Council previews public meeting on possible $55 million option to buy 8,576‑acre 910 Cattle Ranch

Summit County Council members discussed a proposed option to purchase the 8,576‑acre 910 Cattle Ranch for $55 million at an Aug. 23 meeting and scheduled a public meeting for Aug. 24 to receive community input. Council members described the property as high‑value open space with recreational, watershed and ecological significance near the Basin.

Council member Chris Robinson, who has worked on the matter for several years, outlined the proposed option structure: a $15 million nonrefundable option fee with interest accruing on the remaining $40 million at 4.5% paid quarterly. Robinson said the property contains multiple miles of East Canyon Creek, extensive habitat and potential for public programming, research and long‑term conservation benefit.

The chair asked county staff to provide photographs and a satellite graphic with the Aug. 24 agenda and press materials so the public can see the property's extent. Council emphasized they would take public testimony at the Aug. 24 meeting and that the county manager would bring a formal recommendation then; no acquisition vote was taken on Aug. 23.