Water shapes where people live, how communities grow, and what the future looks like. From pioneer irrigation ditches to modern reservoirs, each generation has had to answer the same difficult question: how do we grow responsibly in one of the driest states in the nation?

Drive through Heber Valley or around Jordanelle Reservoir and the transformation is impossible to miss. Projects such as Jordanelle Ridge, Mayflower Mountain Resort, Deer Valley East Village, and the Mirabel area promise thousands of new homes, hotels, businesses, and recreational amenities over the coming decade.

At the same time, Utah’s snowpack has reached historic lows. The 2026 water year began with alarming numbers. Snowpack across the state peaked weeks early and at roughly half of normal levels. Naturally, emotions run high when water and development are discussed together. If Utah hopes to build a sustainable future, the conversation must move beyond fear, slogans, and political talking points. Water policy deserves thoughtful analysis rooted in science, planning, economics, and long-term statewide strategy.

Learning to Integrate Water and Growth

For decades, land-use planning and water planning often operated separately. The result was reactive growth rather than coordinated growth.

The Utah Division of Water Resources has openly acknowledged this challenge through its “Integration of Water and Land Use Planning” initiative, which recognizes that development decisions and water decisions cannot be separated. State guidance now emphasizes that integrating the two from the beginning is far less expensive than retrofitting poorly planned growth later.

Recent legislation reflects this shift. HB 110 and SB 76¹ now require municipalities and counties across Utah to adopt integrated water-use and preservation elements into their general plans. Communities must evaluate how future development affects water supply, infrastructure, groundwater, conservation goals, and long-term resiliency.

This represents a major philosophical change. Rather than treating water as an afterthought, Utah is beginning to treat it as a foundational planning tool. That matters enormously for fast-growing counties like here in Wasatch County, where population projections continue rising. Growth itself is not inherently bad. The challenge is not whether growth happens. The challenge is whether growth happens intelligently.

A Misunderstood Water Rights Debate

Much of Utah’s water debate centers around one of the oldest western water laws: use it or lose it.

Under Utah Code Section 73-1-4², water rights can be forfeited after seven consecutive years of non-use. Historically, this doctrine prevented speculators from hoarding water they were not actively using. In the early West, when water was tied directly to agriculture, mining, and settlement, the policy made practical sense. But Utah in 2026 is not Utah in 1906.

Today, residents are encouraged to conserve water during drought years while some water-right holders worry that significantly reducing usage could weaken future claims or long-term allocations. Although modern reforms offer some protections through non-use applications and water banking, the broader system still reflects assumptions from another era.

This creates a contradiction. Citizens are asked to remove turf and limit outdoor watering while development continues expanding. Many residents understandably question whether, if Utah has enough water for resort developments, recreational facilities, new businesses, thousands of additional homes, and now data centers, there should also be enough water for farmers to irrigate crops, ranchers to care for livestock, and homeowners to responsibly maintain lawns, gardens, trees, and flower beds.

Conservation during legitimate drought years is wise stewardship, but fear-driven messaging that portrays ordinary residents as the primary problem can oversimplify a far more complex statewide issue. That tension has fueled growing skepticism toward drought campaigns, with some residents wondering whether conservation efforts are sometimes used less for stewardship and more to free water capacity for future growth.

Whether or not that perception is entirely accurate, public trust and transparency matter. Conservation remains essential in an arid state, but the system should reward conservation rather than discourage it. Until broader reforms are made to Utah’s “use it or lose it” structure, water-right holders should continue using their legally allocated water to protect long-standing rights while still practicing reasonable efficiency where possible.

One of the most important lessons emerging from Utah’s current water debate is that water cannot realistically be managed solely at the city or county level. Watersheds do not care about municipal borders. Snowmelt from the Wasatch Range feeds reservoirs, aquifers, rivers, farms, recreation systems, ecosystems, and downstream communities across enormous geographic areas. Decisions made in one county inevitably affect another.

That is why Utah increasingly needs statewide coordination rather than fragmented local battles. A city approving development may focus on economic opportunity and housing demand. Agricultural users may focus on irrigation reliability. Environmental groups may prioritize stream health or the health of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. All are legitimate concerns. But without broader statewide integration, competing interests can easily work against one another. The Utah Division of Water Resources has already recognized this challenge through initiatives like the “Growing Water Smart” workshops³, which bring planners, water managers, and policymakers together to coordinate future development around water realities.

Treating water as a statewide issue rather than a collection of isolated local disputes may ultimately become Utah’s most important policy shift of the next decade.

Growth is Coming Either Way

One reality often missing from water debates is that growth is coming either way.

Wasatch County cannot simply freeze itself in time. Its proximity to Park City, Salt Lake City, outdoor recreation, and expanding resort economies makes continued development almost inevitable. Ignoring this reality does not stop growth. It simply reduces the opportunity to shape it responsibly. That is why zoning and infrastructure planning matter so deeply.

The question is not whether Utah can grow. The question is whether Utah chooses to grow wisely. Utah has already begun modernizing portions of its water system. Recent legislation protecting water banking, encouraging conservation, improving accountability, and funding Great Salt Lake preservation shows the state is capable of adapting. But more work remains ahead.

The “use it or lose it” doctrine deserves continued reform so both water use and conservation are fully incentivized rather than psychologically discouraged. Water-right holders should feel confident that wise stewardship strengthens—not threatens—their long-term standing. Public communication around drought also deserves nuance and honesty. Residents are capable of understanding that Utah can simultaneously face real drought challenges while planning for future growth. These realities are not mutually exclusive. Most importantly, Utah needs statewide conversations that rise above fear and polarization.

