Bill to preserve public access to “Bump and Grind” trail passes legislature

A bill to keep the “Bump and Grind” trail open to hikers is heading to the governor’s desk.

The bill, co-authorized by local state Assemblyman Chad Mayes and Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia passed the legislature Monday.

Assembly Bill 661 passed unanimously in both the senate and assembly.

The bill will protect the current practice of opening the trail between May and January each year and close during the big horn lambing season.

Mayes said the bill preserves public access to public lands while maintaining protections for sensitive wildlife.

State wildlife managers had tried to close the trail permanently.

Without AB 661, the trail would close Jan. 1, 2018, when the current law granting access expires.