Zion National Park receives funding to help preserve land
Jun 3, 2025, 12:03 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — More land around Zion National Park will be preserved thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The department has awarded $3 million to the Zion Connectivity Project. With it, Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands will purchase a conservation easement on two properties near the park.
Forest Legacy Program Manager Natalie Conlin said the funding can ensure some areas around Zion National Park remain untouched, which is needed, given the rapid development in Washington County.
“It is a huge win, and especially the east side of the land is experiencing rapid development right now. In fact, even some subdivisions currently have gotten right up to the park boundary.”
The conservation area encompasses over 1,700 acres of protected land along the northern boundary of Zion National Park.
The area will protect native species of plants, animals and fish, as well as a tributary to the Virgin River, which has been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.
Related: ‘Make sure you’re overpreparing’: Rescues near Zion National Park prompt safety reminders
