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County approves two gateway open‑space applications for Poulsen and Hat J Ranch
Summary
The Cache County Council granted round‑one approval to the Poulsen Family Valley View Farm (≈149 acres) and the Hat J Ranch (≈334 acres) open‑space applications, moving both projects forward for further review and potential bond funding consideration.
The Cache County Council unanimously approved two Round One open-space applications on May 26, advancing both projects to the second review round for potential funding from the county’s 2022 voter-approved general-obligation open-space bond.
Chris Sands, chair of the Cache Open Space Advisory Committee (COSAC), presented the Poulsen Family Valley View Farm application, which seeks protection for roughly 149 acres of dry-farmed land with notable gateway views, proximity to Four Mile Creek and an on-site historic family cemetery. COSAC gave the application a strong score and recommended advancing it to Phase Two.
Sands also presented the Hat J Ranch application, a roughly 334-acre grouping of parcels with continuous agricultural use since the 1860s, identified for its gateway protection and wildlife corridor value. Owner Larry Olsen noted nearby development pressure, citing notice of a 100‑acre, 10‑home proposal on a neighboring parcel.
Councilmember David Erickson moved to approve the Poulsen resolution and later the Hat J resolution; both motions passed unanimously (5–0), recording the council’s endorsement to allow applicants to proceed to the next review and potential acquisition phases tied to bond criteria and funding availability.
Both applicants indicated they are coordinating with the Utah Agricultural Land Trust and COSAC as they pursue Phase Two evaluations and potential conservation easements. The county staff packet notes scoring details, site visits, soil/land-use context and COSAC scoring worksheets.
