EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — The City of Eagle Mountain has hired a wildlife biologist and environmental planner to help with the area’s large amount of growth.

Todd Black has experience working with private landowners as well as large corporations. He’s also worked in outreach and education through Utah State University.

He said his job will be to help Eagle Mountain officials consider local wildlife as the city expands. Namely, how the city’s expansion may impact wildlife and what to do to lessen that impact.

According to the most current information from the U.S. Census Bureau, Eagle Mountain is the 4th largest city in Utah County with an estimated 43,000 residents. 

According to Eagle Mountain’s website, Black will also be a liaison for community members. They can reach out to him if they are concerned about Eagle Mountain’s growth and how it impacts the surrounding wildlife.

This is an existing concern for many residents in Eagle Mountain, the website reports. As such, Black’s job will be to advise planners on existing issues of code enforcement and development, as well as amendments to the City Code which may occur in later years.

One example of the type of work Black will oversee is the Wildlife Corridor Overlay Zone, a natural habitat area through the Cedar Valley. With cooperation between private landowners and the City of Eagle Mountain, this zone protects elk and other animals as they migrate.

Simone Seikaly contributed.