Councilor outlines proposed 150-acre Slate Canyon conservation easement; stewardship fundraising planned

Councilor Jeff Whitlap presented the proposed Slate Canyon conservation easement to East District residents, describing the parcels involved and how the easement would limit private development while allowing city-led public uses aligned with the parks master plan.

Whitlap said the proposal covers roughly 150 acres of contiguous city-owned land around the mouth of Slate Canyon; a 47-acre parcel at the canyon top is intentionally omitted to preserve flexibility for potential future land swaps with federal authorities. “The proposed conservation easement is 150 acres of city-owned land around the mouth of Slate Canyon,” Whitlap said.

He said the easement would be structured to allow municipal public-works projects that are consistent with the city’s park master plan—so the city could build infrastructure like trails, water conveyances or a park when funding becomes available, but private development would be blocked. Whitlap explained Utah Open Lands would serve as the easement holder and Conserve Utah Valley has offered to help raise an initial $10,000 to cover stewardship costs.

Residents asked whether the easement would prevent future park amenities such as picnic facilities or limited recreational improvements; Whitlap said the easement language can allow uses consistent with the city’s master plan and that any substantial park project would go through a public planning process and the parks department. He also confirmed that privately owned lots adjacent to the easement would not automatically be included and that the easement’s chief purpose is long-term conservation and public access protection.

Whitlap encouraged public participation at a Slate Canyon open house scheduled for June 13 and thanked residents and partners working on stewardship funding.