Freedom in the Hills – A Note from Our Director
Earlier this month, we celebrated 250 years as a country. I spent the weekend doing what I love most: exploring our public lands.
I know it sounds cliché, but I truly feel a sense of freedom every time I’m out there. Some of my earliest memories in Utah are camping trips with my family, inventing games in the woods and exploring new places. Later, that feeling evolved into loading up my car at the University of Utah, driving a few hours toward an open dirt road, and finding the perfect dispersed campsite. These days, it comes from zigzagging uphill on skis and choosing a line back down through the Wasatch.
The American West (and Utah in particular) is incredibly fortunate to have such amazing opportunities to recreate on public lands.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel internationally, and every time I get back to Salt Lake, I’m reminded how special these places are. Our public lands are so much more than just a pretty postcard and they’re an important part of what makes this country (and our state) unique.
Unfortunately, our work to protect public lands is far from over. Utah’s elected leaders continue to push policies that would reduce federal public land protections, transfer or sell public lands, or limit conservation measures that have long safeguarded the places we recreate. Most recently, Governor Cox joined Utah’s entire congressional delegation in supporting President Trump’s executive actions affecting Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, continuing a years-long effort to reduce protections for some of Utah’s most iconic landscapes.
Whether the issue is national monuments, roadless forests, or backcountry access in the Central Wasatch, WBA will continue speaking up for public lands and encouraging our community to do the same.
Thank you to everyone who has read our action alerts, contacted decision-makers, attended meetings, and advocated for public lands at both the local and federal level. Your voice matters.
Summer may be in full swing, but WBA has been busy behind the scenes. Here’s a look at what we’ve been working on over the past few months to advocate for our local backcountry,
Thanks for standing with us,
Dani Poirier – Director
In This Newsletter…
Sharing the Loss of David Page
WBA is devastated to learn of the passing of David Page, who served on the WBA board since 2022. David also served as the Executive Director of Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA), a national nonprofit working to protect America’s wild snowscapes. WWA. If you had the chance to meet David, you know he was the best of the best. We encourage you to read the memories from our partners at Winter Wildlands Alliance, Outdoor Alliance, and Powder Magazine. David’s legacy will live on in the backcountry landscapes and communities he helped protect.
Cottonwood Canyons Transportation Updates
UDOT projects are moving forward, including enhanced bus service, mobility improvements, and trailhead access (in BCC only). We share the latest updates on what’s planned, what’s changing, and how WBA is advocating for transportation solutions that serve the entire backcountry community. We also include a brief gondola update.
Mapping Winter Trail Use in the Wasatch
WBA’s Trail Counting Program is getting a major upgrade. Learn how our summer GIS intern is helping transform years of trail use data into interactive maps and tools that can support recreation planning for years to come.
Alta Updates: Changes to parking plus a Grizzly Restroom
The Forest Service has approved the Wildcat Parking Expansion Project which includes removing roadside parking between the Alta Lodge and Wildcat ramp. We break down what this means for roadside parking and early morning access. Grizzly Gulch is getting public restrooms, and the Alta Ski Area GM is retiring.
Argenta Access and Cardiff Updates
A longstanding backcountry access route near the Blind Miner pullout has come into question after reports of conflicts with a private property owner. WBA is working to better understand the situation, connect with the owner, and find a collaborative path forward that respects property rights while preserving historic recreation access. We are continuing to work with the Cardiff Canyon Owners Association while advocating to maintain the unique character of Cardiff Canyon, as well as working on some trailhead signage.
Local & National Policy Updates
From the Roadless Rule and Travel Management Rule to local watershed and regional transportation decisions, WBA is staying engaged on the policies that shape the future of public lands and recreation.
WBA Shuttle in Mill Creek Canyon
After a challenging first winter pilot, WBA is working to bring the Mill Creek Canyon Winter Shuttle back for another season. Learn what we’re studying, why transit-to-trails matters, and how you can help demonstrate demand.
Summit Push 2026: Save the Date — Wednesday, October 14
We are gearing up for this year’s Summit Push Fundraiser at Millcreek Common! This will be our third annual Summit Push, and it’s proving to be our most important fundraisers of the year. This event is more than a party – it directly supports WBA’s advocacy, education, and access work throughout the Central Wasatch.
We are thrilled to welcome Mike Libecki as this year’s keynote speaker. Mike is a National Geographic Explorer and was named a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year for his commitment to exploring some of the world’s most remote places. He has completed more than 90 major expeditions across more than 100 countries, using adventure to support science, conservation, and humanitarian efforts.
Sponsorship outreach is underway, and we are excited to welcome back businesses that have supported WBA in previous years. A special thank you to Lone Pine Gear Exchange for being our first sponsor this year!
Interested in sponsoring or getting involved? Reach out to dani@wasatchbackcountryalliance.org.
Share Your Wasatch Photos
We are fortunate to have so many talented photographers in our community who generously share their images with WBA for outreach and education. These photos help tell the story of why these places matter and inspire others to get involved.
If you’re a photographer (amateur or professional) and would be willing to share some of your Wasatch backcountry photos with WBA, we would love to connect and collaborate. Reach out to dani@wasatchbackcountryalliance.org
Growing the WBA Community
WBA exists because of this community. From showing up at public meetings to attending our events, riding the shuttle and volunteering with our trail counting, responding to action alerts, and supporting our work financially, every contribution helps protect backcountry access and undeveloped terrain throughout the Central Wasatch.
We’re brainstorming new ways to make WBA membership even more valuable. Our ideas include discounts at local outdoor businesses and coffee shops, along with an annual members-only art print. If you have an idea or a brand who wants to support our membership, please reach out to dani@wasatchbackcountryalliance.org
Thank you for standing with WBA and helping protect backcountry access, public lands, and the undeveloped terrain that makes the Wasatch so special.
H.A.G.S (Have a great summer!)