The future of the Wasatch Back will not be decided by a single development, a single reservoir level, or a single drought year. It will be shaped by decades of coordinated planning, transparent policymaking, technological innovation, and public engagement.

Water is not merely a county issue, a city issue, or a political issue. It is Utah’s issue.

Every resident—whether farmer, developer, homeowner, conservationist, skier, rancher, or business owner—has a stake in how the state manages its most precious resource. That means staying informed, engaging with local planning efforts, and thinking beyond neighborhood boundaries toward statewide solutions. Because ultimately, Utah’s water future will not depend on fear. It will depend on cooperation, transparency, innovation, and long-term vision.

WRITTEN BY
MARK AVERY & LORALIE PEARCE

A Little Tax with a Big Heart

In November 2022, voters in Wasatch County chose to invest in the future of our valley, not by adding a heavy burden to our residents, but by approving a modest 1/10 of 1% local sales and use tax dedicated to enhancing trails, arts, and parks. That’s just one penny for every ten dollars spent, and it officially went into effect in 2023.

This simple decision has already sparked creativity, strengthened community connections, and helped translate long-held dreams into physical places and experiences for everyone to enjoy.

Where It Comes From and Where It Goes

Visitors from near and far are part of what makes the TAP Tax work so beautifully. When someone comes to enjoy our mountains, dine in our restaurants, or shop in our local stores, a tiny portion of that spending goes directly into the life of our community through the TAP Tax. In this way, visitors help us build a more vibrant place — supporting projects that benefit both residents and guests, the next time they visit. While the tax is local, its impact is shared.

So How Exactly Does it Work?

• Collected Locally, Spent Locally. Revenue from the TAP Tax stays right here, split across Wasatch County, Heber City, and Midway, for projects that enhance trails, parks, arts programs, outdoor recreation, and cultural experiences.
• Advisory Boards. Advisory committees in each jurisdiction review applications and recommend projects to city councils or the county council.
• Project Grants. Funds are awarded through a competitive grant process twice a year in spring and fall, allowing nonprofits, individuals, and community groups to bring proposals forward.

It’s a thoughtful, community-driven approach: a way to hear ideas from residents and help turn them into real-world improvements.

Projects That Are Already Making a Difference

Thanks to the TAP Tax, the valley is seeing creative and important investments come to life.

In 2024, the Wasatch County TAP Tax Advisory Board recommended funding for 13 diverse projects that span music and performance, outdoor recreation, trail improvements, and community gathering spaces. These included:

• Music and concert series like Homegrown Concert Series and various performance projects that bring live music to the library and community gatherings.
• Singletrack trail maintenance and new mountain bike trails developed by the Wasatch Trails Foundation. Check out the new asphalt “all-wheels’” pump track, nearing completion at South Fields Park, a community project by Wasatch County, Wasatch Trails Foundation, and The Wasatch Community Foundation. And don’t forget the new BO-WOW trail, connecting Park City to the Heber Valley through a single-track trail.
• A new disc golf course at Wasatch Mountain State Park and other outdoor-focused facilities.
• Veterans Park improvements and skate park enhancements, making public spaces more welcoming and fun for all ages.
• Support for theatrical arts like Timpanogos Valley Theater and Charitable Acts Theatre, enriching the valley’s cultural life.

In Heber City, TAP Tax grants have already made an impact on local arts organizations — like the Utah Wildlife Federation, Heber Valley Children’s Choir, and Art Around the Square festival — boosting cultural vibrancy and opportunities for connection.

Who Can Apply and When

One of the best parts about the TAP Tax is how open and inclusive the process is:

• Nonprofits and foundations with community-focused goals.
• Local organizations with ideas that enhance trails, parks, or arts.
• Individuals and project leaders with community-oriented proposals (for many categories).
• In Heber City specifically, TAP Arts grants are available for projects led by residents, nonprofits, and city staff focused on music, visual arts, performance, and cultural programs.

Each jurisdiction has its own deadlines and details.

A Little Tax, a Big Return

Though the TAP Tax is a small 0.1% levy, its impact is anything but small. It’s a community investment that brings people together, from hikers discovering new trails to families enjoying music under the stars, from artists creating new work to volunteers building our parks.

It’s a reminder that when we work together, residents, visitors, and local leaders, we can build things that matter: places that bring joy, strengthen bonds, and elevate everyday life in Wasatch County. And if there’s only one thing we can all agree on, it’s that we all love to spend time celebrating the arts, hiking/biking our trails, and gathering at our parks.

Whether you’re dreaming up a new cultural event, a trail connection, or a community art installation, the TAP Tax is here to help spark that idea and support it into reality. So dream big and let’s keep building a stronger, more vibrant Wasatch County, together.

Well, sharpen your Strava segments and holster your side-eye, because the rivalry just got… connected.

In Spring 2026 (conditions permitting), the first official backcountry trail connection between Summit and Wasatch Counties will open to the public: the BLT (Bonanza Loop Trail) to WOW Connector Trail. Five miles of singletrack diplomacy. One narrow ribbon of dirt proving that neighbors can get along—especially when bikes, boots, and trail runners are involved.

A Trail Ten Years in the Making

The BLT to WOW Connector Trail has been quietly simmering for more than a decade, originally conceived by Rick Fournier, former Mountain Trails Foundation (MTF) trails manager, and Scott House, current Wasatch Trails Foundation (WTF) board president. Like all great ideas, it took time, patience, and just the right mix of persistence and grit to move from “wouldn’t it be cool if…” to “holy WOW, it’s actually happening.”

The result is a thoughtfully designed backcountry trail system that doesn’t just link maps—it links communities.

