Advisory panel backs $250,000 ESAP recommendation to protect 4,285-acre Echo Canyon ranch

Summit Land Conservancy asked Eastern Summit’s Agriculture Preservation and Open Lands Advisory Committee on Jan. 11 to support a conservation easement covering 4,285 acres in Echo Canyon, and the committee voted to forward a positive recommendation that $250,000 in ESAP funds be allocated toward the purchase.

Robin Lyons of Summit Land Conservancy told the committee the Wright family has ranched the property for more than a century and that the proposal would protect springs, water infrastructure and wetlands that feed Echo Creek and the Weber River. Lyons said the property is zoned AG-80 (one development right per 80 acres), which she estimated could translate to roughly 53 potential development lots under current zoning.

Lyons described the operation as primarily cattle grazing (she cited an annual average of about 12 bulls and 75 cows) and emphasized wildlife values on the property, including sage-grouse habitat, migratory raptors, cutthroat trout in streams and larger game such as elk and moose. She said Summit Land Conservancy would hold the easement and intends to keep the land in agriculture while allowing limited public recreation and adding climbing-site access on the northern cliffs before closing the easement.

The conservancy presented a project budget that still left a funding gap despite a significant landowner donation, commitments from private foundations and an approved Summit County OSAC allocation. Lyons said the organization intends to apply to Utah state funds to close the gap.

After questions about whether nearby historic breastworks/artillery features fall on the property, Lyons said she would follow up with the landowner and incorporate any identified historic resources into the project documentation and maps. Committee members emphasized the importance of mapping and protecting any such features.

A committee member moved to recommend allocating $250,000 of ESAP funds toward acquiring the easement; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with all members saying 'aye.' Jess Kirby, Summit County staff, said she would draft the recommendation letter to the county manager and expected to send it that week.

The advisory panel’s recommendation is advisory: final approval and the formal allocation of ESAP funds will require action by the county manager or other county decision-makers according to county procedures. The conservancy will continue fundraising and pursue state grants to complete the acquisition.