Amplify the Impact
The Summit County Lands & Natural Resources Department maximizes taxpayer dollars by strategically leveraging grant funding to amplify its impact. Through this approach, the County secures additional open space, undertakes vital restoration projects, enhances recreational opportunities, safeguards natural and cultural resources, and strengthens local partnerships. Committed to collaboration, Summit County works with a diverse network of partners to deliver innovative, cross-jurisdictional solutions for complex projects, utilizing creative funding strategies to further natural resource protection initiatives.
Below are examples from 2024 that demonstrate how the County utilizes grant funding and highlight the importance of collaboration with partners.
1. Conservation and Land Acquisition
Efforts focused on protecting natural resources and securing public open spaces.
2. Forest, Wildlife Habitat, and Watershed Protection
Projects that safeguard and restore ecosystems and natural resources.
- Caterpillar Foundation:
- Partners: Trout Unlimited, World Resources Institute
- Activities: Big Bear Hollow Restoration - Cattle exclosure fencing, wetland restoration on the 910 Ranch.
- WRI #6874: Upper East Canyon Creek Watershed Restoration Project - FY25
- Award: $156,000
- Partners: Summit County, Utah State University, Swaner, UDWR, Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District, USDA Forest Service, Sageland Collaborative, and more.
- Purpose: Wildfire resilience, wetland restoration, and forest health projects.
- Innovative Finance for National Forests
- Award: $100,000
- Partners: World Resources Institute and Blue Forest
- Purpose: Funding supports beneficiary engagement, concessional loan pursuits, economic modeling, soliciting investor interest in watershed health efforts, and hosting a wildfire summit.
3. Recreation and Public Access
Projects that improve outdoor experiences and community engagement.
- FY24 UORG: $15,000 for installing pet waste stations, trash cans, and interpretive signs on the 910 Ranch.
- FY25 UORG: $400,000 for a bridge repair and parking lot on the 910 Ranch, to be completed before the end of 2027.
- 2024 RAP Recreation - 910 Ranch: $200,000 for trailhead parking planning and construction.
- 2024 RAP Recreation - Ure Ranch: $40,000 for Recreation Management and Baseline Documentation Plans.
- 2025 RAP Recreation - Ure Ranch: $25,000 for trails design and parking/recreation amenity design.
- 2025 RAP Recreation - Marion Park: $60,000 for improvements at Marion/South Summit Park.
4. Cultural and Historic Preservation
Initiatives preserving local history and cultural heritage.
- FY24 SHPO Archaeology:
- Award: $58,000 for archaeological surveys, interpretive signs, and protective fencing for the Stone Cabin on 910 Ranch.
- FY25 SHPO Archaeology:
- Award: $7,000 for archaeological surveys on Ure Ranch.
5. Staff and Capacity Building
Investments in people, programs, and organizations who make these projects possible.