At its core is Tall T, the main multiuse, bidirectional connector that makes the county-to-county magic official. From there, the system fans out with something for just about everyone:

• WOWZA DH, an intermediate downhill MTB trail with advanced options for those who like their adrenaline spicy.
• WOWZA, an MTB climb and multiuse trail that earns its name one switchback at a time.
• Boulder Dash, a hike-only spur for those who prefer their joy delivered on foot.

More Than Dirt and Distance

The WOW trail system isn’t just about recreation—it’s about relationships. Lora Anthony, Executive Director of the Mountain Trails Foundation, puts it best:

“The entire system of WOW trails isn’t just connecting communities through trails, it is a shining example of what long-term, supportive relationships between many partner organizations can bring to bear.”

Translation: this didn’t happen by accident. It took collaboration, trust, and a whole lot of meetings where people chose progress over turf wars. Mountain Trails Foundation proudly served as one spoke in a very effective wheel, with Wasatch Trails Foundation steering the project home.

WTF Board Member, Scott House, highlights the deeper purpose behind the build:

“Its location speaks to the Foundation’s commitment to balance wilderness and open space protection, while still providing meaningful trail connections.”

This is modern trail design at its best—integrating natural features, respecting sensitive landscapes, and delivering a sustainable experience that will keep riders and hikers stoked for years to come.

The Hard Part (a.k.a. Everything Else)

Of course, no great trail story comes without a few “are we sure this is going to work?” moments. Or several.

Funding came through three separate grants—two from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (UORG and RTP) and a grant from the Wasatch County TAP (Trails, Arts, and Parks) Tax. Approvals were secured. Mountain Trails Foundation was hired as the contractor. Construction began in Spring 2024 with a firm completion deadline of Fall 2025.

Then came the real challenges: wildlife mitigation areas, shifting political landscapes in Park City, and the not-so-small matter of building across the steep, dramatic terrain of Tall T Peak (elevation 9,360 feet).

Current WTF Executive Director, Mia Yue, doesn’t sugarcoat it: “There were multiple times over the last three years that I was convinced this connection was dead in the water.”

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Thanks to the unwavering support of the WTF Board and the relentless partnership with Mountain Trails Foundation, the project crossed the finish line—and the county line.

A New Chapter in Local Trail Lore

When the BLT to WOW Connector Trail opens, it will mark more than a milestone—it will mark a mindset shift. Competition gives way to connection. Boundaries blur. And trail users gain a seamless backcountry experience that feels bigger than either county alone.

So whether you’re clipping in from Summit, lacing up from Wasatch, or just happy to see neighbors finally agree on something, this trail is definitely for you.

Because sometimes the best way forward… is straight through the middle.

To support future trail projects and become a member of the Wasatch Trails Foundation, visit wasatchtrails.org.

The project was originally conceived over 10 years ago by Rick Fournier, former MTF trails manager and Scott House, current WTF board president. The trail consists of one main multiuse/bidirectional connector, Tall T, an intermediate downhill MTB trail, WOWZA DH (with advanced options), an MTB climb/multiuse trail, WOWZA, and a hike-only spur, Boulder Dash.

Executive Director of the Mountain Trails Foundation, Lora Anthony said, “The entire system of WOW trails isn’t just connecting communities through trails, it is a shining example of what longterm, supportive relationships between many partner organizations can bring to bear. Mountain Trails is proud to be but one spoke in this wheel of success.”

“It’s super exciting to see WOWZA come to life as part of the broader Bonanza Flat to WOW Trail connection. Its location speaks to the Foundation’s commitment to balance wilderness and open space protection, while still providing meaningful trail connections. The build of the trail reflects our abilities to integrate natural features and terrain into a modern, sustainable trail design that is sure to get riders of all levels stoked,” said House.

The BLT to WOW Connector Trail project was funded by three separate grants, two from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, UORG (Utah Outdoor Recreation) and RTP (Recreational Trails
Program), and a smaller grant from the Wasatch County TAP (Trails Arts and Parks) Tax. Through hard work and determination, WTF received all approvals to hire MTF as the trail contractor and begin construction in the Spring of 2024 with a hard completion deadline of Fall 2025.

Project coordinators faced numerous obstacles in completing this project, including, but not limited to, wildlife mitigation areas, changing tides in the Park City political space and building over the dangerously steep terrain of Tall T peak (elevation 9,360”). Current WTF executive director, Mia Yue stated, “There were multiple times over the last three years that I was convinced this connection was dead in the water. Without the support and pure grit of our Board (WTF) and our main partner, Mountain Trails Foundation, we would not have made this happen.”

To support future projects and become a member of the Wasatch Trails Foundation, visit wasatchtrails.org.

About Wasatch Trails Foundation

Wasatch Trails Foundation is a not for profit 501(c)(3) that advocates for trails in Wasatch County. The foundation is committed to cultivating memorable experiences for the community by enhancing and preserving outdoor spaces. Its efforts are guided by three key pillars: building and maintaining a healthy trail system, connecting the community, and ensuring that everything is built to last. Through collaboration with its members, volunteers and local officials, Wasatch Trails Foundation creates sustainable spaces that support the outdoor lifestyle and strengthen community bonds.

Learn more > Wasatch Trails Foundation

Learn more > Mountain Trails Foundation

Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Wasatch County Senior Center
Address: 465 East 1200 South Heber City, Utah 84032
Format: Drop in. Review Alternatives, View Selected Alternative, Ask Questions

Deer Creek Reservoir Trail Feasibility Study Overview

UDOT is studying improvements to the unpaved trail on the west side of Deer Creek Reservoir in coordination with Wasatch County, Deer Creek State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, Bureau of Reclamation, Heber Valley Historic Railroad, and nearby property owners. The study will look at options to create a 6.75-mile paved path between the Wasatch Mountain State Park and Deer Creek Dam trail heads. Also the study will explore ways to retain an unpaved option for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The effort will use a topographic survey and updated environmental review to guide future design and eventual construction.

