MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
among
HISTORIC TRAIL MARKING PARTNERS
National Society, Daughters of Utah Pioneers
National Society, Sons of Utah Pioneers
Utah Crossroads, Oregon/California Trails Association
National Pony Express Association
United States Mormon Battalion Incorporated
Mormon Trails Association
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Department of Transportation
Utah Department of Natural Resources
Utah Travel Council
Utah Division of Parks and Recreation
Utah Division of State History
Utah Division of Lands and Forestry
Utah Division of Indian affairs
Utah Statehood Centennial Commission
United States Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Intermountain Region
United States Department of the Interior,
National Park Service, Rocky Mountain Region

THE PURPOSE of this memorandum is to establish a framework in which those who agree by signing will assume responsibility for cooperatively identifying, marking, and promoting historic trails in Utah for public education and enjoyment while avoiding inaccuracy, duplication and other non-productive efforts. Federal and state agencies may participate to the extent possible under their policies regarding national historic trails.

WHEREAS, it is the goal of partners of this memorandum to develop a cooperative effort to identify existing trail markers as well as their text and location, to compile the information into a comprehensive and reliable database, and to locate the result where the group designates in order to provide best access; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of partners to establish an advisory group for new trail marker locations and site information for better public access; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of partners to establish a priority list of trails to facilitate trail marking and interpretation; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of partners to develop unified and improved marker design; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of partners to mark and provide information panels in appropriate places along historic trails; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of partners to establish an effective maintenance program in perpetuity; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of partners to promote publications containing reliable information that will guide travelers along trails and inform the public about Utah trails and Utah; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of partners to promote recognition of historic trails in Utah;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that partners of this agreement form the Utah Trails Markers Consortium. This Consortium shall have the following organizational duties: (1) to appoint a chair to conduct meetings and make assignments; (2) to form working groups that will undertake specific tasks, the chair for which will be appointed by the Consortium chair; (3) to provide staff and other support to coordinate provisions of this agreement.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Consortium will gather existing trail marker information and compile it into a verified, reliable database accessible to all, the location to be determined.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Consortium will act as an advisory group to review trail site information and interpretive text before putting up new trail markers and information panels.

BE IT RESOLVED, the consortium will develop an information package to bring trail marking efforts up to a level of performance equal to or exceeding the standard set by the National Park Service and will work to establish a consistent design which will allow for expressions of individual group identity.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Consortium will establish a prioritized list of trails in Utah to be marked.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Consortium will recommend appropriate sites for trail marking.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Consortium will develop a maintenance program for trail markers in Utah.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Consortium will promote the publication and distribution of historic trails information for research, recreation, and other public purposes.

BE IT RESOLVED, that additional members may join the consortium by signing the Memorandum of Understanding.

NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT shall bind signers to provide funding or other resources without their concurrence.

INDIVIDUAL SIGNERS may withdraw from this agreement after 30 days notice.

THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING shall be effective when all participating parties have signed indicating their concurrence and shall remain in force until 30 days following a common agreement to disband.

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