about in the past.

“The safety concerns have been present for years,” Hutson said. “We were seeing people nearly being hit.”

The canal entrance is located off the side of a bend on Highway 89 in the canyon. Hutson said visibility around the turn is low, and vehicles entering, exiting and parking around the area have led to traffic incidents in the past. “No Parking” signs were placed in the area but showed little deterrent power, which lead to the decision to fence off the site.

“It had to be done,” Hutson said. “It was just a matter of time before someone got hurt.”

Huppi said while the canal company agreed that action was necessary, the decision to close the area ultimately came from Utah Highway Patrol.

“They’re the ones that want it closed,” Huppi said.

Huppi agreed the location poses problems with the high flow of traffic through the canyon, commenting that recently he and Watermaster Kim Cronquist were almost struck by passing motorists while attempting to exit the area. Cronquist could not be reached for comment.

“There’s a definite safety issue,” Huppi said.

Canal safety has been in question around Logan following a recent breach that resulted in the death of three Logan residents, but Huppi said the canyon canal closure was unrelated.

“They talked about shutting it down last year,” Huppi said. “It has nothing to do with the breach.”

Hutson, however, said due to the rechanneling of the water that would otherwise pass through the Island, water levels could rise, posing more risks to canal users.

“My understanding is they are going to have to increase flows and redistribute water based on that slide,” Hutson said.

Deb Harvey of the Logan Parks and Recreation office, which is not affiliated with or responsible for the canal that runs through the canyon, offered her suggestion to would-be tubers.

“If people want to tube they should try the Oneida Narrows (in Preston, Idaho),” she said.

–b.c.wood@aggiemail.usu.edu