The Salt Lake City Trails & Natural Lands Division has begun assessing and adjusting maintenance practices for natural lands to mitigate wildfire risk along the Wildland Urban Interface. This effort comes as the city adapts to increasingly warmer and dryer seasons.
In partnership with Public Utilities and the Salt Lake City Fire Department, the division is prioritizing high-risk areas and investing in both short- and long-term fuels mitigation. The project aims to reduce wildfire risk while protecting local flora and fauna habitats.
Following additional funding from city leadership for fiscal year 2027, the division has contracted local arborists to remove invasive species and specific dead or downed debris. These efforts are scheduled for October and November of 2026 in Allen Park, Blaine Preserve, Miller Park, and Memory Grove.
Scheduled work timelines include:
Miller Park: October 5 – 9
Memory Grove: October 7 – 17
Blaine Preserve: October 12 – 16
Allen Park: October 19 – November 13
During the Allen Park project, the park will undergo a full closure from October 26 through November 6, though it will remain open on weekends. Work is scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and the park will be closed in the evenings during the closure period.
The division is also exploring other vegetation maintenance strategies, such as volunteer collaboration and the use of a semi-skilled conservation corps. Additional projects are being planned for the Jordan River Natural Area corridor and the Foothills Natural Area urban interface for 2027.
