In the Wasatch

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Latest Episodes:

Educating the Next Generation of Central Wasatch Stewards with Helen Nadel Aug 19, 2025

Summit Community Gardens and EATS connect Summit County residents, and especially kids to what it really means to live in the Central Wasatch. For the second consecutive year, they have been awarded a grant through CWC's short-term grant program for their environmental education program where they connect kids to the process of growing food in rocky clayey soil at more than 6,600 feet above sea level. The result? The next generation of Central Wasatch stewards with a deep knowledge of soil health, weather, climate, native vegetation, firewise planting, and how to grow things in the Central Wasatch. It's undeniable that increased local knowledge results in care for place. When people care for the place where they live, as Wallace Stegner once told us, they tend to stick around. And there's almost nothing more beneficial to the Central Wasatch--or any place--than a population who is invested and therefore wants to stay, through thick and thin.

We met Summit Community Gardens' Executive Director Helen Nadel at the garden and she walked us through bee-laden flowers, collaborative areas where kids were harvesting sugar snap peas, the La Milpa plot, and even her own garden plot. Come take a walk with us and learn how the Central Wasatch is benefiting--now and in the future--from the short-term grant Summit Community Gardens received from the CWC.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Central Wasatch Commission

02:48 The Mountain Accord and Environmental Stewardship

05:55 Summit Community Gardens: A Community Hub

09:05 Connecting Kids to Food and Agriculture

11:53 Adapting to High Elevation Gardening

14:38 Soil Health and Sustainable Practices

17:25 Education and Community Engagement

20:26 Conclusion and Future Directions

Mountain Accord

Short-Term Projects Grant Program

Summit Community Gardens & EATS

Restoring East Canyon Creek with Rhea Cone Jul 17, 2025

Every year the CWC distributes grants for Short-Term Projects that would help further the goals of the Mountain Accord by implementing transportation and transit solutions, protecting the ecosystems that originate in the Central Wasatch, stewarding recreational access, and sustaining the economic vitality of the area. This year, the Swaner Preserve and Ecocenter applied for a grant to remove old fencing along East Canyon Creek in Kimball Junction, and in May, CWC awarded Swaner $5,000--exactly the amount they needed to pay a trained crew to remove the tangled wire and t-posts from the banks of the creek.

To kick off our first "shorts" episode of In The Wasatch, I met Rhea Cone, Swaner's Conservation Director, at the project site to see how the work was progressing. The crew had already removed a quarter mile of fencing but had nearly three-quarters of a mile remaining. "The fencing...has just fallen into disrepair, is a barrier to wildlife passage, and prevents our staff and volunteers from moving safely though the area to do other restoration work," Rhea said.

Once the project is complete, she told me, other restoration work can begin. They will be able to plant more narrowleaf cottonwoods and perform invasive species removal, among other needed projects.

What really stood out to me, is that in my short time on the Preserve, we saw red tailed hawks, fish, fox holes, ducks, songbirds, and a handful of riled-up and very large bees--evidence that the Swaner Preserve is an incredible bright spot of biodiversity on the edge of a bustling urban center. It's exactly the kind of place that makes the Central Wasatch a place like no other.

#wearethewasatch #swanerpreserve #restoration #shorttermgrants #cwc #centralwasatchcommission #wildlifehabitat #conservation #ecosystem #treeplanting #beavers #biodiversity #communityinvolvement

Takeaways

The removal of fencing is crucial for wildlife passage.
Tree planting will provide shade and stabilize creek banks.

Exclusionary fencing can hinder restoration efforts.
Beavers play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems.
Planting native species enhances biodiversity.
Community involvement is essential for conservation success.
Professional help can significantly improve project outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Restoration Efforts at East Canyon Creek

