Tony Grove and Mount Naomi Wilderness Honored as Old-Growth Forests

Tony Grove Recreation Area and the Mount Naomi Wilderness are set to receive national recognition for their exceptional beauty and biodiversity.

These cherished landscapes will be formally inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network during a ceremony scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the backcountry trailhead on Tony Grove Lake Road.

The event will feature remarks from representatives of the Bridgerland Audubon Society and the Old-Growth Forest Network, highlighting the significance of preserving these ancient forests.

Following the dedication, attendees are invited to participate in a 30-minute forest bathing activity, offering a serene immersion into the natural surroundings.

Free parking is available at the backcountry trailhead located below the campground.

In anticipation of the dedication, the Old-Growth Forest Network will host a presentation at the Stokes Nature Center at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.

This session will provide insights into the organization's mission and discuss opportunities for Utah volunteers to contribute to forest conservation efforts.

The recognition of Tony Grove and Mount Naomi Wilderness marks them as the second location in Utah to be honored for their outstanding old-growth forest qualities, joining over 300 forests nationwide in the Old-Growth Forest Network.

This acknowledgment underscores the importance of preserving these natural treasures for future generations.

Recent efforts have been made to maintain the ecological health of Tony Grove Lake.

In August 2024, the lake was temporarily closed to address an infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant that threatens native species and recreational activities.

Logan District Ranger Marshall Alford emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of such invasive species to protect the lake's ecosystem.

Visitors are encouraged to clean all recreational equipment thoroughly to avoid inadvertently transporting invasive plants to other bodies of water.

Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service has been actively working to improve trail access in the area.

In August 2024, they initiated a project to reroute approximately two miles of the Bunchgrass Trail, enhancing connectivity between Whitepine Lake, Tony Grove, and the lower Tony Grove parking lot.

This project includes the construction of bridges, installation of cattle guards, and fencing work to ensure sustainable and safe trail use.

Volunteers have played a crucial role in these efforts, participating in trail workdays to support the project's completion.

As the dedication ceremony approaches, community members and visitors alike are invited to celebrate the rich natural heritage of Cache Valley.

The recognition of Tony Grove and Mount Naomi Wilderness as part of the Old-Growth Forest Network serves as a testament to the area's ecological significance and the collective commitment to its preservation.

For those planning to attend the ceremony, the weather forecast for Logan, Utah, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, indicates partly sunny conditions with temperatures reaching up to 78°F (26°C) around noon.

Attendees are advised to dress appropriately and stay hydrated during the event.

For more information on the dedication ceremony and related events, please contact the Bridgerland Audubon Society or the Old-Growth Forest Network.

Embrace this opportunity to connect with nature and honor the enduring beauty of Cache Valley's old-growth forests.