Our residents value Willard Canyon for its rugged beauty and open trails. That’s why the City Council and Mayor worked diligently to secure agreements that protect resources, preserve access, and address community concerns.
Willard Canyon is a favorite destination for residents of Willard and neighboring communities. With its steep slopes, rugged terrain, and unbeatable views, it’s one of the area’s most treasured landscapes.
In 2023, Staker Parsons expressed interest in beginning mining operations on privately owned land within Willard Canyon. Mayor Travis Mote and the City Council worked to ensure that the City’s priorities—and the community’s concerns—were addressed before any work could move forward. They focused on securing six key commitments:
The agreements below are the result of those efforts. In keeping with our commitment to transparency, Willard City is sharing these documents so all residents can stay informed.
In 2023, Staker Parsons expressed interest in beginning mining operations on privately owned land within Willard Canyon. Mayor Travis Mote and the City Council worked to ensure that the City’s priorities—and the community’s concerns—were addressed before any work could move forward. They focused on securing six key commitments:
- Property for an easement to supply water to the north end of town
- Property for a future secondary water system
- Relocation of the existing water line from the spring
- A reclamation bond to protect the land
- Dust control measures
- Continued resident access to the Willard Canyon Trail
The agreements below are the result of those efforts. In keeping with our commitment to transparency, Willard City is sharing these documents so all residents can stay informed.
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Willard City has granted Kenneth Braegger access along a specific route on City property so he can reach his land. The agreement makes sure the path stays open, safe, and available for City use while setting clear rules for upkeep and responsibility.
Willard City is giving Granite Construction a non-exclusive license to use City-owned land for storing materials, equipment, and related activities, with full access at all times. The license lasts four years and can renew yearly, but the City can end it with 12 months’ notice if it needs the land for a water reservoir or other compatible project.
Granite Construction grants Willard City a long-term lease and easement to build, operate, and maintain a water pipeline and related facilities across Granite’s land. The City must restore any disturbed areas and compensate Granite for damages, while Granite retains the right to use its property so long as it doesn’t interfere with the City’s pipeline.
Willard City agrees to provide culinary water service for future development on Granite Construction’s property, covering up to 110 residential units, in exchange for Granite transferring land and easements instead of water rights. Granite must begin development within 50 years to use this right, and water will be provided at the same rates and rules as for other City users.
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Willard City has granted Granite Construction a permanent easement to use a specific route for access to their property. The agreement makes sure Granite takes responsibility for maintenance, insurance, and safe use of the route while allowing the City to continue using it as long as it doesn’t interfere.
Granite Construction grants Willard City permanent easements across its land for utility pipelines, access roads, and related infrastructure. The City can build, operate, and maintain these facilities, while Granite keeps the right to use its land so long as it doesn’t interfere with the City’s easement rights.
Granite Construction, the property owners, and Willard City agree that if the City’s water pipeline needs to be moved for Granite’s mining work, Granite will pay for and manage the relocation instead of the City. The City keeps ownership and use of the pipeline, while Granite handles relocation at its discretion under safety and legal standards, and all parties must cooperate on access, easements, insurance, and liability.
Granite Construction Company is giving Willard City about 13 acres of land in exchange for the City’s commitment to provide water service for Granite’s future development. The agreement also sets up easements, a temporary license for Granite’s use, and confirms that this deal satisfies the City’s water rights requirements for that development.
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