Project: Ward Canyon Spring Cleanup
Location: Utah
Description: On April 11, 2026, a dedicated group of 24 volunteers joined forces with four staff members from the Salt Lake Ranger District to successfully complete the Ward Canyon Road Spring Cleanup at Buckland Springs. The project focused on restoring and protecting a sensitive area that had been impacted by illegal camping and overuse as a recreational shooting site.
During the project, volunteers and staff worked collaboratively to install approximately 100 feet of buck-and-rail fencing and place two restoration area signs. These improvements were strategically implemented to prevent further damage, encourage responsible recreation, and allow the impacted land time to naturally recover.
A highlight of the event was the strong support from the Big Horn 4×4 Club, whose members cancelled their monthly ride to participate in the stewardship effort. Their involvement demonstrated a meaningful commitment to protecting public lands and ensuring continued responsible OHV access.
The project achieved several key outcomes:
- Protected a degraded and sensitive area by installing fencing and signage to prevent further impact
- Mobilized strong community support, including volunteers and OHV partners
- Advanced restoration efforts to promote long-term ecosystem recovery and sustainable recreation
This collaborative effort not only improved conditions at Buckland Springs but also reinforced the importance of stewardship and shared responsibility in protecting access to public lands.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
• Salt Lake Ranger District
• Big Horn 4×4 Club
“It’s great to see such strong volunteer support for restoration work like this. The fencing and signage installed will make a real difference in helping this impacted area heal and ensuring it can be enjoyed responsibly moving forward.”-Matt Hales, Trails and Wilderness Crew Lead Salt Lake Ranger District USFS
“Projects like this show the power of community coming together to care for our public lands. With the help of our volunteers and partners, we were able to take meaningful steps to protect Buckland Springs and give this area a chance to recover for future generations.”-Kabe Wolf, Tread Lightly! Utah Program Manager
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events, and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
