Residents tell commissioners Pinecrest conservation deal risks trails and watershed

Residents and local stakeholders used the public-comment period on Aug. 13 to press the Emigration Canyon Planning Commission to delay the proposed Conservation Development Agreement for 1475 N Pinecrest Canyon Road, citing access problems, watershed vulnerability and perceived one-sided contract terms.

Emigration Canyon Council member Catherine Harris told the commission "there have been rumors that there is a backroom plant going on" and said she was "restrained" from making broader statements; she added she did not know council members who had tried to influence the commission. Several neighbors focused on access and public-safety implications. Speaker Matt Steward said, "This is not a conservation and development agreement. This is an agreement between the parties and if sold it would not be bound by this... this is a farce." Other residents asked staff to verify litigation references, identify missing exhibits and confirm that the agreement would not allow road construction across sensitive trail corridors.

Brad Barber, chair of the Emigration Oaks Trails Committee, warned the commission that proposed access would "destroy the trail corridor" and harm the area where neighbors meet and recreate. Multiple commenters asked the commission to delay action until a complete application and supporting exhibits — including clear access plans — were provided.

Commissioners closed public comment and then continued the application to October after staff and utility input; concerns about enforceability, missing exhibits and access were part of the rationale for delaying a decision.