Working Lands of Northeast Utah

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Credit: Scott T. Smith

When people think of Utah, they think of the Salt Lake, mountains, and Arches and Zion National Parks. But in much of the state, farming and ranching traditions remain strong. Northeast Utah is losing family farms, ranches, and working forests at an alarming rate. With increasing production costs, uncertain profits, and fluctuating land values, many multigenerational farmers, ranchers, and foresters feel they have little choice other than selling their land for development.

Fortunately, TPL is able to give them another option: conservation easements. These let landowners recoup the cash value of developing their land by selling those rights while maintaining ownership and management. These easements also reduce their property taxes, often helping keep the land in the family.