Summit County and the Summit Land Conservancy have successfully finalized the acquisition of the 835-acre Ure Ranch property located in the Kamas Valley. This significant achievement marks a pivotal step in the long-term preservation of open spaces and agricultural practices within the region. Tonja Hanson, Chair of the Summit County Council, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the protection of this land, stating, "On behalf of Summit County, I want to say how excited I am to see this precious land protected for open space and agriculture for generations to come." She noted her personal connection to the property, having lived nearby for several years, and emphasized the importance of maintaining the scenic beauty of the Kamas Valley against potential development pressures. The acquisition involves creating multiple conservation easements aimed at safeguarding the land's ecological and agricultural value. County officials are developing five distinct easements encompassing Ure North Meadows, Ure Homestead, Ure Recreation, Ure South Meadow, and The Swamp. Each easement will cater to specific purposes: Ure Recreation will facilitate public access for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and equestrian use, while Ure North Meadows and Ure South Meadows may be leased or sold to local agricultural producers. Cheryl Fox, CEO of the Summit Land Conservancy, highlighted the ranch's significance in promoting sustainable agriculture within the Kamas Valley. The Ure Homestead will also support agricultural production and educational programs, and The Swamp aims to restore vital wetland ecosystems. Funding for the acquisition was made possible through a collaboration involving various organizations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Resources Conservation Service contributed $6.2 million, while the Land and Water Conservation Fund provided an additional $2.5 million. However, the majority of the funding—approximately $17 million—was sourced from the Summit County government, with voter-approved open space bonds contributing $7 million and transient room taxes adding another $10 million. In the coming year, county officials plan to finalize recreation management strategies and enhance public engagement regarding the development of hiking trails. The Ure Ranch is anticipated to open to the public by the summer of 2027. Additionally, there are plans to rework Gun Club Road, addressing neighboring residents' concerns about construction-related disturbances. Although this proposal is still under review, county staff are anticipating a final vote on the matter in the months ahead. The acquisition process faced various delays earlier in the year due to issues related to federal funding and other logistical challenges. The property had been under option for 1,006 days before the final agreement was reached. The county emphasized the ecological benefits of the ranch, noting its role in providing essential habitats for wildlife, including elk and migratory waterbirds. The preservation of this land aligns with local land use goals focusing on open space conservation and agricultural heritage, contributing to the region's environmental and scenic integrity.