Cache Open Space Advisory Committee (COSAC) – 04-06-2026

- The committee approved the April 6 agenda and the March 2 minutes without objection. No formal votes were taken on project applications at this meeting. - Staff and the chair outlined the next steps for the Paulson family properties application: a site visit will be scheduled, followed by a first-round vote at a future meeting. The property includes two parcels totaling 120.4 acres along Highway 30, with conservation goals centered on preserving scenic views, farmland, and wildlife habitat. - Paulson family representative Don Wilcox attended and confirmed the family’s interest in keeping the land in agricultural use while exploring a conservation easement. Members discussed frontage length, the nearby SR 30 trail concept, and how the family cemetery and possible future road/trail issues might affect what is included in the easement. - Larry Olsen also presented interest in a conservation easement for the Hagee Ranch near Petersburg, describing the property as a multi-generation family ranch with cattle and alfalfa operations. He asked detailed questions about easement mechanics, appraisal, funding sources, and whether future home sites could be excluded; staff said the project would proceed with a formal application and site visit. - The committee reviewed several inquiry-only properties, including a Wellsville Route 89 parcel proposed for a soccer complex with lights, which staff said would not qualify as a conservation easement project because it is a development proposal. Members noted that if the project does not proceed, the land could still be relevant to open-space preservation. - Discussion continued on other inquiries, including a wetlands/floodplain parcel near Bear River and a Mendenhall property along Highway 91. Members said the wetlands site could be a good conservation candidate, while the Mendenhall frontage parcels were viewed as potentially important for preserving valley views and open space. - A Birch Canyon property owner described extensive habitat restoration work on a 5.5-acre parcel and said the goal is to maintain open space and wildlife habitat rather than seek funding. The committee encouraged a formal application and discussed possible trail-education or access considerations, but emphasized that the owner would control access decisions. - The committee discussed how to follow up with recent inquiries and agreed staff should contact promising landowners, especially where there is strong conservation interest. Members also talked about using site visits and follow-up outreach more systematically for active leads. - Staff and the chair reviewed the status spreadsheet and noted that several small parcels from the mailer have generated interest, including some that are likely to rely only on COSAC funding. The chair said they will ask the county council for time to discuss funding options, including possible use of Greenbelt rollback tax mechanisms for smaller Cache County-only projects. - In other updates, staff noted that the UALT fundraiser is scheduled for April 18 in Garland, and Emily reported that the UDOT purchase in Wellsville Canyon has been completed. The meeting adjourned without further business.