After a decade of advocacy, the Park City Council has approved a conservation easement for the 344-acre Clark Ranch, located just south of Quinn's Junction along U.S. 40. This unanimous decision ensures that the land will remain protected from development, specifically preventing any potential housing projects from relocating to areas east of the highway. The approved easement covers 329 acres, leaving a 15-acre area for potential development, which was a point of contention among council members. The City Council had previously requested a strict 10-acre cutout for the developer, but they agreed to an additional 5 acres for possible future housing projects. The conservation easement process, which began when the city purchased Clark Ranch in 2014 using sales tax revenue earmarked for open space, has faced delays. An advisory committee had recommended the current easement plan in 2016, which aims to protect most of the land while allowing for some development adjacent to Park City Heights. Wendy Fisher, Executive Director of Utah Open Lands, confirmed to the council that the easement process would not hinder the development of affordable housing. The developer, the Alexander Company, has proposed a project that includes 167 multifamily units and 34 townhomes aimed at workforce and market-rate residents. Despite some skepticism from council members regarding the location of the proposed housing, the council ultimately passed the easement, securing legal protection for the land. Mayor Nann Worel also extended a one-year agreement with the Alexander Company for the housing project before it expired, allowing for continued discussions on the development. The Planning Commission has expressed concerns regarding the proposed development, postponing discussions indefinitely. Overall, the passage of the easement marks a significant milestone for conservation efforts in the area, ensuring that Clark Ranch will remain a protected open space for the community.