01:51 Introduction to the Central Wasatch Commission

02:23 The Importance of Removing Exclusionary Fencing

04:31 Enhancing Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem

06:42 The Role of Beavers in Ecosystem Engineering

08:19 Planting Native Species for Biodiversity

09:42 Challenges in Restoration Projects

11:34 The Impact of Professional Help in Conservation

12:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

Swaner Preserve & Ecocenter

CWC Short-Term Grants Program

Long-Term Thinking with John Knoblock Jul 01, 2025

John Knoblock is the Central Wasatch Commission’s outgoing Stakeholders Council Chair. In this role he has actively participated in nearly every System Committee meeting, every Stakeholders Council meeting, and every Board meeting for the last two years. Since his term is up at the end of the month, we wanted to give him a chance to share his thoughts on his tenure in a podcast-style exit interview. To make it a special event we asked him to choose a location in the Central Wasatch that he’s passionate about. For reasons that become increasingly clear through the duration of the conversation, he had me meet him at the foot of Grandeur Peak on a sunny summer morning where the latest section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail has recently been completed.

The conversation switched back and forth as we ascended the singletrack trail, but a strong narrative thread ran throughout: Whether the topic is trails, transportation, or conservation, John touts the importance of embracing long-term thinking. Without a decent grasp of history, he says, it’s hard to remain committed to big and important projects. This newest section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, for example, took him more than 20 years to finish. By the end of our walk, 20 years seemed like a much shorter duration than it did at the trailhead. The Mountain Accord is only 10 years old and the Central Wasatch Commission is only seven years old, John reminds us–and big goals such as the Central Wasatch Conservation and Recreation Area Act (CWNCRA) could take 20 years to complete, but they will get done.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail

01:52 Connecting Community and Nature

04:51 The Urban-Wildland Interface

09:00 Land Acquisition Challenges

12:54 Trail Development and Community Involvement

15:48 Trail Design Considerations

19:47 Legislative Challenges and Opportunities

25:32 The Role of IMBA and Community Support

30:52 Incremental Progress vs. Comprehensive Solutions

34:54 Ski Resorts and Legislative Support

35:30 Reflecting on Two Years of Progress

41:08 Building Collaborative Relationships

47:59 The Long View: Patience in Progress

54:07 Education and Long-Term Thinking

01:01:08 Finding Common Ground in Conservation

01:05:51 The Personal Connection to Nature#BonnevilleShorelineTrail #CentralWasatchCommission #landacquisition #communityinvolvement #traildevelopment #urbanwildlandinterface #outdoorrecreation #environmentalprotection #legislation #IMBA #CentralWasatch #MountainAccord #collaboration #environmentalconservation #longterm thinking #stakeholderengagement #recreation #communitydialogue #sustainabledevelopment

Mountain Accord https://cwc.utah.gov/mountainaccord/

Central Wasatch Commission https://cwc.utah.gov/

Visitor Use Study https://cwc.utah.gov/visitor-use-study/

CWNCRA https://cwc.utah.gov/legislation-and-federal-designation/

Donate to CWC Project work https://cwc.utah.gov/contribute/

Trails Utah https://trailsutah.org/

A New Season In The Wasatch May 27, 2025

Season 2 (and winter) have both come to an end, and a new chapter is beginning. While the gamble oaks and maples have been leafing out, a changing of the guard is taking place at the Central Wasatch Commission. Mia McNeil is heading out on an adventure, and Ben Kilbourne, the new Communications Director, will be taking over the pod. Listen to learn a little about Ben and find out how Mia's relationship with the Central Wasatch has changed during her time at CWC.

The Mountain Accord Charter

https://cwc.utah.gov/

Instagram

Facebook

Public Comment Periods with Kirk Nichols May 05, 2025

A public comment period is an essential component to many government projects. It provides evidence as to why the development should or should not be implemented, needs to be reevaluated, or does not follow official protocol. Comments can change the trajectory of a project in a positive way, but how can the public give effective input that makes a substantial difference? Kirk Nichols joins me in this episode to explain how public comment periods work, the history and laws behind them, and ways to improve your comment submissions.

"Now is the time. Don’t wait for a comment period, write your legislators, governor, BLM, Forest Service, and Park Service in support and in encouragement to do the right thing by our public lands." - Kirk Nichols

Resources:

How to Participate in Rulemaking

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Administrative Procedures Act (APA)

Central Wasatch Commission

https://cwc.utah.gov/⁠
Instagram - Facebook -

The Mountain Accord Mar 25, 2025

The Central Wasatch Commission was created because of a document called the Mountain Accord charter. This document is the foundation of the organization and its goals to help alleviate issues regarding the economy, environment, recreation, and transportation throughout the Central Wasatch. The CWC’s Executive Director, Lindsey Nielsen, will read verbatim the Mountain Accord charter. This episode is specifically for auditory learners, who would prefer to listen than to read the document.

