Summit County, Utah, celebrated a significant milestone this week with the official acquisition of the 8,588-acre 910 Cattle Ranch property, marking what local officials are calling the largest conservation victory in the county's history. The transaction was finalized on Tuesday, a culmination of more than a decade's worth of effort aimed at preserving one of the few remaining contiguous natural landscapes in Summit County. Jess Kirby, the County Lands and Natural Resources Director, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting the complexities and challenges encountered throughout the negotiation process. “It’s been a long time coming,” Kirby said. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs and back and forth, but we’re here, and it feels great.” The 910 Cattle Ranch, which is situated amid increasing development in the region, provides a swath of untouched land that is vital for local wildlife and habitat preservation. Kirby emphasized the importance of the property for the ecological health of the area, stating, “All the things we’re doing on this property helps protect the watershed, helps get more water to the Great Salt Lake, and provides a valuable wildlife habitat and opportunities for scenic and recreational activities that our community loves.” The acquisition aligns with the county's broader efforts to maintain open spaces, especially in light of rapid urbanization. Summit County Council Chair Canice Harte echoed Kirby’s sentiments and articulated his excitement over the acquisition. “I’m over the moon about this,” Harte said. He referred to the property as an “incredible gift for future generations,” highlighting that the residents of Summit County have consistently prioritized open space preservation. In a recent vote, community members chose to tax themselves to raise $50 million for purchasing open space and protecting wildlands, a decision that paved the way for the acquisition of the 910 Cattle Ranch among other projects. Harte compared the ranch to a small state park due to its vast size and potential for public access. However, he clarified that conservation will remain the primary focus, and recreational opportunities may be limited. “I want to protect the wildlife habitat and the open space there, so we should really take our time,” Harte advised, underscoring the importance of careful planning in the management of the newly acquired land. In preparation for public access, the county has enlisted a consultant to develop a comprehensive recreational plan for the property. Kirby mentioned that stakeholder meetings with conservation experts are expected to take place in the coming months, allowing for community input on how the land should be utilized. “People want to preserve the habitat and the connectivity for wildlife while still having recreation,” she said, noting that hiking trails may be part of the plan. However, she emphasized that certain activities, such as e-biking, will be strictly prohibited on the ranch to minimize the impact on wildlife. The recreational focus of the 910 Cattle Ranch is expected to lean towards hiking and equestrian experiences, both of which are considered less disruptive to the ecosystem. Plans indicate that the property will likely be divided into various zones, with some areas designated for recreational use while others remain untouched to protect wildlife habitats. Kirby affirmed the county's intention to conduct a phased soft opening within the next year, with hopes of initiating pilot projects on the property. “By next summer, we can have some community footprints on the land, or at least that’s the hope right now, but it’s going to be a soft opening. It’s not going to be the whole ranch at once,” she explained. In addition to the recreational planning, the county is in the early stages of organizing a celebratory event to mark the acquisition, with details expected to be released in the spring. Kirby encouraged community members interested in following developments related to the 910 Cattle Ranch to subscribe to the Lands and Natural Resources newsletter for updates on public engagement opportunities. “We really appreciate the community’s input on this,” she said, reiterating the county's commitment to ensuring that the property serves both residents and visitors alike. As the planning process unfolds, the focus will remain on balancing conservation efforts with recreational access, ensuring that the 910 Cattle Ranch becomes a cherished asset for generations to come.