The Utah Trail Network is being built to create a continuous system of paved, shared-use paths designed for walking, biking, and other non-motorized travel. These paths will link communities across Utah, like a highway system. They provide safe, comfortable, and reliable alternatives to driving. To learn more about the Utah Trail Network, please visit: https://utahtrailnetwork.udot.utah.gov/. The Deer Creek Reservoir Trail segment plays a key role, connecting the Heber Valley and Provo Canyon, that helps complete a major loop of trails that will eventually span the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back. Once constructed, this trail will improve local mobility and serve as a vital segment of Utah’s larger statewide network.

Study Map

The study area is the existing unpaved Deer Creek Reservoir Trail from the Wasatch State Park trail head to the Deer Creek dam trail head.

Three decades later, the department he built now spans over 160 acres of parkland, a nationally recognized Event Center, a vibrant Rec Center that sees thousands of local families annually, year-round programming, and nearly 90 full-time and part-time staff. And this summer, Tom is stepping away from it all, retiring after a career defined by service, growth, and deep local roots.

A Wasatch County Native with Deep Roots

“I’ve been the director for all 30 years,” Tom says with a modest smile. “Same job, my whole career.” That’s pretty rare these days.

Rare, indeed, but fitting for a fifth-generation native of Wasatch County who still remembers when Heber had a single stoplight and Dairy Keen was the only drive-thru in town. Growing up in Midway, Tom probably never imagined that one day he’d oversee a department that would become central to community life in the valley.

His journey to Parks and Rec wasn’t exactly planned. At the time, Tom was working in the golf business at the Homestead. “I wasn’t even looking for a job,” he says. “But my boss, Chris Brisco, told me, ‘If you don’t apply for that job, I’m going to fire you.’” Thankfully, Tom listened. “He was the smartest business mind I’ve ever known, and he saw something I didn’t. Turns out, he was right.”

From the very beginning, Tom approached Parks and Rec with a clear mission: build something that brings people together and make it accessible for all.

“I used to do everything,” he recalls. “Mowing lawns, dragging fields, running programs, even scorekeeping. And I used my family too,” he laughs. “They were my free labor, my wife Angie, my daughter McKinzie, and my son Max; they helped with cleanup, time clocks, and concession stands. You name it.”

Over the years, Tom’s department expanded dramatically, but he never lost that hands-on spirit. His assistant director, Heath Coleman, began working for Tom at the age of 16 and is viewed by some as the natural continuation of his legacy. “Heath’s done every job in this department,” Tom says. “From grounds crew to program director. He knows it inside and out.”

It’s that kind of homegrown loyalty that defines the Parks and Rec team. Many of Tom’s senior staff have been with him for 15 to 29 years. “Amaria Schovil’s been with me 29 years. Kim Kowallis, 20 years. Eric Lappe and John Provost, over 15. That kind of continuity is unheard of. I don’t have much turnover, and that’s a testament to how much they care about this place.”

Under Tom’s leadership, Wasatch County has become a go-to destination for major events. “We could do events every weekend if we wanted to,” he says. “But I’ve always told my team: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, we go hard. Then we rest. I want them to have a life too.”

Among the department’s crowning achievements is the Demolition Derby. Once on the verge of disappearing, the derby has exploded in popularity. “Ten years ago, we were lucky to get seven or eight cars,” Tom says. “Now, we’re the biggest derby west of the Mississippi. We host drivers from Canada, Florida, Wisconsin, and beyond. It’s wild.”

More of Tom’s favorite events include the Firecracker Baseball Tournament—”It’s wood bat, old-school baseball. I love it”— and the Utah State High School Rodeo Finals, which Tom helped host during his very first summer on the job. “That event is special. The kids, the tradition, it’s pure Heber.”

Powered By Community Support

Tom credits the local community and businesses for much of the department’s success. “We have 40-plus sponsors contributing over $250,000 annually,” he says. “Mountainland Auto, Karl Malone Dodge, Redmond Salt, Lee’s, Moe at One Stop—they don’t hesitate. If I needed a thousand dollars tomorrow, Moe would pull it out of his pocket. That’s just who he is.”

Even staffing major events is a community effort. “The high school football team takes tickets. The cheerleaders and girls’ soccer team help clean up and run exhibits. The band and boosters run concession stands. We try to give back to the teams, because they show up for us.”

Tom also worked hard to ensure the department was built with minimal burden to taxpayers. Over the years, Heber City has seen a couple of property tax increases. However, the majority of funding for major recreational projects like the Rec Center, the Event Center, and the city’s expanding park system has come from transient room and restaurant taxes. In other words, it’s largely visitors, those who stay in local hotels and dine in town, who have helped foot the bill for Heber’s recreational growth, allowing the city to expand without placing a significant burden on local taxpayers.

Like any growing town, Heber Valley faces its share of challenges. Chief among them? Space. “Even with all our fields and parks, we still don’t have enough. Mondays through Thursdays are packed with practices and leagues. In the winter, the Rec Center is bursting at the seams.”

Tom sees solutions on the horizon, with the county owning property for future parks and facilities. He also hopes to see a dedicated exhibit hall built, something that could serve the fair, host community events, and become a versatile indoor space.

