Seeking to enhance the area surrounding Bridal Veil Falls, Utah County is requesting a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service to assume ownership of property near the falls.

The request is for 63 acres of land currently owned by the Forest Service adjacent to Bridal Veil Falls and along Provo Canyon Parkway — including the Old Provo Canyon Road, walking trails, and parking and picnic areas.

In exchange, the county will give the Forest Service 78 acres of land near Vivian Park, also in Provo Canyon.

During its regular meeting Wednesday, the county commission approved and authorized the signing of a letter to U.S. Rep. Mike Kennedy, asking him to support the property exchange.

“Bridal Veil Falls is not only a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike but also a significant part of our community’s heritage,” the letter states. “The proposed exchange will enable us to enhance the area’s accessibility, safety, and overall visitor experience while preserving its natural beauty.”

According to Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner, the purpose of the land swap is to remove the hurdles that come with trying to make improvements to the area.

The county and Forest Service each own portions of the land around Bridal Veil Falls, Gardner said, and anytime the county needs to conduct maintenance or make improvements upon Forest Service land, it needs the agency’s permission.

“They have this really long, drawn-out process to get approval,” she said. “So as we’re trying to improve it for the public, to maintain an open-access, free, well-maintained facility, anytime we go up to the Forest Service, it takes us upwards of 12 to 18 months to even get approval to fix damage.

“We have other acres that are not actively used by the public regularly. We’re going to trade you that land for this land so that we can maintain this for public access and remove the red tape. And our members of Congress are actually thrilled to help us do that, because they know that it’ll be better maintained for families and for the community.”

Commissioner Skyler Beltran detailed how the county wanted to build a small bridge for bikers that briefly diverts from the main trail to avoid food traffic near the falls. The county offered to pay for it, but the Forest Service reportedly declined.

“They won’t do that, but we can easily,” he said.

In its quest to secure full ownership and make improvements to the trail and other areas, Beltran said Utah County has received “unanimous support” from state and city leaders.

“I’ve been working closely with (Provo) Mayor (Michelle) Kaufusi and Gov. (Spencer) Cox’s team to build consensus around our proposal to Congressman Kennedy and the Forest Service,” he said.

Beltran also affirmed the county is focused on protecting the falls.

“I understand that some residents may be alarmed when they see Bridal Veil on a Utah County Commission agenda, but they should rest assured that Utah County remains committed to preserving, protecting and improving Bridal Veil Falls,” he said.