Emigration Canyon planners continue review of 40-acre conservation agreement for Pinecrest property

The Emigration Canyon Planning Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 13 to continue consideration of a Conservation Development Agreement (OAM2026-001673) for roughly 40 acres at 1475 N Pinecrest Canyon Road until its October meeting.

Claire Gillmor, land use attorney for the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District, presented the proposal as a discretionary development agreement that would govern forest conservation and management on the parcel, including fire mitigation and "natural resource renewal strategies." The proposal noted additional conditions for structures over 600 square feet, and Gillmor outlined compliance elements tied to WUI code.

Applicant Ryan Leick described buying the property in March 2021 and said the parcel’s primary purpose would be "watershed production," with low‑impact farming, recreation and active forest management. "Foremost is watershed production," he said, and he told commissioners the proposal aims to minimize disturbance and shield structures from view.

Neighbors and stakeholders sharply questioned access, legal enforceability and potential impacts to trails and creek corridors. Emigration Canyon Council member Catherine Harris said "there have been rumors that there is a backroom plant going on" and pushed back against suggestions of covert agreement-making. Resident Matt Steward characterized the proposal as not being a true conservation agreement and called the process "a farce," arguing the document might not bind future owners.

Commissioners also read into the record Salt Lake City Public Utilities’ written request that the application be denied or tabled. After brief discussion about conflicting language with the general plan and ordinances and outstanding exhibits, Commissioner Dale Berreth moved, Commissioner Andrew Wallace seconded, and the commission continued the application to October to allow staff to complete a draft development agreement and provide additional research. The motion passed unanimously.

The commission directed staff to forward comments to the Mayor and City Attorney and to prepare a revised draft for the next hearing. The item will return to the Emigration Canyon Planning Commission’s agenda in October for further review.