Unlocking the future of 910 Cattle Ranch: History, plans, and public access explained

910 Cattle Ranch spans 8,576 acres north of Jeremy Ranch. Photo: TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah — The 910 Cattle Ranch’s funding is secured. Now what? This historic property, recently funded by a $40 million grant from the United States Forest Service (USFS) and $15 million from Summit County’s General Obligation Bond, represents a significant addition to the community. So, what can people expect in the coming years?

The History

The 910 Cattle Ranch, located north of Jeremy Ranch, is one of the last remaining large mountain ranches in the Snyderville Basin area. The ranch’s history dates back to 1890 when Thomas E. Jeremy Jr. began acquiring land for a family farm and sheep ranching operation. The Jeremy family managed the land for four generations until 1979. Today, the original homestead, the Jeremy Ranch Stone Cabin, still stands on the property, preserving a piece of the area’s rich agricultural heritage.

The Acquisition

The journey to acquiring the 910 Cattle Ranch has been going on for over a decade, however according to Jess Kirby, the Lands and Natural Resources Director of Summit County, the landowners willingness to start real negotiations was timed just right with the 2021 Generational Obligation Bond fund (GO Bond). That’s when Summit County voters approved the GO Bond to fund open space projects. This bond provided the initial $15 million needed for the purchase.

On August 24, 2023, the Summit County Council approved an option agreement to buy the ranch for $55 million. The recent $40 million USFS grant secured the remaining funds, making the acquisition possible. Full ownership of the property is expected to transfer to Summit County by the summer of 2025.

In the meantime, Summit County has assumed stewardship of the land, allowing for the development of comprehensive management plans. These plans include documenting current conditions, identifying sensitive wildlife habitats, and preparing for future recreational use.

Current and Future Use

While the County prepares for full ownership, several steps are being taken to manage and protect the property. Volunteer ambassadors and the Summit County Sheriff’s mounted posse are actively monitoring the land. However, public access remains limited. Visitors are asked to stay on East Canyon Road and respect the private property boundaries until further notice.

Current conversations, access, and projects in the pipeline:

• This month, Summit County announced that they secured a $58,000 grant from Utah’s State Historic Preservation Office for archaeological and cultural surveys, protective fencing around the Jeremy Stone Cabin, and interpretive signage for cultural history.
• Near-Term Access: Until the county finalizes its plans, the public is restricted to East Canyon Road. Dogs are allowed on the road but on leash or e-collar only. Fishing and other recreational activities are not yet permitted.
• Restoration Projects: Starting in the summer of 2024, Summit County, in collaboration with various organizations, will begin restoration and habitat improvement projects. These efforts include spring enhancement, forest health treatments, and fuel reduction.
• Public Involvement: The County has hosted practitioner roundtables to gather input and share progress on topics such as rangeland management and recreation. Practitioner roundtables are experts in specific disciplines who brainstorm and provide management best practice advice on specific topics. Once the roundtable sessions are completed in the fall, public open houses will be held.
• Future Recreation: “While there be a component of recreation on the Ranch, nothing has been determined and there is no guarantee that there will be a plan by September 2025.  Regardless of what type of and how much recreation will be on the Ranch, activities will always be carefully managed to protect sensitive habitats and wildlife, “ said Jess Kirby, Summit County’s Lands and Natural Resources Director.

One thing is guaranteed: hunting will be strictly prohibited on the 910 property. According to Summit County’s website for the 910 Ranch, “The 910’s owner at the time of the negotiations aggressively enforced the prohibition of hunting and prosecution for poaching on the 910. The continued prohibition of hunting on the 910 was a very specific, non-negotiable condition for the sale of the property.”

Summit County residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the planning process through public meetings and events. For updates and information on how to get involved, visit 910 Cattle Ranch’s website.