Do you want to "own" property in American Fork Canyon to help protect it for future generations?

Have you heard about the AFCA landlease project? KUTV news was kind enough to produce the news package below.

WHERE IS THIS PROPERTY LOCATED?

Directions - Take SR92 (American Fork) to SR 144 which turns to FR085.

From there you have three main options.

You could take a left at FR111 (Mary Ellen Gulch) and go about 3/4 of the way up and then hike to the property up on the ridge.

A second option would be to take FS085 further up canyon to where FR007 splits off and goes up Mineral Basin.

A third option that would get closest via road and also to the nearest elevation would be to go up Miller Hill by taking FR085 to FR111 and then making a left on FR596 onto Miller Hill. Drive to approx. 40°32'34.41"N 111°35'41.89"W Turn off.. and then this map should help orient you. Be safe, the road is not maintained and is very rough even for side by sides.

This 4X4 road climbs through aspen and pine forests and ultimately ends very close to the ridge line where the property is.

WHO CAN PURCHASE A LANDLEASE?
Landleases are sold and renewable annually to the general public.
To learn more click HERE or go to the "BUY LANDLEASE" menu above.

Protect and Preserve American Fork Canyon was started in April 2015 in an effort to learn about proposed land swaps between Snowbird Ski Resort and the Forest Service, championed by what was known as the Mountain Accord. Quickly our Facebook page grew to 11,200 concerned households, efforts were made to stop the land swap that had been kept from the public view. Former Utah County Commissioners had been flown to Switzerland by Snowbird on private jets, and only these former elected officials seemed to know the "game plan" for the canyon. 
(County Commission Meeting Here)

Last minute efforts of Utah County Commissioner Bill Lee and Councilman Brad Frost from American Fork, played pivotal roles in getting the voices of Utah County residents heard. After a tremendous effort and with resounding public outcry - to save one place, one canyon for the locals-the land was pulled from the Mountain Accord. As a result of the incredible interest to protect this pristine area, it became apparent that there was a great need for a charitable organization with the purposes of protecting on-going public recreational interests, unifying the multiple-user groups and working with the historic canyon stewards, forest service personnel and ever changing local elected leadership to plan for the long term canyon objectives.

American Fork Canyon Alliance (AFCA) was formed in Jan. 2016 to help protect the interests of the recreational public. To be an information clearing house, to work with clubs and other entities to protect the canyon, and the watershed. In March 2018, AFCA received notification from the IRS that it qualified as a charitable organization with 501c3 status. 

Shortly after forming the non-profit, American Fork Canyon Alliance (AFCA) was fortunate to purchase a small piece of land near the top of Miller Hill, right in the middle of land owned by Snowbird Ski Resort and adjoining a small parcel managed by the Forest Service. The last parcel of ground that was not owned by the resort. 

To the northeast of our AFCA land is Mineral Basin, to the southwest- Mary Ellen Gulch, situated at 10,000' with nearly a 360 degree of view.This location is breathtaking, and we feel very fortunate to be able to share it with those who love the canyon.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Puw5wbuJ9w[/embedyt]

A monument was carried to the top of the private land and placed in tribute to the family who would not sell out to the resort.
This small parcel of land is a toe hold in the canyon- helping to protect access for all. 

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

We have always championed fee free access to pristine places and although our offering is not free, it is low cost to participate in what we believe will be of benefit to the majority as we work together to protect access.

Map of surveyed parcel HERE

Each year we will be offering the public a chance to lease access to our private property, $20 per individual certificate or $50 for a family certificate. For a family of 5, it works out to be about three cents per person per day, to help protect canyon access. We believe this is a tremendous value. For a family of 5 to spend a day skiing it would be close to $500 for a day on the hill.

Our efforts to protect these areas from being commercialized is enhanced by having many lease holders to our private land. We would like to extend an invitation to you to become a land lease owner of American Fork Canyon.

In joining with us you will receive an embossed “Certificate of Ownership” and a wallet card-certifying that you are a leaseholder to the acquired property property in American Fork Canyon. Renewals will take place the first of next year, and proceeds will be used to help protect the canyon and for our charitable purposes.

Our team of volunteers will continue to work diligently to Protect and Preserve American Fork Canyon for future generations. AFCA has many more anticipated projects for the canyon and will work alongside other non-profit clubs and entities to help ensure we leave for future generations the canyon better than it is today.

WHAT MORE CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

• Join our Facebook Page- American Fork Canyon Alliance
• Make a Charitable Donation to help us pay for the land and the survey. 
• Please tell a friend about us.

Thank you very much for your support.

Mark Allen
American Fork Canyon Alliance
Executive Director 

GPS coordinates will be provided after snow has melted and our survey completed.