Summit County has officially acquired the 835-acre Ure Ranch, a historical landmark in the Kamas Valley, to preserve the area for agriculture, recreation, and wildlife habitat. The acquisition, completed in December 2025, aims to protect the land from development pressure and land fragmentation while maintaining ecological connectivity between neighboring protected lands.
The property, which sits at the gateway to the Uinta Mountains, has been a historical landmark for over 130 years. Originally homesteaded in 1892, the ranch was worked by the Ure family for dairy and cattle operations for generations. The total purchase price for the property was $25 million. The acquisition utilized a strategic funding model that leveraged 2021 Open Space Bond Funds to secure additional federal and state grants.
Management of the ranch is divided into several distinct areas. The North Meadows, totaling 185 acres, is intended to remain in agricultural production through conservation easements. The Homestead area, consisting of 134 acres, is envisioned as a combination of a functioning agricultural environment, a recreational hub, and a County operations center. A 454-acre Recreation Area is planned to provide public outdoor opportunities such as hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Additionally, a 23-acre wetland mitigation site is undergoing restoration to improve natural hydrology and support native vegetation.
The ranch is currently closed to the public to allow the County time to establish management plans and recreation amenities. While an active grazing lease remains on the property, the County is working to preserve the meadows and agricultural heritage of the land in perpetuity. Part of the project includes a wetland restoration and enhancement effort to rebuild peat soils and support diverse wildlife habitats. Summit County is partnering with BIO-WEST, Inc. and WestWater Research to manage the restoration and water delivery.
The acquisition of the Ure Ranch addresses the protection of high-transmissivity soils that recharge the Weber River aquifer, which supports water security for downstream residents and the Great Salt Lake. The County remains committed to showcasing the Ure family history by repurposing existing historic structures on the property.
