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PARK CITY - Park City purchased 135 acres of open space in Thaynes Canyon.
The city bought the land for $5 million from the Armstrong family, long-time Park City residents.
The canyon will be protected permanently through a conservation easement to be held by Utah Open Lands. It hosts wildlife species such as neotropical songbirds, elk, deer, and moose and is even considered high value habitat for black bear by the Division of Wildlife Resources.
"Since the first open space efforts began in Park City, we have all seen this property as a priority for preservation," said Mayor Dana Williams. "After many years of discussion, it is tremendous to see this day arrive."
Thaynes Canyon can be seen from several vantage points throughout the City, including the town's entry corridor on S.R. 224.
"Virtually every canyon around here is developed except this one, it would break our hearts to see this canyon suffer the same fate" commented Kerry Armstrong. "We have had a long relationship with Utah Open Lands, and it was never a question of if, just when was the right time to protect this Canyon."
"[We] love this land and we want to see it protected," said Herb Armstrong. "And we want the people of Park City to have the chance to enjoy this amazing place."
With the permission of the Armstrong's, Utah Open Lands plans to host wildflower tours of the property for the public in the coming years.
The City is scheduled to close on the acquisition on September 30.
The $5 million purchase price will nearly exhaust the City's open space bonds.
