YOU SAVED IT!
There are moments when the importance of community, grassroots support for open space preservation take center stage. This was so apparent on Tuesday when Salt Lake County Council unanimously approved a $250,000 grant for Utah Open Lands’ Owl Meadow project. Here at Utah Open Lands everyday is a demonstration to us that this critical land saving mission is dependent upon you–the individual member. It was gratifying to us that we had so much incredible support for this project that we were able to meet the 60 day herculean task of rising $700,000 for Owl Meadow. It was gratifying to us that so many of you showed up at the meeting, called your council member and added your voice to the call of land conservation. Thank you. Once we finalize the closing we hope to get together and celebrate this victory which you made possible. Thanks again to the community, the Willard L Eccles Foundation, The Lawrence T and Janet T Dee Foundation, our anonymous donor and Great Salt Lake Audubon. This is YOUR VICTORY!
Owl Meadow is home to the Great Horned owl among other wildlife
THE LAND YOU SAVED: The 5.16 acre plot adjacent to Perkins Flat in Emigration Canyon, was under threat from development. With the potential of one unit per acre density, this highly visual, scenic stream corridor and attendant wildlife habitat was at risk. Further impacts to water quality in Emigration Creek would have resulted as well if developed.
FUNDRAISING DEADLINE: Utah Open Lands made an offer to purchase the property at its asking price of $700,000. The Seller’s counter offer provided Utah Open Lands with 60 days to raise funds and finalize the due diligence on the property.
KSL’s coverage September 28, 2016
PERMANENT PROTECTION: Once the land is purchased, Utah Open Lands will work with appropriate partners to separate the fee title ownership from the dedication of a conservation easement which will ensure the protection of the property.
The Saw-whet owlets on the adjacent plot, Perkins Flat, preserved by UOL in 2005.
OPEN SPACE VALUE: The stream and associated habitat is considered to be a habitat of concern by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the meadow provides nesting habitat for Great Horned owls, Saw-whet owls and hawks all of which have fledged chicks on this property and in the immediate surrounding area. Adjacent to Owl Meadow are over 260 acres of land already protected by Utah Open Lands. Once protected, this parcel will add to over 1000 acres already preserved in Emigration Canyon.
Salt Lake Tribune Article
For questions or more information please contact Marie at (801) 463-6156, or email marie@utahopenlands.org.
