Land deal ensures preservation of 4,285 acres in Echo Canyon

Echo Canyon. Photo: Summit Land Conservancy

A local conservation group has secured protection for over 4,000 acres of scenic land in Summit County, marking a significant win for wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation enthusiasts

ECHO, Utah — The Summit Land Conservancy closed on a 4,285-acre conservation easement in Echo Canyon on Sept. 16. The deal preserves natural habitat, agricultural rangeland, water quality, and public outdoor recreation areas visible from Interstate 80 and around Coalville.

Cheryl Fox, CEO of Summit Land Conservancy, emphasized the importance of the Wright family’s trust in the organization.

“We are so honored that the Wright family trusted Summit Land Conservancy with a second conservation easement on their heritage ranch,” Fox said. “All told, the Wrights have perfectly protected over 5,100 acres of Summit County’s beautiful rangeland, elk habitat, and watershed. They are true heroes.”

The Wright family has owned and operated the land for over a century. Dennis Wright expressed satisfaction with the conservation effort.

“I’m just glad we had the chance to do this for the next generation,” Wright said. “I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to protect our heritage, and I know my grandfather would feel proud.”

The property, known as Wright Echo Canyon, serves as a critical habitat for various wildlife species, including the Greater Sage-Grouse, elk, moose, and mule deer. It also contains Echo Creek, home to sensitive fish species like the Bonneville cutthroat trout.

The project received funding from multiple sources, including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Summit County’s General Obligation Bond funds.

Summit County Council Chair Malena Stevens highlighted the multiple benefits of the conservation effort.

“Summit County is thrilled to partner with Summit Land Conservancy to contribute funds for the protection of Wright Echo Canyon,” Stevens said. “The property boasts expansive rangeland, thriving big game habitat, and secures permanent public access to an established recreational climbing area in Echo Canyon.”

The deal also preserves public access to a popular rock climbing area on the northwestern section of the property.

This conservation easement aligns with several local and state land management plans, including the Eastern Summit County General Plan and the Utah Statewide Elk Management Plan.