The Summit County Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) is actively managing the distribution of a $50 million General Obligation Bond to fund the acquisition of open space, conservation easements, and wildlife mitigation measures across the county. The committee provides formal recommendations to the County Manager regarding property interests that align with specific environmental and recreational preservation goals.
Bond Purpose and Acquisition Process,
The $50 million bond was approved by Summit County voters in 20 million General Obligation Bond to fund the acquisition of open space, conservation easements, and wildlife mitigation measures across the county. The committee provides formal recommendations to the County Manager regarding property interests that align with specific environmental and recreational preservation goals.
The $50 million bond was approved by Summit County voters in 2021 to facilitate the purchase of both passive and active open space. According to the Summit County Code, these funds are designated for the acquisition of property interests, which include conservation easements and the construction of recreational amenities, as well as environmental and wildlife mitigation improvements.
The committee's primary responsibility is to advise the County Manager on identifying and preserving agricultural protection areas and open spaces. This process includes evaluating a formal Notice of Interest (NOI), a procedure through which interested landowners can submit their property for consideration for acquisition using bond proceeds.
Committee Governance Structure,
The governance of the OSAC is structured through a multi-tiered system involving Regional Advisory Groups. The committee's executive structure consists of nine members, all of whom must reside within Summit County. These members are appointed by the County Manager on a nonpartisan basis, subject to the advice and consent of the County Council.
The membership is derived from three specific regional groups: North Summit, South Summit, and West Summit. Each of these Regional Advisory Groups is composed of seven members, which then recommend three representatives each to serve on the OSAC Executive Committee.
Regional Evaluation Criteria,
To ensure localized priorities are met, each region utilizes distinct evaluation criteria when reviewing property interests. In the North Summit Region—which encompasses areas such as Echo Creek, Yellow Creek, and portions of the Silver Creek-Upper Weber River Subwatershed within the North Summit School District boundary—evaluations focus on water quality, development pressure, agriculture preservation, wildlife corridors, and protected viewsheds.
The South Summit Region, covering subwatershed areas like Bear River-Stillwater Fork, Muddy Creek, and Smiths Fork, prioritizes different metrics. Criteria for this region include managing water usage and wetlands, protecting the heritage of family farms through ranching or crop production, mitigating sprawl through growth management, and leveraging outside investments to increase property value.
West Summit Priorities,
The West Summit Region focuses its evaluation on community enhancement and connectivity. According to official county documentation, this region prioritizes passive recreation opportunities, such as parks and hiking trails, over active amenities like sports fields or downhill mountain biking.
Additional West Summit criteria include assessing whether a property is accessible to underserved populations, if it expands existing open space, and if it provides corridors between parcels. The committee also looks for properties that reduce development encroachment into the wildland-urban interface and avoid conflicts with local affordable housing initiatives.
Meeting Schedule and Access,
The OSAC maintains a regular meeting schedule, convening on the first Tuesday of every month. However, the committee does not hold meetings during the months of June, July, August, and December, unless otherwise posted. Meetings are held at 5:30 PM and utilize a hybrid format to allow for both in-person and remote participation via Zoom.
As noted on the official Summit County website, meeting locations rotate throughout various facilities across the county. The county provides public access to meeting agendas, minutes, and recordings through its official digital platforms.
Current Committee Membership,
The current OSAC Executive Committee includes members such as Bridget Hayes, serving as Chair for the North Summit Region, and Terry Diston, serving as Vice Chair. Other active members include Joan Card and Daniel Gillenwater from the West Summit Region, alongside South Summit representatives Wesley Siddoway and Zane Woolstenhulme.
While some members have completed their terms, such as Jan Perkins and Dick Stoner, the committee continues to function under the authority of County Ordinance 935-A. The committee remains a central component of the county's Lands and Natural Resources department, managing the long-term preservation of the region's ecological and agricultural assets.
