PROPOSAL FOR BRIDAL VEIL FALLS TRAM

RICHARD LOSEE
12/04/20
This proposal is a draft of my visions and intentions for the future of Bridal Veil Falls. It
is not finalized due to the limited time available given the surprising turn of recent events. It is,
as all similar transactions, subject to mutually acceptable documentation. I am willing to commit
to complete that documentation and finalize the transaction as quickly as possible.
Vision: I believe that I love the Bridal Veil Falls area as much as anyone. In the early 1980’s I
was a signature away from purchasing the tram operation and surrounding 21 acres. At the time
I decided against the acquisition and since the 1996 avalanche have sadly watched the area fall
into disrepair. Even with Utah County’s purchase of the property little has been done to beautify
the area or attempt to put it into a natural or preserved space. In fact, little has even been done in
regards to maintenance and it has been neglected for twenty five years.
My vision is to increase public access and enjoyment of the Bridal Veil Falls area; not to limit it.
I very much like the idea of preserving and making available to the public the Falls experience.
By that I do not mean restoring it to pristine nature because that cannot happen as the canyon
itself has transformed. Instead, I want to caringly and sensitively reconstruct it as the historic
landmark and major Utah County attraction it was for almost half a century starting in 1962.
My goal is to rebuild the Bridal Veil Falls aerial tramway to a state better and more conducive to
the environment than it was originally; one that blends naturally and beautifully into the cliffs
above, while mitigating the scar left on the cliffs from the previous tram.
My proposed use: I wish to preserve Bridal Veil Falls and do it in the spirit of what is
exemplified in Switzerland and the Alps where the community can abundantly and safely enjoy
their magnificent mountains up close. I hope to give the public an option of viewing the Falls
from a spectacular tram experience rather than perpetuating the ongoing injuries and even deaths
that occur from people precariously climbing the cliffs. With a public/private partnership we can
join to rebuild this interface of nature and man, into, and beyond, the beautiful and inspiring
landmark it once was. In addition, it could also quietly, serenely, and privately benefit one or
two ADA protected and disabled persons in their sincere quest to overcome chemical
dependency, in a secluded space situated above the main upper tram area enjoyed by the public.
Public use: The magnificent, Swiss built, Bridal Veil Falls aerial tramway would be open to the
public during the tourist season (from about Memorial Day to around Labor Day; just as it was
prior to the avalanche), at a reasonable ticket price. The full public would be able to enjoy the
Falls from the inspiring view of the tram ride, as well as from the main floor and observation
deck of a new and modern upper tram terminal. In addition, the lower tram terminal would help
to assist with safety, allowing twenty-four-hour observation of the falls.
Property involved: The total property owned by the County is shown on Exhibit “A”. I
propose to acquire from the County, in one of three manners outlined below, the parcels listed as:
1) Parking; 2) Base Station; 3) Tramway; 4) Upper Lodge; and 5) Helipad Site. These 5 sites
total less than an acre; approximately 42,330 sf. (I will refer to those 5 pieces of property as the
“Tram Acquisition”.) (I note that County records show that there are boundary line
discrepancies that will have to be resolved.)
Options to Acquire: I think that there are three basic options for me to acquire the rights
needed to implement my vision for the property. Each of these options will require some
subdivision, building permit, business licensing and/or other approvals (including from the
Forest Service) and the purchase would be conditioned on me obtaining those required
approvals.
1 Purchase of entire County property. I could buy the entire County parcel of
approximately 21 acres, keep the Tram Acquisition and then deed the approximate 20
acres remaining back to the County contingent on the County agreeing to
conservation purposes or dedicate it to a recognized conservation entity. I would be
willing to pay $2,500,000.00.
2 Purchase of the Tram Acquisition. I could buy just the Tram Acquisition and the
County could keep the remaining property for conservation purposes or dedicate it to
a recognized conservation entity. I would be willing to pay $1,000,000.00.
3 Lease of the Tram Acquisition. I could lease just the Tram Acquisition for the
longest lease that the County can legally enter into (I think that might be 50 years)
and the County could keep the remaining property for conservation purposes or
dedicate it to a recognized conservation entity. I would be willing to pay
$20,000.00/yr. for the lease (a total payment of $1,000,000.00).
Conclusion: Several years ago, I contacted Commissioner Lee and Commissioner Ainge and
shared the vision I had for rebuilding the tram at Bridal Veil Falls. I detailed the specific public
and private use I hoped to achieve. They both expressed their support of the endeavor and
Commissioner Ainge and I agreed to have Commissioner Lee’s office take the lead. In good
faith, I have spent considerable time and resources preparing a proposal to give to the County
and public. Please offer me the consideration and supplementary time needed to share the full
proposal I have been preparing. If, upon presentation, the public and County reject this vision
then at least they will have been given an opportunity to fully understand an option that I believe
would equal or surpass any man/nature relationship extant.
Please wait to make an irrevocable decision with only partial input.