Open Lands advisory committee approves $250,000 ESAP contribution for 835‑acre ‘Your Ranch’ acquisition

The Eastern Summit County Agriculture Preservation and Open Lands Advisory Committee approved using up to $250,000 from the Open Lands ESAP fund to help Summit County complete an option agreement to acquire an 835‑acre parcel referred to in the meeting as “Your Ranch,” a county presenter said.

The committee’s action followed a presentation from a Summit County representative who described the property as comprising meadow north of State Road 248 and upland parcels to the west and south. The presenter said the county entered an option agreement with the landowning family and used $5,000,000 from the OSAC bond as a down payment to secure the purchase option.

Why it matters: The presenter said the meadow area includes Camas Meadows, a groundwater source for local users, and that a significant amount of water rights are tied to the property and will remain with the land. The county intends to place meadow parcels under conservation easement, continue historic grazing there and protect wildlife winter range and migratory bird habitat.

During the presentation the county outlined potential future uses for upland portions — including trails, recreation and a possible affordable‑housing site — but said those ideas are preliminary. "Nothing is concrete other than the fact that the meadows will be preserved, and the ranching will continue on the meadows portion," the presenter said.

The presenter described basic option‑financing terms: a 4% interest rate and quarterly interest payments to the family over a period of up to five years until the stated purchase price, $25,000,000, is paid. The transcript’s audio of the exact quarterly payment amount was unclear; the committee document provided at the meeting indicates a $5,000,000 down payment from OSAC and a maximum ESAP ask of $250,000 (about 1% of the stated purchase price).

The county said it will work with Summitlands Conservancy to pursue federal (NRCS) and state grant opportunities and explore long‑term agricultural lease revenue to help offset acquisition costs while the family continues to occupy and operate the land until closing.

A committee member asked for more detail about leasing and affordable‑housing concepts; the presenter said those specifics are expected to be addressed in the option agreement and through a forthcoming master‑planning process for which the county has issued an RFQ.

A committee member moved to approve use of ESAP funds for a 1% contribution to the acquisition; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote. The committee then heard brief staff comments and adjourned.

Next steps: County staff said they will continue fundraising and vet the master plan publicly with a consultant team to determine how upland parcels may be programmed.