Mountain Accord Charter: Read here

Central Wasatch Commission

https://cwc.utah.gov/⁠
Instagram - Facebook - X

The Central Wasatch Economy with Morgan Mingle Mar 11, 2025

The state of an economy depends on a variety of factors. Job opportunities, housing availability, business prosperity and more. The Central Wasatch’s economy consists of tourism, recreation, hotels, restaurants, and multiple towns and cities. The wasatch front and back are physically separated but have common themes. In this episode, I talk economics with CWC stakeholder Morgan Mingle and how it relates to the four interdependent systems of the Central Wasatch.

More Information:

Park City Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

Sustainable Tourism Plan

Central Wasatch Commission

https://cwc.utah.gov/⁠
Instagram - Facebook - X

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) with Kirk Nichols Feb 25, 2025

Our environment is the foundation of life in local communities. With continuous development, it's crucial to monitor the level of impact imposed on the surrounding water, soil, and inhabitants. The National Environmental Policy Act, commonly known as NEPA, is the law that protects surrounding environments from potential damage. Kirk Nichols joins me in this episode to dive into what NEPA is and how the law is applied in the Central Wasatch.

More Information:

National Environmental Policy Act | US EPA

What is the National Environmental Policy Act? | US EPA

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 101 | Bureau of Land Management

Central Wasatch Commission

https://cwc.utah.gov/⁠
Instagram - Facebook - X

Central Wasatch Symposium Live Podcast Jan 28, 2025

The first annual Central Wasatch Symposium was a success! The event was held on January 9th and 10th, 2025, at Millcreek City Hall, with various speakers and organizations in attendance. To capture the experience, we walked around in between breakout sessions to hear what attendees and speakers had to say. This episode highlights each person's perspective on the conference and the overall impact of the event.

Special thanks to everyone who was interviewed: Molly Chien; Amy Brunvand from Great Old Broads for Wilderness; Adam Shaw from the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest; Barbara Cameron; Mayor Silvestrini of Millcreek; Lee Ann Hansen; Ella Abelli-Amen from Cottonwood Canyons Foundation; and Andrew Gruber from Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC).

Want to learn more about the Central Wasatch Symposium? Go to the CWC's website to learn more and stay tuned for next year's event!

Learn more here - https://cwc.utah.gov/

The First Annual Central Wasatch Symposium Dec 12, 2024

The CWC’s first annual Central Wasatch Symposium is right around the corner! This two-day conference is an educational event spotlighting the four systems of the Central Wasatch: economy, environment, recreation, and transportation. The CWC’s Executive Director, Lindsey Nielsen, and Director of Operations, Sam Kilpack, will be with me announcing the Symposium and discussing what this event will look like.

Learn more about the Central Wasatch Symposium here!

CWC Website: cwc.utah.gov

CWNCRA Series: Each Iteration of the Bill Nov 27, 2024

The CWNCRA series continues with a new episode reviewing iterations of the bill and the changes made over time. The CWC’s Executive Director Lindsey Nielsen and Director of Operations Sam Kilpack will be with me reviewing each version of the CWNCRA. As a reminder, the Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreation Area Act, also known as the CWNCRA, is a federal, consensus-based bill drafted by the Central Wasatch Commission aimed at protecting the sources of our drinking water, preserving recreational opportunities for the future, and ensuring enjoyment of the Central Wasatch Mountains in the face of pressures from a growing population. The purpose of this episode and the CWNCRA series is to inform people about the bill as the Central Wasatch Commission works towards its establishment.

