Smithfield landowner explores conservation easement for north-end parcels

Summary

Brett Daniels presented two parcels north of Smithfield near Highway 91 as an exploratory pre-application. COSAC staff advised that stand-alone parcels would face funding challenges unless combined with neighboring properties and recommended pursuing multi-landowner applications and external funding sources such as NRCS.

Brett Daniels attended the Nov. 3 meeting of the Cache County Cash Open Space Advisory Committee to discuss two parcels he owns on the north end of Smithfield, about 0.6 miles off Highway 91. Daniels said the land is currently farmed and he intends to continue agricultural use; he described recent infrastructure changes nearby, including new electrical service and proximity to the new Smithfield Temple, which he expects will increase development pressure.

Committee members and staff told Daniels that standalone, small parcels often struggle to attract partner funding and recommended he contact neighboring landowners to assemble a larger, contiguous application. "By itself, I don't know how much support it would get initially, but, you know, if it was a part of a bigger project, I think it would have some compelling arguments for support," a staff member said. Members suggested pursuing other state and federal funding sources to stretch county dollars.

Daniels said he would speak with neighbors about possible joint applications and return with updated plans. No formal action was taken.