Provo Council OKs conservation easement on three city‑owned canyon parcels

The Provo City Council on Dec. 16 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to place three Provo‑owned parcels in Bunnells (Bundles) Fork into a conservation easement held by Utah Open Lands.

Malia Daley, a council policy analyst, told the council the move follows years of work and a public‑interest valuation that staff said demonstrates the proposal aligns with Provo’s general plan, hillside and canyons policies, and conservation goals. Daley said the city would remain the landowner while Utah Open Lands, a 501(c)(3), would hold and monitor the easement. “What we’re presenting today is years worth of work to create a conservation easement on some city owned parcels in Bundles Fork,” Daley said.

Speakers from local conservation groups urged approval. Kaye Nelson of Conserve Utah Valley said the easement was “a thrilling event” after nearly five years of work; Wendy Fisher, executive director of Utah Open Lands, said she was proud to work in her home county to protect the site.

Council discussion emphasized partnership between the city and nonprofit stewards, and Councilor George Hanley and others thanked staff for coordinating the multi‑department effort. The council voted 7–0 to pass the resolution.

The resolution authorizes the mayor to execute the conservation easement and related documents; staff said there are no initial or ongoing costs to the city associated with the easement but that the city will retain ownership and share responsibility for permitted uses and management under the easement terms.

Next steps include finalizing the recorded easement documents and executing the transfer to Utah Open Lands as the easement holder. Staff indicated future administrative follow‑up rather than further council action.