Zion Forever secures permanent protection for 145 acres near park's east entrance

Zion Forever announced a conservation easement that locks away development rights on a 145-acre tract bordering the east entrance of Zion National Park. Although the private landowner continues to hold the title, the easement permanently bars construction of hotels, condos or restaurants, and Zion Forever will act as steward to enforce the terms. The protected land, roughly a quarter-square-mile and located within half a mile of the park boundary, will maintain the serene drive that welcomes visitors from the east and may later host an expanded trail network.

Chris Horton, chief operating officer of Zion Forever, called the deal a rare opportunity for preservation in a heavily visited region. The arrangement was facilitated by philanthropist Brian Donnell and the landowner, reflecting a growing model of private-public partnership for safeguarding gateway landscapes. Zion Forever already holds other easements and outright properties near the park, creating a buffer that supports ecological connectivity and limits pressure on park infrastructure.