Conservation easement preserves public trail system, clean water, wildlife habitat and scenic foothills of the Uinta Mountains

Oakley, Utah — December 11, 2025 — Summit Land Conservancy, in partnership with Oakley City, is proud to announce the closing of a permanent conservation easement on the Oakley Trail Park, protecting approximately 81 acres of open space, watershed, wildlife habitat, and public recreation access in Summit County for future generations.



Located along Pinion Lane at the foothills of Hoyt Peak and the Uinta Mountains, Oakley Trail Park is a beloved community resource that provides year-round access to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails while also safeguarding critical water resources and wildlife habitat. Through this conservation easement, the property will remain protected from development and accessible to the public in perpetuity.

“The Oakley Trail Park conservation easement ensures that this land will continue to serve the community as open space, protect Oakley’s drinking water, and provide vital habitat and recreational opportunities for generations to come,” said Cheryl Fox, CEO of Summit Land Conservancy. “This project demonstrates what’s possible when municipalities and land trusts work together to protect the places people value most.”

Protecting Water Resources at the Weber River Headwaters

The conserved property includes Pinion Canyon and Pinion Creek, a tributary of the Weber River and a major source of drinking water for the City of Oakley. Steep forested slopes and intact soils play a critical role in preventing erosion, reducing stormwater runoff, and maintaining water quality.

The conservation easement restricts development and limits land disturbance in the upper watershed, helping protect the headwaters of the Weber River and supporting long-term water security for both Oakley residents and communities downstream.

Permanent Public Recreation Access

Oakley Trail Park features a well-established network of non-motorized trails used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians of all skill levels. The trails connect to Oakley City’s adjacent bike park and continue into the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, creating a seamless outdoor recreation experience.

The easement ensures continued public access while designating sensitive areas, such as the Pinion Creek Watershed Area, where trail development and public use will be limited to protect water quality and ecosystem health.

Wildlife Habitat and Open Space

The property provides important habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, moose, mountain goats, black bear, dusky grouse, and migratory birds. It has been identified as crucial habitat, including calving grounds for elk during summer months.

The easement expands an existing network of conserved land along the Weber River corridor and extends beyond the 2.2 million-acre Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, creating a larger, connected landscape for wildlife habitat and resilience.

Preserving Scenic Character and Community Identity

Visible from Highway 32 and surrounding roads, Oakley Trail Park’s open hillsides and native vegetation contribute to the rural character and scenic beauty of the Kamas Valley. Permanent protection of the property helps ensure the area’s natural viewsheds remain intact as development pressure increases throughout Summit County.

“This conservation easement reflects Oakley City’s commitment to protecting our water, open space, and outdoor recreation opportunities while preserving the rural character of our community,” said Oakley Mayor, Zane Woolstenhulme.

The Oakley Trail Park conservation easement aligns with the Oakley City General Plan, the Eastern Summit County General Plan, and the Weber River Watershed Plan, all of which support conservation easements as a tool for protecting open space, water resources, and natural landscapes.