Still, Tom believes the department is in good hands. “I may be retiring, but I think things are only going to get better. We’ve laid a strong foundation, and the team is
always ready.”

When asked what he’s most proud of, Tom doesn’t hesitate. “The relationships. The employees who’ve become family. The kids I’ve watched grow up. And the fact that, for 30 years, people have trusted us to do what’s right for this valley.”

 A Farewell to the Valley He Loves

Tom and Angie are moving to Arizona, seeking sunshine, a little golf, and fewer snowflakes. “I just can’t do the winters anymore,” he admits with a smile. “But I’ll be back. My family’s here. My roots are here. I’ll never really leave.”

Still, the change is bittersweet. “Heber has changed so much. I don’t even recognize parts of it anymore. But the spirit? That’s still here. This is a vibrant community. People care. They support each other. That’s never changed.”

As he prepares for retirement, Tom reflects on what he hopes people take away from a visit to a game, the fair, or the Rec Center. “I want them to feel safe. I want them to have fun. And I want them to feel proud of what we’ve built, because it’s theirs, not mine.”

Thank You, Tom

After 30 years of early mornings, late nights, and countless events, Tom’s departure marks the end of an era, but it also shines a light on the lasting impact of a leader who believed in people, rolled up his sleeves, and made Heber Valley a better place to live, play, and grow.

Thank you, Tom, for 30 years of heart, hustle, and homegrown leadership. Your contributions will continue to shape Heber Valley’s parks, programs, and community spirit for years to come.

“I can’t believe she’s mine,” said Clara, Sawyer’s mom. “It was a long day of almost 20 hours of labor, but she’s definitely worth it.”

“It’s hard to put into words,” said her father, Andrew. “We’ve both worked in daycares, so we have lots of experience with kids. But they go home at the end of the day. It’s so crazy we’re taking this little one home with us.”

Along with her first baby status, Sawyer also received a prize basket of baby goodies from Intermountain Healthcare to celebrate the birth at Heber Valley Hospital, which included generous donations from three Utah-based baby product vendors: Minky Couture; Loulou and Company; and Over the Moon.

“It’s always exciting to welcome our first baby of the year,” said Kam Wright, Heber Valley Hospital nurse manager, women and newborn services. “They’re a darling family and it was the perfect wintery welcome for Sawyer.”

Heber Valley Hospital is a 19-bed hospital and has been serving the Wasatch County area since 1999. More than 200 babies were born at Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital in 2022.

Whether you consider yourself a hiker, a mountain biker, an equestrian, or just someone looking for great views in Heber Valley — you know our trails are amazing — but have you ever wondered how the trails you use came to be?

THE BEGINNING OF IT ALL

In 1992, the Mountain Trails Foundation was established in Park City at a time when all local hand-cut trails were on private land. Their team and board worked with developers and private landowners to advocate for creating more non-motorized trails across Park City.

The same energy, desire, and opportunity for a hand-cut trail system existed in Heber Valley, but without any formal organization to get it off the ground. A group of dedicated individuals, including Carol Potter, a Heber Valley resident and former Executive Director of the Mountain Trails Foundation, and Don Taylor, took on the challenge by founding the Wasatch Trails Alliance. They began heavily advocating for trails in Wasatch County with a focus on soft surface, single-track style trails. But, due to being largely run by volunteers, the organization eventually paused operations as the founders focused on other initiatives.

Luckily, the light of the Wasatch Trails Alliance never fully went out. Together, Perry Dickson, the owner of Slim & Knobby’s Bike Shop, Eric Porter, a local professional mountain biker, and other current board members took the Alliance through a rebranding and relaunched a few years ago with a new website, now doing business as Wasatch Trails Foundation.

“That original group basically came in and breathed new life into the organization. They brought in new donors, new blood, and started looking at new projects,” said current Foundation director, Scott House.

“This was right about the time that the WOW (Wasatch Over Wasatch) trail was coming out of concept into something that could be a reality. That was really where Wasatch Trails Foundation hit the ground running — working with Wasatch Mountain State Park and Mountain Trails Foundation to get the WOW Trail as we know it today built and in place. That really was the proof that this can be successful. We can do this as a group of volunteers. And that there’s a high demand in our valley for trail work and trail advocacy.”

BLAZING NEW TRAILS:
START TO FINISH

From ideating and designing to funding and building, you might be surprised to learn just how much goes into bringing the trails we know, use, and love, to fruition. Let’s start from the beginning.

1 IDEATION

“Everything starts from an idea — whether that’s an idea from a board member, community member, or one of our partner organizations — be it Mountain Trails Foundation, Wasatch Mountain State Park, or another,” said House.

2 DESIGN

The next step is to pressure test if an idea can live as a legitimate concept. The Foundation determines if they can move from the idea phase to designing by heavily examining local maps and putting down lines and markers to determine what terrain is available. The Foundation then consults with partners and community members to continue determining the viability of the design.

3 COST

Once the initial design is mocked up, the next step down the funnel is going through the costing process — pricing out each step, including rough estimates for using professional trail builders, creating signage, and more.

4 APPROVALS

With a solid dollar amount in mind, the Foundation moves to get approvals from their board on where the trail’s going to go in Wasatch County and where it’s going to cross through. Then, they talk with respective landowners, land managers, and state and national environmental agencies for full approval to move forward.

5 GRANT WRITING

After design and budget approvals, the real action begins — finding funding for the project in mind.

House explained, “We start looking for different grant resources, both locally in the state of Utah and nationally. Most of the grants that we have written, or wrote as of late, have been through the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, which is under the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. And those grants can cover up to 50% of the cost of the total project.”

