TAKE A CULTURAL ECO TOUR
TAKE A CULTURAL ECO TOUR
A HALLMARK
As you enter the Heber Valley, the North Fields greet you with their pastoral charm. Framed by the silhouette of Mt. Timpanogos, here the Provo River flows; a cherished Blue Ribbon fishery, offering a haven for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. But it's not just about the scenery; The North Fields are home to generational farms and ranches, steeped in tradition and resilience - a testament to our roots. The North Fields encapsulate the very essence, character, and distinctive allure that distinguishes the Heber Valley, resonating with a spirit symbolic of the American West, as timeless as the land itself.
KICKSTARTING CONSERVATION
The North Fields Protection Initiative: Phase One
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While Utah Open Lands is collaborating with several landowners in the North Fields, three properties (Giles, Gertsch, and Christian-Michel), have emerged as the first phase of the North Fields Protection Initiative. These landowners, recognizing the substantial profit to be made off of their land as Heber Valley’s population expands, are choosing to make an honorable sacrifice. They are pledging at least 25% of their property value- amounting to millions of dollars- to ensure the preservation of their properties upholds the character of their community.
The collective value of these three properties nears $23 million. Utah Open Lands has diligently fundraised to successfully secure over $15 million in county, state, and federal funding. We have a final $975,000 to raise, less than 5% of the total value. We need your help to see the first phase of the North Fields Protection Initiative through to the end. The completion of this first phase is a signal to other landowners in the area that conservation is a viable option for their properties. Additionally, it demonstrates to major funding entities the community’s support for this initiative, creating additional funding avenues totaling up to $20 million.
WHY NOW
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Utah Open Lands has been seeking conservation options for the North Fields for over twenty five years. We find ourselves at a unique moment in time, with federal funding uniquely available for working lands—an opportunity that may soon disappear due to shifting political landscapes. One such funding source is the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service under the United States Department of Agriculture. We are asking community members, businesses, and foundations to kickstart a larger preservation vision for the Heber Valley. Utah Open Lands aims to triple private donor contributions by leveraging donations to secure matching government grants. Your support is critical to safeguarding the North Fields.
Learn more about the designation of the North Fields as a Grasslands of Special Significance.
Wetlands & Wet Meadows within the North Fields
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The North Fields are a cherished freshwater wetland habitat in an otherwise arid landscape. Wetlands act as "carbon sinks", storing excess carbon dioxide and regulating climate, water supplies and biodiversity. Human development of these ecosystems can release hundreds of years worth of stored methane into the atmosphere, compounding the region's greenhouse effect. Locally, the commercialization of the North Fields could mean longer, hotter droughts, less productive agriculture, and a smaller, faster-melting snowpack (and less local tourism, particularly in the ski industry).
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Program
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The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a collaborative initiative that brings together government and community partners to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Land trusts and conservation organization nationwide apply for RCPP funding to protect critical working lands. Utah Open Lands submitted and received $16.5 million in funding for our North Fields Protection Initiative: Heritage, Habitat, and H2O in the Heber Valley (NPI). This funding will have a transformative impact, ensuring the protection of these vital landscapes and providing the opportunity for land management activities, working to improve the soil quality and riparian habitats on these private lands.
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Learn more about the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTORS
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WE NEED YOUR HELP
The whole of what the North Fields represents to the community is larger than the sum of its individual properties. We are at a moment in time where we stand to lose the essence of what makes Wasatch County, its cities, and its towns unique. We must come together to protect this landscape. Please show your support for our initiative today.
SPREAD THE WORD
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The North Fields represent more than just a collection of individual properties—they embody the very essence of what makes Wasatch County, its cities, and its towns unique. We are at a critical moment where we risk losing this irreplaceable landscape. Now is the time to act. Join us in protecting the future of this cherished land—your support makes all the diffeence.
Thanks to incredible support, we've secured 64% of the funds for the North Fields Protection Initiative—but we're not there yet. We still need to raise the remaining 36% to close the gap. Every dollar you give helps safeguard this irreplaceable landscape. Join us in making a lasting impact and help us reach the finish line. Click the button above to donate now!
Would your friends and neighbors be interested in supporting this effort? You can help by hosting a casual gathering or info session to spread the word and raise funds! Reach out to UOL’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Josh Stasinos, at Josh@UtahOpenLands.org or 801-463-6156 to get started.
Utah Open Lands would like to thank Heber City photographer Johnny Adolphson for giving permission to share his portraits of the North Fields and Heber Valley on our campaign site. His work eloquently captures the spirit and beauty of the North Fields and underscores the importance of their preservation.
Our initiative would be impossible without the knowledge, passion, and talents of those local to the places we seek to protect. Find more of Johnny’s work here.