The Central Wasatch Commission approved funding for 12 project proposals during its June board meeting, selecting initiatives that emerged from a public 'Call for Ideas' opened in March. The approved projects aim to implement transportation solutions, protect regional ecosystems, and maintain recreational access within the Cottonwood Canyons.
Project goals and selection process
The selected projects, which the Commission will begin partnering on this June, address several core pillars of the Mountain Accord: transportation and transit, environmental sustainability, economic vitality, and recreational stewardship. The funding decisions follow a grant program specifically designed to support 'shovel-ready' projects that can be completed within 12 months of receiving a contract.
Education and habitat restoration efforts
Among the approved initiatives is continued support for the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation’s educational efforts through the Central Wasatch Watershed Education Program, which includes naturalist and ranger programs as well as the Wasatch Wildflower Festival. Additionally, the Tri-Canyons Sustainable Trail and Habitat Restoration Program will continue its work under the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation to manage plants and trails using volunteer labor for invasive species mitigation and native plant restoration.
Infrastructure maintenance and recreational safety
The Commission also prioritized infrastructure maintenance and public health through several specialized grants. The National Forest Foundation will receive funds to contract vault toilet pumping at various recreation sites within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. In terms of recreational safety, the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance will receive support for its professional fixed anchor maintenance program to ensure reliable climbing infrastructure remains available in the Central Wasatch.
Invasive species and environmental management
Environmental management was also a key focus of the June approvals. The Summit Cooperative Weed Management Area received funding for the Environmental 910 Ranch-East Canyon Creek Corridor Cooperative Priority Weed Management Project. This cross-jurisdictional effort targets invasive weeds that contribute to soil erosion, increase fire risks, and threaten the availability of water and forage for wildlife and livestock.
Youth engagement and community stewardship
Youth engagement and community stewardship remain central to the Commission's recent funding allocations. The Central Wasatch Youth Symposium, hosted by the CWC Youth Council, will feature networking opportunities, film screenings, and workshops for young people in the region. Other approved projects include the Wilderness Stewardship Project, which utilizes volunteers for trash cleanup and trail maintenance, and the Save Our Canyons Kids program, which provides place-based environmental education focused on the watershed.
Grant eligibility and applicant requirements
The Short-Term Projects Grant Program requires that all applicants be 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, community groups, or unaffiliated Utah residents. While governments are ineligible to apply directly for these grants, they may act as partners in projects, with funds disbursed to an eligible non-government party.
The Central Wasatch Commission was established in 2017 through an interlocal agreement involving nine specific jurisdictions: Summit County, Park City, Salt Lake City, Millcreek, Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, Sandy City, and the towns of Brighton and Alta. The commission also includes ex officio members from the Utah Transit Authority, High Valley Transit, and the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy.
To maintain its mission of implementing the Mountain Accord, the Commission utilizes a Short-Term Projects Committee to identify actionable ideas. For projects occurring on Forest Service land, applicants must have completed necessary NEPA processes prior to application. Furthermore, any project impacting a watershed or roadway requires approval from the appropriate water authority or road manager, such as UDOT or local public utilities.
Looking ahead to July 2026, the Commission has scheduled several committee meetings to continue its work. A Capacity Committee meeting is set for July 7 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Recreation System Committee meeting on July 9 at 2:00 p.m.
The second week of July will feature three consecutive sessions: the Transportation System Committee is scheduled to meet on July 13 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the Environment System Committee will convene on July 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most Commission meetings are held in a hybrid format, offering both in-person options at Millcreek City Hall or the CWC office, and virtual attendance via registration.
