Summit County officials expect the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to adopt an extensive management plan for the 910 Ranch by the end of 2026, a move that would allow the county to begin installing trails and opening portions of the 8,588-acre property to the public. The plan follows a request for final feedback from Summit County Lands and Natural Resources Director Jessica Kirby during a Summit County Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.
A Three-Zone Management Strategy
The proposed management plan serves as an overarching guide for the property, which was purchased by Summit County in January for $55 million. This acquisition represents the largest conservation purchase in the history of Summit County and spans portions of both Summit and Morgan counties. According to Kirby, the plan is designed to manage recreation, weeds, conservation easements, forest stewardship, watersheds, grazing, and wildlife.
Under the proposal, the ranch would be divided into three specific areas. The community zone, comprising approximately 15% of the property, would include about five miles of trails and serve as the only area where leashed dogs are permitted. The exploratory zone would make up about 30% of the land and would feature strict guidelines to limit recreational opportunities. The remaining portion of the ranch would be designated as a conservation core and research zone, accessible only for research, educational purposes, or with special permits.
Adaptive Management and Implementation
The county intends to utilize an adaptive management approach, allowing rules and recreation plans to change based on environmental conditions and land impacts. Kirby noted that the current management plan will be reviewed every 10 years, while the specific recreation plan will undergo its own review every five years.
During the meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, Kirby explained that the lack of specific detail in some areas of the plan is intentional. She stated that the county plans to implement the first phase of the plan, monitor the effects, and use those findings to inform future expansion of recreation. The county hopes to begin installing trails as early as next spring, provided state approval is received by the end of the year.
Debate Over Dog Access
Discussions during the meeting centered heavily on the potential impact of dogs on the ecosystem. Vice Chair Roger Armstrong expressed concerns regarding dog access and the level of recreation allowed in the exploratory zone, suggesting that the area should function more like "conservation light" with very limited use. Armstrong noted the difficulty of managing both responsible and irresponsible dog owners within the same ecosystem.
Council member Megan McKenna and Council member Chris Robinson expressed support for allowing dogs within the community zone. McKenna argued that an outright ban on dogs would likely lead to other problems. Kirby added that providing controlled trail access is a matter of public safety, noting that approximately 300 people currently use East Canyon Road. She suggested that without designated trails, the county cannot control how people access the area or manage the creek.
Staffing and Enforcement Concerns
To address safety and enforcement, the county is considering a ban on commercial dog walking. Kirby noted that staff have observed handlers walking as many as 10 to 15 dogs at once, a practice she described as uncontrollable and unsuitable for the space. The county also intends to employ trained rangers to patrol the property and issue citations for leash law violations, parking problems, or other issues.
Concerns were also raised regarding the department's ability to manage the vast acreage. Council Chair Canice Harte questioned if the Lands and Natural Resources Department has sufficient staff to handle the various responsibilities, including weed control, restoration, and monitoring. Harte remarked that the list of required tasks was daunting, stating, "When I see all these eight or nine categories, it terrifies me because there's zero chance you can do it. Not right now."
Final Approvals Pending
Kirby acknowledged that the implementation of ambitious management goals is contingent upon securing adequate staffing and funding through the county budget process. While the Summit County Council supported the plan overall, they did not take formal action during the Oct. 29, 2026, meeting, as final authority for the management plan rests with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
