Preserving Maxo Meadow isn’t just protecting land, it’s protecting a way of life, a community resource, and a legacy for generations to come.

Nestled in the heart of the Kamas Valley, Utah, Maxo Meadow is a working agricultural property rich with conservation value. Owned and operated by the Young family for more than a century, this 61-acre meadow of grazing pasture and wetland lies just off Democrat Alley, framed by the rugged beauty of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains.

With help from a generous donation from Atira Conservation, Summit Land Conservancy secured a conservation easement that ensures this scenic and productive property will remain undeveloped forever. It’s key conservation value includes:

• Protection of prime agricultural land: The property’s soils are 100% designated as “farmland of statewide importance” by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The meadow supports a family-run cattle operation and serves as open space that contributes to the rural charm and scenic character of Eastern Summit County, Utah.
• Wildlife habitat: Maxo Meadow is prime habitat for elk, mule deer, and nesting sandhill cranes. Its location within the Kamas Deer Herd Unit and the Pacific and Central migratory flyways makes it a vital piece of a larger ecological puzzle. Bonneville cutthroat trout also benefit from the protected riparian zone along Beaver Creek, which borders the property.
• Water resource protection: The wet meadows and hydric soils of Maxo Meadow act as natural water filters, supporting the health of Beaver Creek and ultimately the Weber River. Protecting this land helps ensure clean water flows downstream and contributes to the resilience of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.

Maxo Meadow’s protection has local and regional impact and aligns with numerous local and state plans, including the Weber River Watershed Plan, Eastern Summit County General Plan, and Utah’s Grassland of Special Environmental Significance designation for the Kamas Meadows. Its conservation helps counteract the growing development pressure in the Kamas Valley and supports Utah’s agricultural heritage and ecological resilience.

• Property Cost: $1,098,849
• Atira Conservation Funding: $30,000