Summit County's Open Space Advisory Committee will discuss how much conservation money remains from the county's $50 million bond and advance a campaign to reach willing landowners when it meets Tuesday, August 4, at 6 p.m. at the Summit County Courthouse in Coalville.

Jessica Kirby, director of Lands and Natural Resources, will present on the bond program's successes and remaining balance, according to the meeting agenda. As of early June, approximately $16 million remained in the fund, according to KPCW reporting. That figure may be lower now: the county spent $3.5 million on June 4 to buy the 25-acre Highland Flat parcel at the I-80/US-40 gateway, blocking a previously proposed 410-unit housing development.

The bond, approved by voters in 2021 with more than 70% support, has helped preserve nearly 16,000 acres across the county, including the 8,600-acre 910 Ranch and the 835-acre Ure Ranch.

The committee will also review the status of a willing landowner outreach letter and hold a work session to prepare mailings. The outreach effort invites property owners to voluntarily explore conservation options for their land, whether through sale or conservation easement.

"I think the most important thing as we start having these conversations is these are very private conversations," Kirby said at a June 11 Francis City Council meeting, as reported by KPCW on July 17. "We don't want to start talking about somebody's private property without their permission."

A closed session on property acquisition is also on the agenda. It does not name the parcels.

Summit County Council Chair Canice Harte has cited the 2034 Winter Olympics as a driver of increasing development pressure in the region. In a county press release announcing the Highland Flat purchase on June 4, Harte said the county's "intent is not dense development" but protecting "open landscapes, rural heritage and shared spaces."

Tuesday's meeting is the committee's first since March 3, a gap of roughly five months. No explanation for the gap appears in public records.

Residents can attend in person at 60 N. Main St., Coalville, or join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 998 5613 3513). Written comments on agenda items can be submitted to Rachael Brard at [email protected] at least 24 hours before the meeting.

The next OSAC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, at 6 p.m. Location has not been announced.