Summit County is preparing to introduce limited public trails at its $55 million 910 Ranch near Jeremy Ranch, while keeping more than half the property focused on conservation and research.

The Summit County Council reviewed the proposed Multi-Resource Management Plan on Oct. 28 with Jessica Kirby, the county's Lands and Natural Resources director, as TownLift reported.

The council was not asked to vote. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands must approve the plan before the county can implement its proposed recreation program.

County officials hope to receive that approval by the end of 2026.

Three zones, one ranch

The proposed plan would divide the 8,588-acre ranch into three management zones, according to Summit County's recreation planning documents.

The community zone would cover approximately 15% of the property and provide the main area for public recreation. Plans include designated trails, visitor facilities, parking and educational signs.

The exploratory zone would cover approximately 30% of the ranch. Recreation there would be more limited, with fewer facilities and restrictions intended to reduce impacts on wildlife and natural resources.

More than half the property would be designated as a conservation and research zone, where public access would be restricted to protect sensitive habitat.

The county plans to use adaptive management, adjusting recreation opportunities and restrictions based on monitoring results.

Trails and dog access

The first phase would establish approximately five miles of trails within the community zone.

The proposed trail network includes existing routes that would be converted for recreational use, along with new trail construction and connections.

Leashed dogs would be permitted on designated trails in the community zone. Dogs would not be allowed in the exploratory or conservation and research zones.

The county's proposed rules also prohibit commercial dog walking throughout the ranch.

These restrictions are intended to limit wildlife disturbances and concentrate recreational activity in areas better suited to public use.

The county also plans to control parking and visitor access rather than opening the entire property to unrestricted recreation.

Council raises management questions

At the Oct. 28 discussion, Council Vice Chair Roger Armstrong questioned whether the exploratory zone would allow too much recreation.

Armstrong wanted stronger limits on access to areas outside the community zone, according to TownLift.

Council member Megan McKenna asked about permits for activities such as backcountry skiing. Kirby discussed the possibility of managed access through permits or limited seasonal passes.

Council Chair Canice Harte also raised concerns about staffing needed to manage trails, restoration, weed control and enforcement.

Kirby said future phases would depend on adequate staffing and funding. The department has requested additional personnel through the county budget process.

Background and next steps

Summit County completed its $55 million purchase of the 910 Ranch in January 2026. The property spans portions of Summit and Morgan counties and represents the largest conservation acquisition in county history.

The purchase was supported by the county's voter-approved Open Space Bond and federal Forest Legacy funding, according to the county's acquisition announcement.

The ranch is not generally open for unrestricted public recreation. Existing access is limited to East Canyon Road until the required management approvals are completed.

State approval would allow Summit County to begin implementing its recreation and conservation program in phases.

The county has not established a confirmed public opening date for the proposed trail network.