Summit Land Conservancy

Land Conservation: In 2024, Summit Land Conservancy completed two new conservation easements: the 96-acre Andrus Farm, located in the heart of the Kamas Valley and the 4,285-acre Wright Echo Canyon property, a striking rangeland with the iconic red cliffs of Echo Canyon and a section of public access for rock climbing. We signed Letters of Intent with four additional landowners, all located between Hoytsville and Echo. For these properties (approximately 16,000 acres) we submitted Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) applications to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), requesting just under $30 million in federal funding. We began implementation of our 2023 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) award by engaging landowners in the Kamas Valley and our partners to conduct soil monitoring and testing. In addition, we advanced work on seven other projects and contributed to local and national conservation conversations, including participation in the Weber Confluence, the Colorado NRCS Conference, and the national Land Trust Alliance Rally.

Outreach: In 2024, Summit Land Conservancy deepened community connections through events that celebrated the lands and waters we protect. From solstice hikes and wild hop harvesting to sunset meditations and educational hikes with guest speakers, we offered diverse ways to engage with nature. Connecting to nature and with each other builds a strong community and reinforces an appreciation for open spaces. We collaborated with local ranchers on regenerative agriculture, volunteered on farms and trails, and celebrated at our Tenth Annual Hoppy Hour. We also tabled at community events and partnered with Recycle Utah and Swaner Nature Center to launch Summit County's first Latino Conservation Celebration. Through hands-on learning - including land and water education for all Summit County fifth graders - we continue to inspire a strong, conservation-minded community, of all ages.