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This year marks Summit Land Conservancy’s 20th Anniversary as Park City’s local land trust–- 20 years of saving the landscapes that are the heart of our community. The first 20 years of forever…
To honor the places we have protected, we will highlight and share some of the stories about these precious lands and how the Conservancy has grown over the years.
Rolling Stone Ranch is a 200 acre property located in both Summit and Wasatch Counties on the Upper Provo River. The property offers a riverfront view of open space and agricultural lands, and is visible from Spring Hollow Road, and E. Lower River Road. Rolling Stone Ranch is natural habitat for a variety of birds, mammals, and aquatic animals. The Upper Provo, which flows through the property, is designated as a “blue ribbon fishery” and is home to robust trout populations that provide highly satisfying fishing and outdoor experiences for anglers and recreationists. The property is part of the Provo River floodplain, and a large part of the land is classified as wetlands which prevent increased sedimentation and pollution to the river, promoting ecological health downstream. The undeveloped land serves as a natural buffer area to the nearby Victory Ranch development.
"Fishing might not be the first activity that comes to mind when one thinks of Utah. The state is renowned for red-rock mountain biking and skiing the “greatest snow on earth,” but in fact, some people come for the skiing and end up staying for the fishing.
Long-time Utah skiers Laura and Geof Wyatt realized that when the snow melts it flows into the streams and rivers of the Wasatch Back, creating cold-water fisheries where trout thrive. Laura and Geof were hooked. After a few years they realized that they weren’t the only ones.
When they had the opportunity to secure 125 acres along the upper Prover River in Summit County, they jumped on it. Working with the Summit Land Conservancy, the Wyatts agreed to donate a conservation easement on the property, giving up all but one development right.
Over the next few years, the Wyatts invested in their land. Instead of building homes they re-established wetlands, a small creek, and planted native trees. And the land responded.
“It’s like the Audubon Society landed out here,” Geof says, talking about the explosion of avian wildlife they’ve seen on the property.
By restoring the land and water outside of the main river channel, the Wyatts have recreated essential habitat for young fish, which will increase the number of fish in the main river, and has also resulted in an explosion of biodiversity.
In 2020, the 80 acres on the Wasatch County side of the river was slated for development. Wanting to save the land from large homes being built on it and potential pressure on the river, the Wyatts stepped in and acquired that land, too. They added the 80 acres to the existing conservation easement. Now over 200 acres on both sides of the river are protected.
A river takes the silence of snowfall and makes it roar. The Wyatt’s quiet generosity and patient restoration work adds their voice to a chorus of frogs, the honk of the geese, and the prehistoric cry of the sandhill cranes."
Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how you can save the lands and waters you cherish at www.wesaveland.org.
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