Summit County completes largest land conservation acquisition in county history: The 910 Ranch

910 Cattle Ranch spans 8,576 acres north of Jeremy Ranch. Photo: Summit County Government

PARK CITY, Utah — Summit County has finalized the acquisition of the 910 Ranch, permanently protecting 8,588 acres of forestland and wildlife habitat in Summit and Morgan counties using Open Space Bond funds and Forest Legacy grants, officials announced Tuesday.

Summit County, the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, and the U.S. Forest Service described the deal — also known as the Wasatch Back Forest Legacy Conservation Project — as the largest conservation achievement in Summit County’s history.

“We are finally here, and it feels incredible,” Summit County Council Chair Canice Harte said. “This is a meaningful day for Summit County. Securing the 910 Ranch is not just a land purchase; it’s a legacy. It represents our community’s commitment to conservation, our partnerships, and our shared vision to protect these landscapes for generations to come. This is the biggest land acquisition in Summit County history, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

County officials said the property represents one of the last remaining contiguous expanses of undeveloped land in the greater Snyderville Basin, and that the acquisition is intended to preserve natural landscapes, strengthen wildlife corridors, and protect long-term public access to open space.

Funding for the acquisition included a $15 million commitment from Summit County’s 2021 General Obligation Bond for Open Space, approved by voters, and a $40 million grant awarded through the Forest Legacy Program, a collaborative initiative administered by the Forest Service and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, officials said.

“The Forest Legacy Program continues to be impactful across the state”, said Doug Campbell, forest operations manager for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands. “Through this program, open space is preserved and working forests are protected that provide wildlife habitat, clean water, and recreational opportunities. Forest Legacy aims to protect these lands and natural resources close to population centers for all Utahns to benefit from and enjoy.”

Officials said the 910 Ranch connects with adjacent national forest lands, state-owned parcels, and protected private estates, creating a corridor for wildlife movement, habitat connectivity, and regional recreation opportunities.

“This acquisition marks a defining moment in Summit County’s land conservation history,” Summit County Lands and Natural Resources Director Jess Kirby said. “The 910 Ranch will forever stand as a legacy parcel, representing more than a decade of collaboration with the landowner and the steadfast commitment of Summit County, whose Council provided the leadership and support essential to advancing this initiative. Committing to a $55 million purchase without certainty of full funding required courage and vision, but together, we made it happen. But most of all, I am deeply grateful to the landowner for embracing conservation for his land and for trusting Summit County to honor and care for this extraordinary landscape. His decision ensures that its beauty, heritage, and ecological value will be protected forever.”

County officials said public input helped shape the acquisition process and will continue to guide decisions as the county develops long-term management plans for the property. Officials said the county intends to maintain a transparent public engagement process as it finalizes stewardship plans reflecting community priorities and values.

While Summit County now owns the 910 Ranch, the property will not be open to the public until a formal Recreational Management Plan is adopted, officials said. Until then, access is limited to East Canyon Road, which closes to vehicles annually from Dec. 1 through April 30.

Hunting on the property is “strictly and permanently prohibited,” officials said, calling the restriction a non-negotiable commitment to the landowner. Fishing will remain restricted until restoration efforts establish a sustainable fishery, officials said. The county’s Volunteer Ambassador Program will continue to play a role in stewardship and education during the planning phase.

More information is available at summitcounty.info/910ranch. Community members can subscribe to the Summit County Lands and Natural Resources Department newsletter at summitcounty.info/countylandsnews.