Canyons Management Program

Dear stakeholders and community members,

I am thrilled to present Salt Lake County's inaugural Canyon's Strategic Plan as the Director of the Canyons Management Program. This strategic plan, shaped by extensive stakeholder engagements, aligns with regional plans and will guide policy while equipping us with the necessary tools for success.

Our county's lands, including the breathtaking Wasatch Front and Oquirrh Mountains, hold immense value as natural infrastructure. They provide essential benefits for mental and physical health while contributing to our local economy. The Canyons Management Program takes a holistic approach to planning, preserving, and stewarding the canyons within Salt Lake County, while recognizing their integral connection to our urban ecological system.

As a program in the Office of Regional Development, we collaborate with partners across various sectors, including Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, Housing and Community Development, Environmental Sustainability. With a focus on the Wasatch, Traverse, and Oquirrh mountains, we coordinate programs, working closely with government entities, businesses, and community organizations to achieve our goals and secure a sustainable future.

The Canyons Management Program is dedicated to promoting equitable access to public lands and conserving natural spaces. Our team offers expertise in stewardship, protection, and sustainable use of natural resources in the Central Wasatch, Traverse, and Oquirrh mountain ranges within Salt Lake County. By aligning with county priorities and engaging internal agencies and stakeholders, we ensure a coordinated and effective approach.

Salt Lake County remains committed to preserving our natural and ecological resources, maintaining a balance between recreation and conservation through a delicate balance between wilderness and the urban environment. Through this framework, the Canyons Management Program aims to position Salt Lake County as a leading agency, implementing a comprehensive strategy for the Traverse, Oquirrh, and Wasatch Mountains.

Together, let us embark on this journey to safeguard our canyons, strengthen our community, and create a sustainable future. I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders as we strive to preserve the beauty and integrity of our cherished landscapes for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Jason Wolf

Director, Canyons Management Program

Office of Regional Development, Salt Lake County

The Canyons Management Program Strategic Plan is defined by a set of plan elements that outline the high-level concepts and aspirations of the county – the mission, and vision – and the actionable strategies – the goals and objectives – which will be incorporated into the outcomes and indicators of the program through Implementation Strategies. 

The mission of the Salt Lake County Canyons Management Program is to protect, enhance, and promote ecological and social values in the canyons of Salt Lake County. This mission statement highlights the program's commitment to balancing environmental conservation with the well-being and interests of the local community.

A vibrant and thriving ecosystem and community connection to our canyons

1.  Protect: We aim to safeguard the natural resources, biodiversity, and unique ecological features present in the canyons of Salt Lake County. Protection includes preserving critical habitats, conserving sensitive ecosystems, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the canyons' natural environment.
2. Enhance: We strive to improve and enhance the ecological condition and resilience of the canyons. This may involve restoration projects, habitat management initiatives, and the implementation of sustainable land management practices that support the recovery and health of the ecosystem.
3. Promote: We seek to promote the ecological and social values of the canyons to the local community and beyond. The canyons hold intrinsic ecological worth, providing habitat for diverse plant and animal species, protecting watersheds, and contributing to overall environmental health. This goal can be achieved through educational campaigns, public outreach, and recreational opportunities that highlight the significance of the canyons' natural resources, cultural heritage, and recreational amenities. Additionally, the program acknowledges the canyons' social and recreational value for residents and visitors alike.

1. Balance to create a thriving community and protect our lands for future generations. Maintain and improve the overall health and resilience of the canyons' landscapes and habitats,

 _{It is vital that we utilize comprehensive and adaptable plans to assess population growth, critical land protections and natural resource utilization.}   

• Create and use research tools for ecosystem health and identify priority areas for conservation.
• Work with partners to restore and rehabilitate habitats, including watershed restoration efforts and forest resilience.
• Promote sustainable land management practices to minimize the impact on ecosystems and create resilient landscapes.

2. Conservation through healthy forests and watersheds. We will create healthy and resilient communities through the preservation and protection of natural resources.

