WELLSVILLE – Cache County officials have confirmed finalizing an agreement to conserve a significant portion of scenic and environmentally sensitive land adjacent to the community of Wellsville.
Under an agreement announced April 25, Cache County will acquire 471 acres of open space of the 900 acres of land previous purchased by Bridal Path Partners, LLC, including much of the land around the former Sherwood Hills resort.
Another 300 acres of that land will also preserved as privately owned open space, meaning that only 105 acres will remain available for future development.
“This is a huge win for the community,” according to Cache County Executive David Zook, who explained that the land deal represents the most ambitious land preservation effort undertaken by Cache County to date and reflects a collaborative effort with many partners to balance land preservation with responsible development and private property rights.
“Not only are we preserving this pristine land for future generations to enjoy, but we are also preventing one of Cache County’s most beautiful open spaces from being consumed by a massive development.”
In August 2021, Bridal Path Partners originally approached the Wellsville City Council with plans to construct 131 homes with equestrian amenities on the 900 acres. Wellsville officials and residents responded with concerns about critical water sources and migration pathways for wildlife.
Due to those concerns, a development moratorium was imposed in 2022 and concerned parties have been involved in negotiations ever since.
Under the recently finalized agreement, Bridal Path Partners will retain control of the 105 acres, with the right to develop up to 29 lots and an indoor riding arena.
In addition to the nearly 800 acres now preserved as open space, the agreement also gives Cache County the right of first refusal to acquire an adjacent 18-acre parcel currently owned by the Utah Department of Transportation.
The funds used to purchase involved land include approximately $4 million from the voter-approved Cache County Open Space Bond; a $2 million grant from the Utah Division of outdoor Recreation; $1 million from Wellsville City; and $500,000 from a private donor.
Zook credited dozens of partners who helped bring about this landmark deal, including members of the Cache County Council, especially Nolan Gunnell; Wellsvile City officials, especially Mayor Thomas Baily and City Manager Scott Wells; County Attorney Taylor Sorensen; Utah Rep. Casey Snider; Hickman Title; citizen advocate Jack Draxler, citizen advocates Mark and Gina Thompson; the members of the Cache Open Space Advisory Committee; Bridal Path Partners, LLC; and Cache County voters who supported the Open Space Bond.
“By securing this land,” the county executive adds, “we are protecting the beautiful gateway to Cache Valley, while providing future recreational benefits to our community.”