What drew many of us to live in Heber is the easy access to nature and unparalleled outdoor recreation. Driving into Heber, one of the first things you see is the iconic Black Ridge land (nearly 2,000 acres along the northeast ridge of the Jordanelle Ridge development), which has some of the best mountain bike trails around and host to native plants and wildlife. I feel that the most responsible way to protect this land is with a conservation easement managed by a certified local land trust because land trusts are specifically dedicated to conservation.
According to Summit Lands Conservancy, conservation means the “preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife.” And a conservation easement is a “voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values.” This is incredibly important land for the entire community, not just the residents of Jordanelle Ridge, and I think it deserves some effort to make sure that it’s properly protected.
The draft easement put forth by Heber City to Wasatch County does not include a certified land trust and leaves the management of the land up to the HOA.
Since the developer retains 100% control of the HOA until all units or sold or another 30 years (whichever comes first), asking them to enforce conservation rules on their own development is a conflict of interest. The solution is separating the two roles: the HOA can own the land, but an independent land trust should be the one to hold the conservation easement. This guarantees permanent protection and establishes necessary accountability against any future misuse.
A conservation easement does not necessarily mean a lack of public access. We already have a great example of how there can be a balance between conservation and public access. Summit Land holds the Round Valley Conservation Easement Area, which is one of the best places to mountain bike in the Wasatch Back. It’s also a haven for elk, deer, and other wildlife. They work in partnership with Mountain Trails Foundation and Park City to maintain the land. It seems to work really well, and I would love to see that happen for this land here in Heber.
Sara Kenney
Heber City