Dec. 14, 2011 -Summit Co, Utah – On Wednesday night Summit County Council, acting as the governing body of the Snyderville Basin Recreation District, approved expending $2,800,000 for the preservation of almost 1300 acres of land in the densely developed Snyderville Basin.  Utah Open Lands spearheaded the project and now needs to raise the final $500,000 to secure this preservation opportunity.  The Hi Ute ranch sandwiched between the Factory Outlet Stores @ Park City and condominium development is one of the largest remaining open spaces in the area.  The canyon land starts south of the large Hi-Ute barn and continues south for nearly three miles towards Murdock Peak. 

Through a tentative agreement reached between Utah Open Lands, and the Hi Ute Ranch LC this amazing acquisition over 1268 acres of critical habitat for sensitive species concern including Bonneville cutthroat trout, black bear and deer will be forever protected from development.   In addition, critical trail connections will be accomplished and the spectacular wilderness view down into the canyon from the existing trails will be forever assured. 

“Utah Open Lands is in the final stages of raising the necessary final dollars for the preservation of this treasured landscape” explained Wendy Fisher, Executive Director of Utah Open Lands.  “The commitment from the Snyderville Basin Special Recreation Bond dollars is a tremendous boost to this project and the possibility of bringing it to fruition.” Fisher said.

Hi-Ute Ranch began working with Utah Open Lands in 1997 on the possibility of preserving this legacy as a community treasure.  In 2004, a conservation easement was placed on the front pastures of the property also preserving the historic and iconic Hi-Ute barn structure.  “Hi-Ute Ranch has always had great faith in Utah Open Lands and appreciates its continued diligence in preserving Hi Ute Ranch as well as other environmentally sensitive properties,” said Jay Bell, of Fabian Law a representative for Hi-Ute Ranch.  The preservation of the canyon land was made possible in part due to a significant gift from HI-Ute Ranch. 

                                                                                                          Photos courtesy of Martin van Hemert

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