 _{Create coordination and collaboration with land authorities. In order to create a thriving community we must first protect our water source. We will coordinate on a shared vision with other government agencies to create a cooperative approach to conservation. Conservation will start at its source, this is done through healthy forests and lands.}   

• Develop and implement conservation plans and land use management plans based on scientific research and best practices.
• Establish recommendations for protected areas.
• Promote sustainable land use practices.

3. Equitable Access to Natural Spaces: Ensure that all members of the community have fair and inclusive access to the canyons by fostering a strong sense of community engagement and appreciation for the canyons

 _{Education, Outreach, and Environmental Justice}   

• Work with community organizations on educational programs and interpretive materials to raise awareness about the canyons' values and significance.
• Work with community organizations to promote community events, guided hikes, and volunteer opportunities to encourage public participation.
• Collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to create partnerships for shared stewardship.

Our Strategy is focused around 3 areas of success to promote stewardship.

1. Coordination within the Central Wasatch, Traverse and Oquirrh Ranges
2. Collaboration
3. Engagement

People are central to the success of the program. We emphasize education and outreach to raise awareness about the value and significance of the canyons. We prioritize equitable access and opportunities for all individuals. We actively engage with the community, seeking input and involvement in shaping the future of the canyons. By valuing and incorporating diverse perspectives, we create a shared sense of ownership and stewardship.

By elevating people, we ensure that the Canyons Management Program serves as a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage and ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

We will weigh People, Process and Technology equally to meet the goals of the Canyons Management Program 

Frame Salt Lake County as the leader in a coordinated strategy that holistically brings in all efforts to create an action plan for the Traverse, Oquirrh, and Wasatch Mountains using refined modernized business workflows.

This involves a comprehensive approach to determining the optimal allocation of resources, programs, and funding while adhering to equity-based priorities and directives.

We strive to ensure that every decision and action related to the canyons is guided by thorough and data-driven processes. Our team conducts rigorous assessments and analysis to identify key areas where our efforts can have the most significant impact on the preservation and enhancement of the canyons.

Through careful evaluation, we prioritize equity-based initiatives to address the unique needs of various communities and stakeholders, ensuring that the benefits of canyon stewardship are accessible and inclusive to all.

The Canyons Management Program will protect our communities’ natural and ecological resources. Understanding the relationships between ecosystems and our impacts on them requires a geographic approach. Using a geographic information system (GIS), we will be able to monitor species, ecosystems and the environment in real-time using dashboards, or take mobile tools offline for monitoring in remote areas. Capture the extent of management activities and measure their impact through time. We will turn this data into a conservation plan with spatial analytics that will help facilitate decisions. 

To start we will create a Geospatial strategy focusing on these key concepts. This GIS strategy will be both agile and scalable. As a small agile program, we can reprioritize and revisit projects as they come up.  

• Protect, restore, and manage our natural resources  
• Plan and prioritize resource protection  
• Implement and track stewardship and restoration initiatives  
• Monitor species and ecosystems in real-time

1. Restored and improved ecological conditions in priority areas
2. Enhanced habitat connectivity and landscape health
3. Reduced risk to Wildfires

1. Increased public awareness and knowledge about the canyons' natural and cultural values
2. Higher levels of community involvement and volunteer participation
3. Improved accessibility infrastructure and accommodations
4. Increased representation and diverse engagement in canyon activities

1. Collaborative partnerships with local municipalities, NGOs, and community organizations
2. Robust public outreach and education campaigns
3. Regular monitoring and evaluation of progress and outcomes.

We invite you to join the Canyons Management Program in our mission to protect and steward the canyons of Salt Lake County. Together, we can create a lasting impact and secure a sustainable and thriving future for these natural landscapes and the communities they connect to.

Your support and engagement are invaluable to the success of the Canyons Management Program. Connect with us if you share a passion for preserving these lands. Together, we can safeguard the canyons' beauty and integrity, ensuring that future generations will continue to cherish and benefit from their remarkable presence.