Cache County, private residents purchase land from developers for conservation

SALT LAKE CITY — A large swath of land leading into Cache County from Sardine Canyon will no longer be developed but will stay open for the public and wildlife. 

Cache County worked with Mark and Gina Thompson to purchase 771 acres of land in Wellsville from land developers.

The land would have been used to build 400 houses, but Cache County Executive David Zook said the majority of residents wanted to preserve it.

“The majority of the people in Cache Valley felt like that was not the best place for a housing development. It’s such a beautiful open space now and we wanted to keep it that way,” Zook said.

The Thompsons plan to keep their 300 acres for migratory animal crossing. They’re working to get legal protections so the land will never be developed.

The county has not decided what to do with its 471 acres yet, but officials are looking at several options.

“Perhaps an amphitheater, perhaps a campground. There are a variety of things that could be done there because there is a lot of space. It’s a beautiful area, surrounded by mountains,” Zook said.

He said they are currently applying for grants for the area.

Related: New acreage protected along Bonneville Shoreline Trail