FARMINGTON — The Jordan River may only be a shadow of itself when it makes its appearance in Davis County.

But its couple of miles is enough to merit the county’s inclusion in ongoing planning efforts to develop the river’s potential.

Scott Hess, Davis County trails planner, and Stan Porter, a member of North Salt Lake’s trails committee, have been asked to sit on the board, which will hold its first meeting Feb. 26.

County commissioners were recently given an update on the “Blueprint Jordan River” plan developed by Envision Utah and unveiled last fall.

“We’ve met with all 15 cities (most in Salt Lake County) and appointed representatives, and will form a planning body,” said Gabe Epperson, Envision Utah planning director.

“As cities are developing proposals, we will give recommendations to the cities,” he said.

That goes along with a variety of options for development along the river, from recreational to housing, Epperson said.

Efforts range from purchasing open space along the river to maintenance efforts, he said.

“We hope the river will become an international draw. People could spend multiple days” exploring the 50-mile stretch that starts in Davis County on the north and ends in northern Utah County, Epperson said.

Davis County’s contribution so far includes the river’s meandering into the Legacy Parkway Nature Preserve.

“The steering committee is moving forward to see that efforts go forward in day-to-day planning,” Hess said.

“They’ve had these types of projects before, but this was a huge collaborative project,” he said. “It brought everybody in (from different government entities). Everybody is seeing the benefit of having trails next to the river.

“There are a number of ideas, not just one vision for the river, but what the river can be in many different places,” Hess said.

That includes historically-significant areas in some sections, to areas of preserved pristine wetlands and wildlife, he said.

“It’s been easy to underestimate the value of the river,” said County Commissioner John Petroff. “There’s a whitewater component, possibly, to bird watching. This could end up being one of our strongest amenities.

“Let’s do it right. We have 50 miles, lots of room to do different things,” he said. “Maybe we could see something reminiscent of San Antonio’s river walk.”

County Commission Chair Bret Millburn, meanwhile, put in a good-natured plug for fishing possibilities along the river, which has had pollution-cleaning efforts undertaken over the years.

“This project is visionary, has great potential,” said County Commissioner Louenda Downs. “There is a growing group of citizens who are very interested in connectivity. I’ve walked the trail.

“We are in the beginning stages. There is a lot to do.”

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com