WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $3 million in new funding for a major forest conservation effort in Washington County, Utah. The funding supports the Zion Connectivity Project, a Forest Legacy initiative aimed at preserving critical lands near Zion National Park and other nearby protected areas.
According to a news release from Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands, the funds will be used to purchase conservation easements on two private properties. These easements will ensure that the forested lands remain intact and are protected from future fragmentation or development.
While the land will be preserved, the conservation easements still allow current landowners to use the properties for forestry and other sustainable land management practices.
The Zion Connectivity Project is part of a broader effort to maintain ecological corridors and open spaces in southern Utah. By preventing unplanned development, officials hope to support wildlife habitats, maintain water quality, and provide long-term environmental and economic benefits to the region.
This latest round of funding underscores ongoing federal and state cooperation in protecting Utah’s natural resources while supporting responsible land use.
