Open Space
Open spaces are vital community assets that provide a natural refuge for recreation, conservation, and connection with nature. These areas are managed to conserve the environment while offering opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.
About Our Open Spaces
Open spaces are natural areas of land that are managed to balance conservation with recreation for the communityโs benefit. Recognizing the importance of preserving viewsheds and ecological value, local taxpayers believed these spaces were worth saving as open spaces. Their willingness to fund open space bonds made it possible for Basin Recreation to acquire and manage these lands for future generations to enjoy.
Open Spaces
Protected vs. Recreational Open Spaces
Basin Recreation manages two types of open spacesโprotected and recreationalโeach with unique characteristics and levels of conservation.
These areas are permanently preserved through conservation easements. A conservation easement is a legal agreement that restricts development on the land for conservation purposes, such as protecting wildlife habitats, preserving water resources, and supporting biodiversity for future generations. Recreational use is often allowed, but activities are carefully managed to minimize environmental impact.
These areas may not have permanent or legal protections, but Basin Recreation manages these spaces as if they were protected. Basin Recreation is committed to maintaining these lands in their natural state while providing recreational opportunities for the Snyderville Basin community.
Experience Our Open Spaces
Use the filtering system to find recommended trail routes through your favorite open spaces.
Our Role in Managing Open Spaces
Basin Recreationโs Open Space Department is committed to maintaining and improving the quality of the open spaces under our care. Our management approach balances conservation efforts with public recreation, providing spaces where people can connect with nature while safeguarding the environment.
Active Open Space Management
Open Space Announcements
Read the latest about our Open Spaces!
- Biodiverse Landscaping in Discoveryย Ridge
- Run-A-Muk Trailhead and Parking Expansion
- Pollinator Garden Updatesย
Get Involvedย
Check out the volunteer page to see what volunteer opportunities are availableย
Newsletter Sign Up
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FAQs
Hunting or fishing are not allowed on Basin property, but hunters can use Basin trails to access other public properties for hunting. No weapon may be discharged from a District trail regardless of the property that it passes through. Hunters may not chamber a round or nock an arrow on any District trail or property.
No. Both actions are considered an encroachment. An encroachment is any unauthorized activity or modification to the land that violates the conservation easement in place to protect the land. This means activities like mowing, landscaping, building structures, or creating new paths are strictly prohibited, as they can disrupt plant life, wildlife habitats, soil stability, and more. Alterations such as these may seem minor but can negatively impact the ecosystem and diminish the conservation efforts intended to keep the space intact for public enjoyment and environmental health.