Bridal Veil Falls is one step closer to becoming a state monument with support from the Utah County Commission in place.

On Wednesday, the commission voted 2-1 to approve a second resolution supporting the monument solution. The county owns 5 acres surrounding and abutting the falls.

Commissioners had been approached by the Utah Division of State Parks about the falls becoming a state monument and it will be a point of discussion in this legislative session.

The commission previously adopted a resolution in February 2021 expressing support for the falls to be a state monument and believes it is in the best interest in preserving the falls and surrounding area.

The county will continue to provide management services for the falls.

Commissioners Bill Lee and Tom Sakievich voted in favor of the resolution with Amelia Powers Gardner voting nay.

“Preserving Bridal Veil Falls for future generations remains an ongoing goal of mine dating back to the beginning of my time as a Utah County commissioner,” Lee said. “I am grateful that the state has stepped up and recognized Bridal Veil Falls as the special place that it is.”

Lee said he has had multiple conversations over the past year with Rep. Keven Stratton, State Parks Director Jeff Rasmussen, Wendy Fisher of Utah Open Lands and many Utah County residents as they have worked together on this goal.

“Together with the state, I remain committed to keeping Bridal Veil Falls open, accessible and free to the public,” Lee said. “I will also continue to work on securing funding that provides amenities — such as improved parking, trails and restroom facilities — that enhance the safety and health of those who visit the falls.”

Granting state monument status to Bridal Veil Falls is the first step in preserving important areas in Provo Canyon, Lee added.

In the meantime, Lee said he is pleased with the big step the commission took Wednesday to preserve this “jewel of Utah County.”

“With over a month remaining in the 2022 legislative session, I am confident that we will soon see the finalization of the state monument designation for Bridal Veil Falls,” he said.

Gardner said she was in tune with the other commissioners on wanting to keep it maintained and free to the public but voted no because there was no written contract, noting it appeared to be more of a “gentlemen’s agreement.”

“I’m worried if it becomes a state monument they would start charging access,” Gardner said. “I want to make sure it stays free. The county uses travel and tourism dollars to take care of it. I want a signed contract. Without that, there are no guarantees.”

The impetus for the state to take over the falls area stems from public outcry after hearing the area might be purchased for an upscale rehabilitation center.

In 2020, Lee had conversations with Cirque Lodge founder Richard Losee about building a tram and high-end drug treatment facility at the county-owned falls property.

The headquarters for Cirque Lodge is based in Orem close to the mouth of Provo Canyon where the falls are located. Cirque Lodge also uses facilities in the Sundance area as well.

The Utah County Commission approved a conservation easement for the falls in December 2020 following public outrage over the development proposal.

On April 14, 2021, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and other state officials gathered for a ceremonial signing of a resolution encouraging the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation to evaluate either a state park or state monument designation for Bridal Veil Falls.

The resolution, sponsored by Stratton, R-Orem, refers to the Bridal Veil Falls area as “one of Utah’s most spectacular and beautiful natural waterfalls, conveniently located in Provo Canyon and easily accessible from both the Wasatch Front and the Heber Valley.”

It goes on to state that the “Legislature and the Governor applaud the Division of Parks and Recreation’s plan to conduct a feasibility study and to prepare an operational plan for the Bridal Veil Falls area.”

Over a dozen lawmakers co-sponsored the resolution, including Utah County Reps. Brady Brammer, R-Highland; Nelson Abbott, R-Orem; Val Peterson, R-Orem; Jefferson Burton, R-Spanish Fork; Francis Gibson, R-Mapleton; Cory Maloy, R-Lehi, Marsha Judkins, R-Provo; Adam Robertson, R-Provo; and Doug Welton, R-Payson.