The other 50% is typically matched by fundraising efforts locally and through partners.

6 TRAIL BUILDING

Once the grant is awarded, that’s when the work can really start of building a trail. The Foundation begins by flagging the corridor.

“That means we’re out in the woods, walking through the hills, tying nylon flagging on trees, shooting grades, avoiding sensitive areas, and all the things we need to do to get that trail alignment,” said House.

Next comes clearing the corridor of trees and brush with the help of volunteers and paid professionals to prepare for building out the trail. House stated that, “Wasatch Trails Foundation has taken the stance that hiring professional trail builders — who this is their career, this is what they focus on — really produces the best product. They build that trail [from] start to finish and are all polished up. Once it’s in, we take all that information and we report that to our grant: this is what we’ve completed, it’s all done, here are pictures, here’s how everything went. We show them all the money we spent. And then the grant reimburses all that back to our organization.”

The Foundation currently has two grant-funded trails in the works: one on schedule to be completed by June 15, 2022 and another trail that will break ground this summer with a target completion of fall 2022 or summer 2023.

Supporting Wasatch Trails Foundation’s mission of creating, supporting, and preserving a sustainable, non-motorized trail system in our community is simple and customizable.

1 Become a member

Membership levels include: business/corporate for $200/year; couple for $60/year; household up to 6 people for $110/year; and individual for $35/year. A sustaining member is $15 every month, ongoing.

2 One-off donations

Make a donation to Wasatch Trails Foundation in any amount (one-time, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually). You can also choose a campaign (i.e. Winter Grooming) to dedicate that donation to.

wasatchtrails.org

A FIRST FOR UTAH STATE PARKS

When asked what project has been closest to the heart for members of the Foundation, House says the Pike Canyon Bike Park comes to mind first.

Considered a big feather in their cap, the Pike Canyon Bike Park was not only the first bike park facility in Wasatch County, but it was also the first in a state park in Utah. Generously supported by local donations and a grant supplied by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, the project set a precedent for using grant funding to build high-quality projects that not only benefit the Heber Valley community, but also help advance Utah state parks into a modern era of supplying the state park’s clientele and visitors with the amenities they’re now looking for.

“[Pike Canyon] has the mountain biking and hiking experiences and all these things that the modern recreationalist is looking for. That project was extra special for the group.”

TO INFINITY (SALT LAKE COUNTY) AND BEYOND

Last year, the Foundation was awarded grants for the BO to WOW Connector: a project with the goal of connecting the upper part of the WOW Trail into the Bonanza Flat Loop, which is in the Bonanza Flat Open Space. It’s a 1200 acre parcel of open space owned by Park City and under conservation easement with Utah Open Lands. Currently, Mountain Trails Foundation is building hiking trails, biking trails, and multi-use trails up there. Wasatch Trails Foundation is building a 3 to 4-mile section of trail that will connect into the Upper Trail System to the top of the WOW Trail.

“Once that 4 mile piece of trail is in, you have a true single-track route where you can leave from Wasatch County and ride all the way up and over the Wasatch Crest and into Salt Lake County. You’ll pass through Wasatch, Summit, and Salt Lake Counties and you’ll never really have to ride on a road, other than crossing a road to connect into another piece of trail. It’ll be a full single-track connection from valley to valley. It’s really a special piece of trail,” shared House.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Wasatch Trails Foundation has an incredibly bright future as it continues to work every day to improve and expand on the unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone that visits and calls Wasatch County home. The Foundation sees the local community as an integral piece of its past, current, and future successes. But, building a strong, passionate trails community requires hearing the voices and desires of all involved.

House said, “One of our main focuses of 2022 is community engagement . . . and trying to listen to and figure out what our community wants. Where does our community see a need and how can Wasatch Trails Foundation meet that need? We don’t want to sit in our own echo chamber, thinking we’re the only ones with good ideas, assuming we know what everybody wants. We want to hear from our community.”

The Foundation hopes to expand its donation base to help bring in the additional funding needed to go after bigger grants to expand our trail systems, maintenance programs, and provide better trail connectivity. House states that “As we work through the next 5, 10, 20 years, we have a lot of potential for big projects in Wasatch County. But without the support and engagement of the community, it’s really hard to get those projects off the ground.”

Next time you’re out enjoying one of our many wonderful trails, take a moment to remember the visionaries, volunteers, and donors behind Wasatch Trails Foundation and the incredible amount of work involved in creating the means for all to get out and explore the beautifully scenic space we call home.

Last fall, 489 registered voters responded to a community survey issued by Y2 Analytics. All results can be found on the FSP website (futureschoolsproject.com). The question is not if we will need more schools, but why, where, when, and most importantly how. One key finding from the survey showed that Wasatch County residents find fiscal responsibility (91%) and transparency (87%) “very important”.

According to the FSP website, “The Wasatch School District administration and Board of Education are committed to a master planning process that prioritizes listening to parents, students, and community members. Our Master Planning Goals are: Be innovative and forward-thinking as we plan for growth, Ensure that students reach their personal goals and become productive contributing members of society, and create solutions that are efficient and financially responsible.”

The FSP is a simple concept yet has detailed steps and multi-involved phases that have been taking place since September 2021. Phases include: gathering information, generating options, reviewing with the public, and finally the master plan draft presentation at the school board meeting on April 21, 2022. As part of community engagement, three committees were formed to help consult, frame, and direct this process; an educators committee (teachers and administrators), an advisory committee (elected officials of local jurisdictions and leaders of community organizations), and a steering committee (constituents selected by school board and district administrators). The FSP team has tried to give the community as many opportunities as possible to voice opinions, share ideas, and ask questions. There have been surveys, neighborhood meetings, and a special website with a place to “join the conversation”. It is always possible to email or call board members and district personnel. Contact information can be found at wasatch.edu.

