Nearly 145 acres protected at Zion’s eastern gateway

Nearly 145 acres of private land near the east entrance of Zion National Park will be permanently protected from development under a conservation easement announced last week by the Zion Forever Project.

The sandstone cliffs and high desert landscape of Zion National Park’s east side. Nearly 145 acres near the park’s eastern gateway will be permanently protected under a new conservation easement announced by the Zion Forever Project. NPS Photo / Caitlin Ceci

The property will remain privately owned, but a perpetual easement held and monitored by Zion Forever will protect wildlife habitat, watershed resources, open space and views along State Route 9 approaching the park.

The organization has not publicly identified the landowner or disclosed the financial terms of the agreement. Zion Forever said the project was made possible through private charitable support and cooperation among landowners and business interests.

The protected property connects with surrounding public lands and existing and planned trails and could accommodate nonmotorized access, outdoor education and future visitor programming.

“By safeguarding this vital gateway, we are not only preserving critical wildlife habitats and watersheds but also ensuring that the iconic scenic views and natural character of the eastern entrance to the park remain intact for generations to come,” Zion Forever President and CEO Natalie Britt said.

The easement comes amid significant development and conservation planning around Zion’s eastern gateway.

Kane County records show that in February 2025, Kevin McLaws sought commercial zoning for three properties totaling nearly 290 acres near the North Fork Road roundabout and new visitor center. McLaws told the Kane County Planning Commission the request was in preparation for the valuation of conservation easements.

The properties included land owned by Chamberlain Ranch Holdings LLC, Zion Mountain Development Inc. and East Zion Properties LLC. Zion Forever has not identified whether any are included in the newly announced easement.

The protected land is also near the developing Zion National Park Discovery Center, scheduled to open in 2027 with visitor orientation, interpretive programs and connections to East Zion trails and recreation.