Stewardship Hotline

The conservation easement is often the easy part. The months of working in partnership with a landowner, community or family determining the best way to preserve the conservation values on the property, comes down to a promise. Utah Open Lands promises to carry out the vision of the family, the community, or the landowner in protecting the open nature of the land by enforcing the terms of the conservation easement. So when the organization gets a call that something is amiss on a property, the response is immediate. Hopefully we can stop the offense before damage is done.

We received such a tip. So, today we head out to a property where we have been made aware that a third party violation may be occurring. Typically violations happen out of ignorance. Typically from individuals who are not aware that the land is permanently protected.

When it comes to the convenants, codes and restrictions (city ordinances) in place in neighborhoods throughout our cities and counties there seems to be unfailing compliance. Yet with regard to our designated open spaces we don't have similar compliance. Careless actions of ignorance are left to tear up vegetation, pour concrete, or fill in wetlands as if there is no consequence. The vigilance that compels a neighbor to call the city and complain about vegetation crowding the sidewalk, gutters not properly in place, or rotting car bodies, should compel us when we see abuses on our open lands as well.

The vista at sunset, the wildflower meadow on our hike in the woods, the clear running stream as we fish are essential parts of our quality of life. Helping Utah Open Lands to maintain these lands from harm will benefit us all.

Next time there is cause to be irate because your neighbor hasn't cut the lawn, or has just painted their house with purple polka dots, be glad that the open space that provides you solace is under our stewardship.