County Lands News - October 2025

Director’s Message

I want to take a moment to acknowledge recent delays in the closing processes for both the 910 Ranch and the Ure Ranch. As you are likely aware, the ongoing government shutdown has created significant disruptions across agencies, and, unfortunately, our projects have not been immune to these impacts.

While these delays are frustrating, I want to reassure you that the funding for both acquisitions remains secure. The holdup is purely administrative and beyond our control. We are working closely with our partners to resume progress as soon as federal operations stabilize.

During this time I feel it is increasingly important to express our department’s commitment to protecting public lands, including roadless areas.  This is not a political stance, but rather a shared value rooted in stewardship, public access, and community well-being. The protection of open space, wildlife habitat, and natural landscapes transcends party lines. These lands are for everyone — regardless of background, affiliation, or belief.

Protecting these places ensures that future generations can experience the same beauty, freedom, and connection to nature that we enjoy today. This is not a partisan issue — it’s a collective responsibility.

We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Your continued support and commitment to public lands are what make our work possible, and we remain dedicated to seeing these important projects through to completion.

Thank you again for standing with us. We’ll keep you informed as we move forward.

Warm regards,

Jess Kirby
Director, Summit County Lands and Natural Resources

Upcoming Events

10/23 — Know Before You Go

This free avalanche awareness introduction from the Utah Avalanche Center is the perfect place to start if you enjoy (or are just curious about) outdoor winter adventures. This knowledge isn’t just for exploring the backcountry! No RSVP necessary.

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 23

• Time: 6 – 7 PM

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

11/01 — Last Chance for Leaves: Guided Walk on the 910 Ranch

Join Summit County and Paul Rogers, director of the Western Aspen Alliance, for a guided walk on the 910 Ranch property. Though the leaves may be on the ground by this time, this is a great opportunity to learn more about aspen ecology and management!

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 1

• Time: 1 – 3 PM

• Location: 910 Ranch, 10063 N E Canyon Road, Snyderville, UT

910 Ranch Update

1. Summit County recently welcomed the Park City Community Foundation for a walk through the 910 Ranch this September. The visit sparked great conversations about future partnerships and opportunities for collaboration!

2. Trout Unlimited installed beaver dam analogs (BDAs) in Big Bear Hollow to slow water, restore floodplains, improve habitat, and support beaver recolonization. Paired with planting native vegetation, fencing out cattle, and treating noxious weeds, this phase of the Big Bear Hollow restoration project is complete.

Ambassador & Volunteer Outreach Update

• Serve Park City @ Miss Billie’s
  This event was an incredible success, thanks to the dedication of our community members. Volunteers removed invasive plants, prepared the ground, and spread native seeds to restore disturbed areas to a more natural landscape and rehabilitate the riparian zone.

• Barbed Wire Pull at the 910 Ranch

  A team of hard working volunteers removed thousands of feet of barbed wire from the ranch. By clearing this wire, they improved habitat connectivity so wildlife can safely move across the landscape and access East Canyon Creek. This project has the added benefit of making the open space safer and restoring the land to its natural beauty.

Wildlife Watch

The elk rut is in full swing - during this time of year, dominant male elk will defend their groups of females day and night against other males. You can hear them bugling throughout the county!

Open Space Update

The Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) will soon be recruiting new members! There are three vacancies, one in each region: North, South, and West Summit. Learn more about the Summit County Open Space Advisory Committee here.

The call for volunteers and application information will be posted 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.