This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Every so often, elected officials are privileged to make a "legacy" decision — take action that will benefit not just citizens today, but our children, grandchildren and generations to come.

Such an opportunity faces the Salt Lake County Council. It is being asked to invest a modest amount of money to preserve and protect Bonanza Flats near Guardsman Pass above Park City, a 1,350-acre backcountry paradise beloved by residents of three counties.

Those asking the County Council for the investment are Mayor Ben McAdams, a number of businesses and business leaders, area local governments, thousands of hikers, bikers, skiers, snowmobilers, nature lovers and conservation groups – along with perhaps the moose, deer, elk, mountain goats, owls, hawks and black bear that inhabit the pristine alpine meadows.

As the Wasatch Front doubles in population over the next 30 years, and as recreational pressure dramatically increases on the nearby Wasatch Range, we need to preserve Bonanza Flats for public access, watershed protections, recreational purposes and solitude.

Without County Council action, the 1,350 acres are likely to become a high-end, private, gated resort community with commercial and residential development. Without protection, there will be increased traffic, deterioration of watershed and water quality, and loss of wildlife habitat and public access.

The purchase price to save the pristine mountain land is $38 million, and the purchase deadline is June 15. Many public entities and organizations have stepped up to help. Park City voters approved a $25 million open space bond. A fundraising campaign led by Utah Open Lands and a coalition of organizations has raised more than $9 million. But the deadline is fast approaching and the final $4 million is needed to ensure the purchase.

Supporters of Bonanza Flats believe they can raise an additional $2 million, leaving a $2 million gap that the Salt Lake County Council is being asked to fill.

A number of public entities have already made significant contributions, including Park City, Summit County, the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy, Wasatch County, Midway City and the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission. A clear public purpose exists to purchase the land for use by all citizens.

Dozens of small businesses, individuals and conservation groups have also contributed to the cause. Both Zions Bank and Gardner Company are supporters and donors as well.

By appropriating the final $2 million needed, the Salt Lake County Council can have a very big impact on the future of the Wasatch Mountains for a modest amount of money. The county money will be dramatically leveraged. County Mayor Ben McAdams strongly supports the investment.

Even though Bonanza Flats is not in Salt Lake County (although it's very close), survey data show that a majority of people who use the area are from Salt Lake County, with easy access via Big Cottonwood Canyon. This is very much a regional asset used by residents of three counties — an open space that enhances the quality of life for residents.

The $38 million purchase price is a lot of money to raise. But the fact that Park City voters approved a $25 million bond, and other supporters are close to raising the balance of the money, shows how important this mountain land is to all stakeholders. The $2 million from Salt Lake County would put the project over the top.

Despite what some critics say, this is a legitimate use of public funds. It is important to protect watersheds and water quality. It is important to protect wildlife habitat. It is important to provide recreational opportunities for the burgeoning Wasatch Front. It is important for our quality of life and our community values.

We encourage the County Council to do the right thing for future generations.

Scott Anderson is president and CEO of Zions Bank. Kem Gardner is chairman of Gardner Company. Christian Gardner is CEO and president of Gardner Company.