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Open Lands Board reviews easement candidates, NRCS delays and remaining bond funds
Summary
Board members reviewed conservation-easement prospects (Whites, Kohler family, Gertz/Gertsch), discussed NRCS funding delays that affect large easements, checked the budget spreadsheet showing roughly $1.692 million remaining, and approved the 2025 meeting schedule before entering closed session to discuss real-estate purchases.
At the Oct. 7 Wasatch County Open Lands Board meeting, members reviewed several conservation-easement prospects and the board's remaining bond and grant funding.
Carl (board member) moved to approve the 09/09/2024 meeting minutes at the start of the meeting; the board approved the minutes 5–0. Later in the agenda, staff and board members reviewed a spreadsheet and reported $1,692,000 remained available after accounting for previously approved projects. Board members reminded one another that some previously committed items had not yet been funded and asked staff to confirm the current balance on the public budget page.
Members discussed a potential conservation easement from Jerry and Catherine White (Midway), reported as roughly 20–30 acres and near the fish hatchery. Board members said staff (Wendy) was in contact and that, if the Whites seek county funds, they would need to file a Notice of Interest (NOI). Board members noted the county’s 20% match policy and said the Whites’ acreage could likely be accommodated within remaining funds.
The board spent substantial time on a larger proposed easement (referred to as Gertz/Gertsch in the discussion) that relies heavily on NRCS funding. Members said NRCS had indicated funding but had not yet issued definitive approval letters; board members expressed concern about whether the NRCS award would remain pending or require a new application cycle if unresolved. The board debated whether to reserve funds for the Gertz easement while awaiting NRCS clarification or to reallocate money if NRCS did not finalize awards.
Board members also mentioned other potential NOIs, including land near 113 and Kohler-family parcels. Several members asked staff to encourage pending applicants (the Whites and Kohler family) to file formal NOIs so the board could consider them in its funding prioritization.
Before the board moved into closed session, members voted to approve the 2025 meeting schedule. Later, Carl moved and Tracy seconded a motion to go into closed session to discuss real-estate purchases; the motion passed 6–0 and the board adjourned to a closed session on real-estate matters.
