County Mayor's Report

In 2006, Salt Lake County voters overwhelmingly approved a $48 million bond for open space, regional parks and trails. Salt Lake County has been busy investing $24 million of those funds to protect lands throughout the valley. To date, the county has acquired over 3,000 acres of open space at 19 different sites.

I believe this is money incredibly well-spent. Today residents living in this valley number over one million - all within a narrow, 33-mile-wide corridor. Pressure to build on property in areas adjacent to our canyons and forests will only increase in the future, as will the cost of land.

It's important that we permanently preserve open space in Salt Lake County for the enjoyment of county residents and the public at large - and for future generations.

Our most recent preservation is the Bonneville Shoreline Preserve, on the north end of the valley. The preserve boasts 58 acres and spectacular views of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island. A portion of this area was scheduled to be sold and developed as a residential community. Today this relatively-undisturbed land on the East Bench will be protected as open space to benefit all residents.

Other protected open space areas:

H-Rock - A local landmark, the H-Rock sits just below the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and provides easy access to extraordinary views.

Millcreek Trail South Salt Lake - This area includes a proposed recreation trail that will begin at approximately 3300 South and 500 East and continue along Millcreek to the Jordan River.

Millcreek Canyon South Bonneville Shoreline Trail - This parcel is located on the south side of the entrance to Millcreek Canyon, and will close a sizeable portion of the gap in the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Z Trail Bonneville Shoreline Trail - This property on the north slope of Mount Olympus will assist in the development of an additional length of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Ferguson Canyon Trailhead - Located in Cottonwood Heights, Ferguson Canyon has been gaining in popularity over the years with hikers and area residents.

Big Cottonwood Redman - Big Cottonwood Creek runs along this parcel, creating a series of riparian areas within one of the valley's few remaining high-alpine vegetation zones.

Little Confluence in Taylorsville - Originally zoned for residential development by the City of Taylorsville, this property contains nearly three acres of wetlands.

Willow Canyon: Located on the Bonneville Shoreline Bench at the border of Sandy City and Draper, this newly-protected open space is connected with Sandy City's Hidden Valley Park.

Springview Farms - This parcel was a family-owned ranch before being sold for future development in 2002. This open space will provide both sanctuary for wildlife species and access to the Jordan River Parkway Trail.

Corner Canyon Trail Access - This open space will complement the nearby Red Rock trailhead and Spring Hollow Trail as a recreation destination.

Rose Canyon Ranch - Located in the southwest corner of the county, west of Herriman, Rose Canyon and the adjacent Yellow Fork have long been recreation destinations.