When Park City took a bold step in 2017 to invest $38 million in protecting over 1,300 acres of Bonanza Flat, it was more than just a land purchase. It was a promise to future generations. Five years later, that promise is being kept in beautiful ways.

The review is in, and the results are sparkling. The conservation and management plan for this stunning Guardsman Pass property has been such a resounding success that experts are recommending no changes at all. That's the kind of report card every community dreams of receiving.

Utah Open Lands Executive Director Wendy Fisher couldn't hide her pride when presenting the findings to Park City Council. "We're really proud with the progress that's been made, especially from where we've started," she shared. Behind that simple statement lies thousands of hours of dedicated work transforming this mountain landscape into a thriving ecosystem.

The wins have been both big and small, each one meaningful. Conservation teams have painstakingly removed unofficial trails that were damaging the landscape, restored two pristine alpine lakes (Bloods and Lackawaxen), installed helpful signage, and hauled out thousands of pounds of accumulated trash. Working alongside botanists, they've discovered three rare plant species calling Bonanza Flat home.

One moment particularly captured the heart of the project. Director of Conservation Emily Ingram recalls rescuing a tiny fledgling flammulated owl, a species specifically protected under the conservation easement. After rehabilitation at the Wildlife Center of Salt Lake, that single owlet was joined by two others for a triumphant release back into the wild. "I think that is a beautiful thing to talk about today," Ingram reflected warmly. "There are fun, good, meaningful, engaging things happening on Bonanza Flat."

The project hasn't been without challenges, but even setbacks became opportunities for growth. When a 2022 easement violation damaged half an acre, the team responded with grace and expertise. A settlement provided resources for comprehensive restoration work addressing everything from soil health to air quality. Just three years later, that scarred land is lush and green again, a testament to nature's resilience when given proper support.

Park City Parking Manager Johnny Wasden brought more good news about access improvements. The expanded 9 Purple bus service has been a hit, averaging over 1,350 riders weekly during peak season, with weekend ridership doubling. A thoughtful paid parking pilot program has reduced congestion while generating $91,000 in surplus revenue, enough to launch a winter shuttle service.

"I have had so much positive feedback from the community, and it's honestly been overwhelming," Wasden said. "There's a recognition of our strategy and all of the benefits that have come about from it, as well as the recognition that we've taken charge of preserving a special place."

The Ripple Effect: The success of Bonanza Flat extends far beyond property lines. This project demonstrates how communities can make bold conservation investments that truly pay off. The model of adaptive management, combining expert ecological restoration with smart public access planning, offers a blueprint for other communities grappling with how to protect cherished landscapes. Young owls taking flight, rare plants thriving, families riding free shuttles to pristine trailheads: these ripples of positive impact show what's possible when a community commits to stewardship. As the plan continues unchanged into its next phase, Bonanza Flat stands as proof that environmental success stories are still being written, one restored acre at a time.