OAKLEY — In a significant step for conservation efforts, Summit Land Conservancy, in collaboration with Oakley City, announced on Thursday the establishment of a permanent conservation easement at Oakley Trail Park. This initiative aims to safeguard approximately 81 acres of vital open space, a crucial watershed, wildlife habitat, and public recreation areas within Summit County. Situated along Pinion Lane at the base of Hoyt Peak and the Uinta Mountains, Oakley Trail Park is well-known for its year-round accessibility to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. The area is not only a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts but also plays a critical role in preserving essential water resources and wildlife habitat. The newly implemented conservation easement will prevent development on the land, ensuring it remains available to the public indefinitely. Cheryl Fox, CEO of Summit Land Conservancy, emphasized the importance of this conservation effort. "The Oakley Trail Park conservation easement ensures this land will continue to serve the community as open space, protecting Oakley’s drinking water and providing vital habitat and recreational opportunities for generations to come," Fox remarked. She praised the collaboration between municipalities and land trusts as an exemplary model for future conservation projects. One of the key aspects of the conserved land includes Pinion Canyon and Pinion Creek, a tributary of the Weber River that serves as a primary source of drinking water for Oakley residents. The steep, forested terrain and intact soil in this area are instrumental in preventing soil erosion, minimizing stormwater runoff, and maintaining good water quality. The easement imposes strict limitations on development and land disturbance within the upper watershed, thereby helping protect the headwaters of the Weber River. This not only secures water quality for Oakley but also benefits communities downstream. The diversified recreational offerings at Oakley Trail Park include an established network of non-motorized trails catering to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. These trails connect seamlessly to the city’s adjacent bike park and extend into the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. To maintain the ecological balance and protect water quality, trail development and public usage will be carefully managed in the Pinion Creek Watershed Area. Furthermore, the easement enhances an existing network of protected lands along the Weber River, which serves as a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife including elk, mule deer, moose, mountain goats, black bears, dusky grouse, and migratory birds. Mayor Zane Woolstenhulme of Oakley highlighted the community’s commitment to conservation, stating, "This conservation easement reflects Oakley City’s dedication to safeguarding our water, open space, and outdoor recreational opportunities while preserving the rural nature of our community."