County Lands News - December 2025

Inside this email:

• Year in Review

• Summit County Acquires & Protects the Iconic Ure Ranch

• Fuels Reduction on the 910 Ranch

• Volunteer Ambassador Program seeking applicants

• Wildlife Watch

Director’s Message

As we close out this year, we reflect on the challenges our lands and natural resources have faced. From unpredictable weather patterns and increased pressures on our native ecosystems to the loss of critical federal support through dissolved programs and reduced funding, it has been a year that tested our resilience and commitment. These setbacks have made our work harder — but they have not shaken our resolve.

Through every obstacle, one thing has remained constant: our dedication to protecting the lands we love, restoring the ecological resources that sustain us, and providing meaningful recreation opportunities for the citizens of Summit County and all who visit.

Looking ahead, we are filled with hope. Our mission and our resolve is stronger than ever. Together, with community support, innovative solutions, and a shared vision, we will continue to safeguard these treasured landscapes for generations to come.

Thank you for standing with us in this important work. Here’s to a future where our lands thrive, our resources are restored, and our outdoor spaces remain a source of joy and connection for all.

Jess Kirby
Director, Summit County Lands and Natural Resources

Ure Ranch Update

Summit County is excited to announce the acquisition of the Ure Ranch, an 835-acre property in Kamas, UT. While the property is now under County ownership, it remains closed to the public to allow time to establish management plans and recreation amenities.

Opportunities for public engagement will be shared in this newsletter and posted on our website. To learn more about the Ure Ranch conservation and read the full press release, visit summitcounty.info/ureacquisition.

910 Ranch Update

Cool, wet weather allowed the County to burn piles of forest debris across 74 acres of the ranch this month. Representatives from the County, Utah’s Forestry, Fire & State Lands (including area Fire Wardens), the US Forest Service, Park City Fire District, and USU’s Wildland Fire Club were all present.

This was a unique gathering of agencies across all scales, and a wonderful learning opportunity for students interested in a wildland fire career. This project has reduced hazardous fuel buildup on the 910 Ranch, mitigating wildfire risk on the property and for neighboring communities while supporting long-term forest health and resilience.

For more details on the collaboration, benefits, and safety measures, click here.

Ambassador & Volunteer Outreach Update

Summit County Lands and Natural Resources will be refreshing the Volunteer Ambassador Program in the coming year! If you have already submitted an application, we have your information on file. If you would like to learn more about the program or submit an application, please do so here.

Placement in the program is not determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Rather, staff recruits volunteers based on identified skillsets and availability to meet program needs. Invitations for training will go out in March and a mandatory training will be held in April.

Upcoming Events

Please continue to check our website for new events!

Wildlife Watch

We’re so lucky to catch humorous and unexpected animal sightings on our game cameras, but you don’t usually want to be interacting with wildlife so up close and personal. In fact, human/wildlife encounters can be dangerous for one or both of the parties involved in many instances.

Luckily, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has some tips and tricks to keep you and our four-legged or feathery friends safe. Read their article on what to do when you encounter wildlife by clicking here.

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.