The Oakley Trail Park conservation easement will protect 81 acres. Photo: Summit Land Conservancy

OAKLEY — Summit Land Conservancy, in partnership with Oakley City, announced a permanent conservation easement on the Oakley Trail Park on Thursday. The easement will protect approximately 81 acres of open space, watershed, wildlife habitat, and public recreation access in Summit County.

Located along Pinion Lane at the foothills of Hoyt Peak and the Uinta Mountains, Oakley Trail Park has year-round access to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails while also safeguarding critical water resources and wildlife habitat. The conservation easement will protect the land from development and help it remain accessible to the public in perpetuity.

“The Oakley Trail Park conservation easement ensures that this land will continue to serve the community as open space, protect Oakley’s drinking water, and provide vital habitat and recreational opportunities for generations to come,” said Cheryl Fox, CEO of Summit Land Conservancy. “This project demonstrates what’s possible when municipalities and land trusts work together to protect the places people value most.”

Protecting water resources at the Weber River headwaters

The conserved acreage includes Pinion Canyon and Pinion Creek, a tributary of the Weber River and a major source of drinking water for the City of Oakley. Steep forested slopes and intact soils play a critical role in preventing erosion, reducing stormwater runoff, and maintaining water quality.

The conservation easement restricts development and limits land disturbance in the upper watershed, helping protect the headwaters of the Weber River and supporting long-term water security for both Oakley residents and other communities downstream.

Permanent public recreation access

Oakley Trail Park features a well-established network of non-motorized trails used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians of all skill levels. The trails connect to Oakley City’s adjacent bike park and continue into the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Trail development and public use will be limited in the Pinion Creek Watershed Area to protect water quality and ecosystem health.

Wildlife habitat and open space

The easement expands an existing network of conserved land along the Weber River corridor that provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, moose, mountain goats, black bear, dusky grouse, and migratory birds.

“This conservation easement reflects Oakley City’s commitment to protecting our water, open space, and outdoor recreation opportunities while preserving the rural character of our community,” said Oakley Mayor, Zane Woolstenhulme.