Part of the process also included an assessment, completed in December-January, of current school buildings and facilities. The project team analyzed safety and maintenance issues; and explored whether or not buildings were meeting the education visions gathered from the prior input of the committees.

Building “Bridges” to Future Schools

This project comes on the heels of the 2019 bond failure.  It was an emotional campaign with frustration and passion from both proponents and objectors. The final outcome showed 57% voting against and 42% in favor.

Superintendent Paul Sweat explains, “The Future Schools Project is the Board of Education’s response to the community asking to be more involved in the planning process, as well as to the rapid growth that we are experiencing in Wasatch County and within the District. Based on continual updates from District Staff, they know our buildings are at — or over — capacity, and we are in need of a long-range plan to address the growth, which shows no signs of slowing down, based on data from local agencies gathered by our demographers, Davis Demographics.”

Findings from the community survey referenced above, show how growth and education are perceived in the valley. 67% believe that the county is growing “much too quickly” along with 82% agreeing that public education is “very important to the health of a community”. Community involvement is also “very important” to 67% of those who participated in the survey.

Sweat reflects, “It’s been eye-opening to see the engagement and enthusiasm for the process from within our District and throughout the community. We’ve long heard that our constituents want to become involved in our District; now they are actively participating in the process through committees and community meetings. Our visits to school staff meetings were very productive in gathering information for us to share with our consultant team, GSBS Architects, and allowed teachers and staff to candidly share their thoughts and concerns.”

April: Enroll in Civil Engagement 101

Although much has happened in the past six months, the next two months are even more crucial and exciting. All the effort and hard work will culminate at a public open house on April 7th. A final master plan draft will be shared at the school board meeting on April 21st. Look for details to be announced soon on the district website (wasatch.edu) or the Wasatch County School District’s Facebook page.

“The Open House on April 7th will provide the public with an opportunity to view the recommendations from GSBS, which will incorporate the information they’ve gathered during their months-long process. It will be a chance for folks to weigh in on the possible next steps in addressing growth within our District,” says Sweat.

Lindsey Ferrari, the public outreach consultant for GSBS Architects, explains, “This master planning process is designed to identify the public’s vision and values for education through a set of guiding principles; assess how the district’s facilities and buildings are performing now and how they will perform with future growth projections; then give the public some options for addressing growth based on the public’s vision.  Those options will be presented to the public for feedback at the open house in April and through other various methods such as the District website and smaller group meetings.  It’s important for residents to get involved in April and let the school board and consultant team know which options they want to accept as a community.” Ferrari continued by stating, “I’d also like to add that the master plan will not dictate where and what a new school or expansion might look like, but rather when the board should consider taking action based on pre-determined milestones regarding growth or building condition. So the public should be on the same page as to when and how the District will address growth.”

Just like a high school graduate that made it through those tough and fun teenage years, the future holds many possibilities and educational options for Wasatch County. Now is the time to take the opportunity to be a part of the vision and decision-making process for future schools. The next few weeks will advance the goal of addressing and managing growth and education in positive and intentional ways.

Sweat concluded by stating, “It’s crucial for our community to know we are working diligently to ensure our learning environments will provide the best possible achievement outcomes for the students of Wasatch County. Whether that takes the form of updated or new buildings will be determined by the FSP process and our much-anticipated Facilities Master Plan.”

Learn more and get involved FUTURESCHOOLSPROJECT.ORG

Defending Wasatch Back began as a group of moms sharing their concerns while at different events with their children. As they told two friends, and they told two friends, the word got out and soon there were citizens from all over Wasatch County joining them.

Cheryl Karl, one of the two founders of Defending Wasatch Back, shared that they started holding Monday rallies in front of the Wasatch County Administration building as a way for people to express their concerns to the public and County Council. “We asked people to leave their president flags supporting whoever they were voting for at home. We said no Trump flags, no Biden flags. This is just an American thing. We asked that members of the community bring their American flags, and any signs supporting whatever they felt strongly about.”

The group meets every Monday during the general County Council meetings to offer support for those presenting before the council; they ask for cars to honk, as a reminder that the people of Wasatch County are here, want to be represented, and involved in decision-making processes. The goal of Defending Wasatch Back is, “. . . to gather like-minded people who are willing to take action.” Cheryl shared that, “We don’t want to sit around just shaking our heads, saying someone should do something, [we] want to make sure that people who join us are willing to write emails, got to rallies, go to peaceful protests, do something about the problem; not just shake their heads.”

Currently, Defending Wasatch Back has combined forces with the Wasatch 2A Sanctuary group in support of making Wasatch County a Second Amendment Sanctuary. What does that mean? In a nutshell, a Second Amendment sanctuary is a state, county, or locality in the United States that has adopted laws or resolutions that oppose the enforcement of certain gun control measures. As of March 1, 2021, sanctuarycounties.com reports that there are 1,188 2A sanctuary counties, either through resolutions or ordinances, across more than 20 states. Noah Davis states on their site, “As politicians attempt to use tragedies to take rights away from law-abiding citizens, more than 37% of U.S. counties have been declared Second Amendment Sanctuaries. The Second Amendment Sanctuary Movement has kicked into high gear since the election and shows no signs of slowing down.” In Utah, Uinta County was the first to become a 2A Sanctuary county, followed by several others like; Utah, Wayne, and Weber, just to name a few.

