Frequently Asked Questions
SLCDA Airport Wetland Mitigation Property Sale
What is the Wetland Mitigation Site?
The mitigation site is approximately 513 acres of wetlands, and 438 acres of open space (951 acres total) located northwest of the airport that is owned by Salt Lake City and managed by the Salt Lake City Department of Airports (SLCDA). It was acquired in the 1990s to mitigate wetland losses that were experienced during the construction of the airport’s west runway. The site is bound by a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which states, among other things, it must remain a wetland site in perpetuity.
Why is Salt Lake City selling it to DNR?
The SLCDA has managed and maintained the site since its construction, including destroying phragmites and other invasive vegetation that consumes a lot of water on the shoreline of Great Salt Lake, managing birds and wildlife, which are not compatible with aircraft operations, and overall maintenance of the site. Those activities are not core to SLCDA’s mission (click here to read SLCDA's mission) which is to provide for safe and efficient air travel. The Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has extensive expertise in managing such sites and desires to manage the site holistically along with adjacent land owned by the State of Utah. Selling the site to DNR will provide a holistic approach to management of the site and help enhance the revitalization efforts of Great Salt Lake that the entire community seeks.
How is the property going to be preserved as wetlands?
The 513-acre wetland site must remain wetlands forever as required in the 404 permit. Concurrent with the sale of the property to DNR, a Conservation Easement with Utah Open Lands will be executed covering the entire 951-acre site. This easement will preserve critical habitat on the shoreline of Great Salt Lake and ensure it is preserved for generations.
Is hunting allowed on the site today?
Although SLCDA has not historically allowed hunting, limited public access and hunting are not prohibited under the 404 permit.
Will hunting be allowed on the site after DNR purchases it?
DNR will go through a public process to develop a holistic approach to managing the property that is consistent with the conservation values in the conservation easement and with the restrictions of the 404 permit.
What type of public access will there be once it is sold?
Limited public access to some areas of the property may be allowed as part of DNR’s waterfowl area management plan. That access will take into consideration the various restrictions of the 404 permit and the conservation easement.
Is there a public process regarding the management of the site?
DNR will commence a public process in the development of a Waterfowl Maintenance Area (MWA) plan that will include the adjacent Blackhawk property. Adjacent landowners, DNR, Utah Open Lands, Salt Lake City, and interested organizations/individuals will be invited to participate in the public process as it develops the MWA.