The USDA Forest Service announced last week that it was funding a Forest Legacy project in the Book Cliffs region. The 1,344-acre Nine Mile Canyon Conservation Project will receive $750,000 from the federal Forest Legacy Program, shares the announcement. The funding for this project, will establish a conservation easement to protect crucial wildlife habitat, forest resources and water resources for downstream users. The Nine Mile Canyon Conservation Project connects a network of public lands and is located within 10 miles of five existing Forest Legacy projects totaling 11,348 acres. “This project is an example of how state and federal partnerships keep working forests working while protecting Utah’s natural resources and cultural heritage,” shares Natalie Conlin, Forest Legacy Program Manager for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. “Protection through Forest Legacy will ensure active forest management continues and important wildlife, watershed and cultural resource values are protected in perpetuity”. The total cost of the Nine Mile Canyon Conservation Project is $1 million, covered by the $750,000 federal grant plus matching funds of $250,000.