Gary Hughes a member of both Defending Wasatch Back and Wasatch 2A Sanctuary explained, “What the whole Second Amendment Sanctuary Movement is about, nationally, is sending a message to Washington that the Second Amendment is still important to us, we still want it, we still need it, and we’re not going to tolerate infringement of it. It’s a way for citizens of Wasatch County who largely feel ignored by their representatives at the federal level – their congressmen and senators – to be heard.”

In August of 2020, Sandra Hughes and Ryan Hobbs started the Wasatch 2A Sanctuary group and approached City Council regarding Wasatch County adopting and putting into place a 2A ordinance. According to Sandra, the meeting went really well, there was no opposition from anyone present, and they were asked to put together a committee of council members and citizens. She explained that “the purpose of the committee is not to decide whether or not there should be a 2A ordinance – that is for the vote. The purpose of the committee is to decide on the verbiage of the ordinance.” Kendall Crittenden is the head of the committee and has worked closely with Sherriff Rigby, Mark Nelson – the County Attorney’s Representative, and committee members to create a draft that will be presented and read to the public during the County Council’s general meeting on Wednesday, April 21st at 3:00 pm. You can jump onto Wasatch County’s site: https://docs.wasatch.utah.gov/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting and download a PDF of the proposed ordinance.

Gary explained the difference between an Ordinance and a Resolution and why the wording of the document put forth for a vote is important. An Ordinance has the force and effect of a law whereas a resolution is simply a formal expression of an opinion and holds no weight. There are a lot of misconceptions out there as to what the 2A ordinance would do. Many people believe it is a way to try and get around state gun laws. That is not true. Hughes describes it quite succinctly, “As Sherriff Rigby, and the citizen’s committee has written it. The ordinance prevents county money from being spent in any enforcement of federal law as it pertains to the Second Amendment. It also prevents the county in the future from entering into a written agreement with any federal agency to do that same thing. That’s it.” He continued by stating “The ordinance also states that this does not preclude the Sherriff’s office from enforcing state law in any form. So every state-level gun law is enforceable and will be enforced by the Sherriff’s office. There is no one; the Sherriff’s office, the county, the committee, anyone that does not want people who commit a crime with a gun to be prosecuted. What we don’t want is for people to become criminals simply because they own a gun. The ordinance is clearly written with the direction of the Sherriff to specifically included state enforcement and prosecution of anyone who violates the law and uses a firearm in a criminal matter.”

So what does all this have to do with what is going on in front of the administration building? Well . . .  in defense of protecting the Second Amendment, and adding their support for Wasatch County to become a 2A Sanctuary, Defending Wasatch Back has been encouraging citizens to join their rallies, and educate themselves on the matter. Cheryl stated that when Sherriff Rigby was asked, “When was the last time you saw 100 moms standing outside Main Street on a Monday to fight for their gun rights. He said, ‘I’ve never seen this in my entire life.'” Sandra shared that, “. . . having the group out front rallying for us or just demonstrating their support, made me bolder as I went into the meetings,” and Gary, who’s been involved in the gun right fight for nearly 30 years, stated, “I’ve never seen a group of men willing to go out and do something about their rights and individual liberties, as these women are. So, you might say I’m a fan!”

For those who are not fans – that’s okay too! The world would be a boring place if we all thought the same. Having the privilege of living in a free country though takes work and right now, regardless of individual convictions, no one can deny that our freedoms are under attack. It is important to protect the rights of all and we do that by protecting the Second Amendment which protects the First. If the Second Amendment falls the Bill of Rights and the Constitution will follow. It is up to all of us, as citizens of the United State of America, and as citizens of Wasatch County to bring our differing opinions to the table and come to unifying agreements (even if that means agreeing to disagree) through respectful, free, and open debate.

Hughes, I believe says it best, “I think that people who oppose this, you know they think that we’re a bunch of antigovernment wackjobs, that we’re militia people, that we’re domestic terrorists. You know all these things that the media has labeled anyone who doesn’t agree with [their narrative] . . . people have been conditioned to dehumanize us. . .  I mean it’s scary . . . all we are asking for with this ordinance is for the county to tell the world that we won’t participate in this. And that we believe in the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment is for everyone! It’s for the left, it’s for the right, it’s for brown people, it’s for white people, it’s for gays, it’s for straights, transgendered, it’s for everybody. The Bill of Rights is universal. It’s not selective. I want to protect all people’s rights just as much as my own.  I’ve always kind of taken this position in my life that if I allow the government to do something to someone just because I disagree with them, then they’re going to do it to me too. And I don’t want that. I’ll stand up for those causes, but for some reason, we’ve been conditioned to think that every infringement is okay as long as it’s for guns, and that’s really a sad thing. I wouldn’t dream of taking someone’s First Amendment rights. That seems to be the domain of other people, the silencing of other’s opinions and all that, I find it amazing that some people consider the Second Amendment or the Bill of Rights a divisive issue because it’s not to me – it’s a universal right – it’s for everyone.”

Join other community members this Wednesday, April 21st at 3:00 pm at the Wasatch County Administration Building, 25 N Main Street Heber City, to learn more about Wasatch County becoming a 2A sanctuary and to have your voice be heard. After all in Cheryl’s words, “When we say that someone has to do something, that person is me, and you, and everyone around us, we have to look in the mirror and say no one is going to do this for us. We have to do it!”

Interested in learning more? Visit the following: Wasatch County 2A Sanctuary Facebook page, Utah Business Revival Facebook Page, www.takeactionforfreedom.com, www.sanctuarycounties.com, and www.defendingutah.com. You can also join one of over 50 Thursday groups that meet, every Thursday all over the state to talk about concerns. Information for these groups can be found on several of the above sites.