Provo City pursuing conservation easement at base of Slate Canyon
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- Land that Provo City is pursuing an easement on is shown Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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- A map shows a proposed conservation easement near Slate Canyon.
Nearly a year after Provo officials shut down talks of selling city-owned land at the base of Slate Canyon, the city has initiated a process to place a conservation easement on it.
The Provo City Council gave unanimous approval last week to pursue efforts to place an easement on 115 acres at the mouth and foothills of Slate Canyon. The next step is a public open house at 8:30 a.m. June 13 at Slate Canyon Park.
The move comes following a May 2025 neighborhood meeting where Splash Summit Water Park owners shared a proposal to buy the property and build a new resort on it. The idea was met with heavy pushback from residents near the canyon, and no plan was ever submitted to the city. Then, last July, Mayor Michelle Kaufusi declared Slate Canyon is not for sale.
An easement, made in partnership with Utah Open Lands and with the support of Conserve Utah Valley, would solidify that promise and prevent the land from being overdeveloped, according to Councilman Craig Christensen.
“What this signals is a commitment to our citizens, that we’re serious about maintaining what makes Provo so incredibly unique,” Christensen said in an April 28 work session. “This is such a gain for us, because for generations, we will maintain this. … Yes, it can include amenities. It can make sure that it addresses all of the needs of the city. But it will prevent it from being overdeveloped, and it will keep it as a wonderful gateway to Slate Canyon.”
Provo City policy analyst Melia Dayley said the proposal would be in alignment with city public works and parks and recreation master plans for the property, which may include adding infrastructure for Slate Canyon Park. However, city officials made it clear the easement does not mean infrastructure for a park will be built anytime soon.
Conserve Utah Valley agreed to pay initial stewardship costs of $10,000 for the easement. According to a CUV news release, the organization aims to raise those funds between May 3 and June 13. CUV will sponsor a Hike-a-Thon during that time span, where participants can pledge a dollar amount per 1,000 steps.
“All funds raised will go directly toward the long-term stewardship costs required by Utah Open Lands to hold and defend the easement in perpetuity,” CUV said.
