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EMIGRATION CANYON — A preservation project three years in the making officially opened to the public Wednesday.
The Killyon Canyon Conservation Preserve is about eight miles up Emigration Canyon Road, and then north and east after the Pine Crest turnoff. The 265 acres of pine and aspen forest is already a favorite location for hikers and cyclists.
“This is a treasure. We have multiple eco-systems here so you can pretend you're in Zions or in Park City or any other beautiful area in Salt Lake County,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon at the preserve's dedication ceremony.
The total purchase price from the private landowners was $1.8 million.
The Salt Lake County Open Space Trust Fund contributed $900,000 to the project. Salt Lake City added $300,000 to the total purchase price. The LeRay McAllister Critical Lands Conservation Fund added $100,000, and an anonymous donor gave $500,000.
“We are setting aside some of the most unique and special areas in all of the Wasatch Mountains,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker.
The landowners — the Burton family and Tom Johnson — have been working with Utah Open Lands for years to safeguard the property. Landowner Tracy Burton said his family started raising sheep on the land in the 1890s.
“It's a tremendous feeling to have these memories of my youth and the family history preserved for eternity,” Burton said. “It's a great feeling.”
Email:vvo-duc@ksl.com
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