County Lands News - April 2026

Inside this email:

• Spring in a Time of Extreme Water Shortage

• Recent Volunteer Projects

• Earth Week Activities

• Rain Barrel Sale

• Wildfire Preparedness & Wildlife Watch

Director’s Message

Spring is a season I typically welcome with optimism — longer days, thawing soils, and new life across our landscapes. This year, however, spring has arrived under very different conditions. After our unprecedented winter, Summit County is facing an extreme water shortage.

Reduced runoff and critically warm temperatures are placing uncharacteristic stress on plants and animals. Native vegetation is entering the growing season already water‑stressed, reducing forage and cover for wildlife and increasing susceptibility to pests and disease.

At the same time, streams that should be bank full are unusually low. Warming waters will place unavoidable strain on our aquatic species. East Canyon Creek, for example, is expected to break temperature records this summer, placing fish and other cold‑water organisms at serious risk.

Dry conditions also mean an earlier, longer, and more dangerous wildfire season. Parched plants will be primed to ignite, and human‑caused fires remain the leading source of wildfire starts in Utah. This combination of drought, heat, and fuel loading leaves little margin for error.

As we approach Earth Day, I challenge you to remember that our collective actions matter. The care we show now will determine how well plants, wildlife, and communities endure the months ahead.

Thank you for being thoughtful stewards of our shared community lands. This Earth Day, and throughout the year, we can reduce harm, protect ecosystems, and help ensure there is recovery on the other side of this difficult year.

Jess Kirby
Director, Summit County Lands and Natural Resources

Ambassador & Volunteer Outreach Update

Thank you to all the ambassadors and community volunteers that have pitched in on the recent cleanup and willow planting on the 910 Ranch. See the upcoming events for more opportunities to get out on county lands and show your love for nature.

Upcoming Events

4/21 — 910 Ranch Open Space and Recreation Open House

Want to know when the 910 Ranch will be open for recreation? And what activities will be allowed?

Join us next Tuesday (April 21) for a public open house on the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan. We will present the results from months of planning and meeting with public and private stakeholders — outlining the phased approach for opening the ranch and answering community questions.

• Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

• Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM

• Location: Sheldon Richins Auditorium (1885 W Ute Blvd, Park City)

  RSVP HERE

4/22 — Earth Day!

Celebrate our incredible planet by spending time outdoors, volunteering for an eco-friendly cause, or picking up trash in your neighborhood or along your favorite trail.

4/25 — Wildfire Preparedness Fair

Join Summit County Homeowners Associations and community sponsors for a program not to be missed about wildfire preparation in Utah. Featuring an expert panel discussion, local vendors, wildfire educators, food trucks, and kids activities.

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Location: Ecker Hill Middle School (2465 Kilby Rd, Park City)

4/25 — National Go Birding Day: Birding on the 910 Ranch

Join us for bird watching with our volunteer ambassadors on the 910 Ranch! This event involves a walk of approximately 2 miles. Please dress appropriately for the conditions: wear sturdy footwear, sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring water. Mornings at the ranch can be chilly, so we recommend bringing layers to stay comfortable! A few pairs of binoculars will be available to borrow.

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

• Time: 7:00 – 9:30 AM

• Location: Meeting location provided upon registration. Join the waitlist at the link below.

4/25 — Swaner’s Kimball Junction Trash Cleanup

Join Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter for their annual cleanup of Kimball Junction and the Preserve! Volunteers will head to locations all over Kimball Junction to pick up trash that has accumulated over the winter. If not removed, much of this garbage ends up on the Swaner Preserve which can be dangerous for wildlife and detrimental to the functions of the wetland.

Coffee and light snacks will be provided by local businesses and all volunteers who participate in the cleanup are entered into an opportunity drawing for fun prizes and gift cards from local sponsors. Sign up with the RSVP link below.

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

• Time: 9:00 – 1:30 PM

• Location: Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter (1258 Center Dr, Park City)

4/27 — Roots of Conservation: Wildlife Awareness

Join us and local wildlife partners for a conversation about living alongside wildlife in the Wasatch!

Listen to speaker presentations and engage in a panel Q&A about living alongside wildlife — exploring coexistence, responsible recreation, and the critical role of wildlife habitat in Summit County.

• Date: Monday, April 27, 2026

• Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM

• Location: Mountain Regional Water Special Service District (5739 Paintbrush Rd, Park City)

Rain Barrel Sale (now until April 26)

Last chance to get a discounted rain barrel! Summit County is subsidizing rain barrels for all residents to help conserve water this season. Each barrel comes with a locking lid, mosquito screen, and 3/4” valve that can be connected to a garden hose for easy setup.

The sale ends on April 26, with pickup on Wednesday, May 6, at Mountain Regional Water. Place your order using the link here.

Wildfire Preparedness

As with all years (but especially in this period of extreme drought), preparation is crucial to prevent harm and protect both property and open space. Always be wildfire aware and recreate responsibly. Follow these tips for increased wildfire safety:

• Make the choice not to have campfires, even where they are typically allowed.

• Avoid fireworks entirely this summer. One spark can start a fast‑moving, destructive fire.

• Be careful where you park. Never park vehicles on dry grass.

• Ensure chains, straps, and equipment are secured and not dragging from vehicles as sparks from metal contact can ignite vegetation.

• Be mindful and prepared by checking fire restrictions before recreating.

• Report smoke or fire immediately.

• Talk with friends and neighbors about why these precautions matter.

Go to summitcounty.info/fire to sign up for emergency alerts, follow our social media channels where we share updates on active incidents, and text “SCFIRE” to 91896 for non-emergency updates on fire restrictions, conditions & more.

Familiarize yourself with the “Ready, Set Go!” program for wildfire preparedness. They have resources for go bags, tips for creating defensible space, and safety guides for campgrounds and fireworks.

One of the best ways to prevent a major fire incident at your home or business is to reduce fuel around your residence and trees. Park City Fire District runs a wood chipping service for local residents in an effort to reduce wood fuel that presents a fire danger. Sign up for wood chipping at this link.

Wildlife Watch

We’re privileged to see such a variety of animal life on our county lands. With spring being a busy season for foraging, nesting, calving — chances are higher than ever for wildlife encounters. Remember these key tips to keep yourself safe and to limit wildlife disturbance during this crucial time:

• Keep your distance from animals, especially during spring and early summer when they are raising their young.

• Never attempt to rescue or move an injured or stressed animal. Call the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for help.

• Leash dogs at all times in natural areas. Even well‑intentioned dogs can cause animals to flee, abandoning critical habitat and expending precious energy.

• Stay out of East Canyon Creek. Avoid fishing, wading, or recreating in the creek this year to reduce stress on fish during extreme temperature conditions

Summit County acquires property and secures conservation easements for open space, conservation, and agricultural preservation. The County welcomes landowners to submit a Notice of Interest, or “NOI,” to have their property evaluated for possible qualified use of these Open Space Bond Funds. A NOI may only be completed by the property owner or an authorized representative. Find out more here.