CWNCRA Iterations: https://cwc.utah.gov/legislation-and-federal-designation/

CWC website: https://cwc.utah.gov/

CWNCRA Reading Episode

Hunting in the Central Wasatch with Caitlin Curry Nov 19, 2024

We will be introducing you to Caitlin Curry who is part of Utah Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, an organization that supports county efforts to conserve public lands in ways that work for local communities and preserve their outdoor legacy for future generations. She is also a member of the CWC’s Stakeholders Council and participates on the Recreation System Committee. Utah Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Website: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/utah CWC Website: https://cwc.utah.gov/

Sustainable Recreation and Collaborative Efforts with Jayme Kogel Nov 06, 2024

Today we will be introducing you to Jayme Kogel, one of the founders of Speedmo, a local organization passionate about bringing the community of flying athletes together. They host races, gear demos, film viewings, festivals, and track records. A large part of their vision is sustainable recreation in the Central Wasatch. Jayme and I will be discussing flying, sustainability, and collaborative efforts. Speedmo's Website: https://www.speedmo.org/

Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreation Area Act (CWNCRA) - Reading the Legislation Oct 22, 2024

Today we have the CWC’s Executive Director Lindsey Nielsen and Director of Operations Sam Kilpack back on the In the Wasatch Podcast! One of the primary components of the CWC’s mission is establishing its federal bill for the Central Wasatch: the Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreational Area Act, also known as the CWNCRA. This will be the first episode in the In the Wasatch “CWNCRA” series, and we will be reading verbatim the October 27th, 2020 version of the CWNCRA, which is the most recent version of the legislation. This episode is specifically for auditory learners, who would prefer to hear the legislation than to read it – and in subsequent series episodes, we will provide a section by section explanation of what the legislation means, in practical terms and another episode to answer “Frequently asked questions.” Website Page: ⁠https://cwc.utah.gov/legislation-and-federal-designation/ ⁠

Wildlife in the Wasatch with Shauna Hart and Scott Root Sep 24, 2024

Wildlife are spread all across the Wasatch. Shauna Hart is a local wildlife photographer who spends her time capturing the beauty of animals in the Central Wasatch. Scott Root is the Conservation Outreach manager for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.In this episode, we will talk to Shauna and Scott about wildlife and photography in the Central Wasatch Mountains.

Shauna Harts info:

Instagram - @byhartphotography

Facebook - Shauna L Hart

Website - byhartphotography.com

Utah Wildlife Federation website: www.utahwildlifefederation.org

Save People Save Wildlife website: www.savepeoplesavewildlife.org

Dani Poirier and Tom Diegel: Backcountry Recreation in the Central Wasatch Sep 11, 2024

Dani Poirier and Tom Diegel are involved in both the CWC and Wasatch Backcountry Alliance, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and advocate for backcountry terrain and access, while educating and informing the community. Dani Poirier is on the CWC’s Youth Council as Chair of the Environmental Dashboard Education Committee and also serves as the Director of WBA. Tom Diegel is the Co-Chair of the CWC’s Stakeholders Council and one of the founders of WBA. We will be talking to Dani and Tom in this episode about backcountry recreation in the Central Wasatch Mountains. CWC Website: cwc.utah.gov Social Media: @centralwasatchcommission WBA Website: https://wasatchbackcountryalliance.org/ Social Media: @wasatchbackcountryalliance

Ryan McCann: Adaptive Sports in the Central Wasatch Aug 13, 2024

Ryan McCann is currently on the CWC’s Youth Council and works for Wasatch Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit organization that was established in 1977 to provide affordable recreational and educational opportunities for children, adults and veterans to share with their support network or family. Their mission is to empower people with disabilities to realize their potential through outdoor recreation. We will be talking to Ryan in this episode of In the Wasatch about adaptive sports in the Central Wasatch Mountains. CWC Website: cwc.utah.gov Social Media: @centralwasatchcommission WAS Website: https://wasatchadaptivesports.org/ Social Media: @wasatchadaptivesports

Central Wasatch Commission 101 Jul 30, 2024

The Central Wasatch Commission (CWC) is an intergovernmental entity dedicated to protecting the Central Wasatch Mountains by focusing on transportation, recreation, conservation, and the economy. This episode kicks off the ‘In the Wasatch’ podcast with an introduction to who is involved in the CWC, and the values and mission of the organization. CWC Website: cwc.utah.gov Social Media: @centralwasatchcommission

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