LEEDS, Utah (KUTV) — Pam Johnson’s family has been part of the Leeds community for generations and previously had a cattle operation that would graze on the public land in the area. But, in the 1990s, Johnson was forced to sell her cattle when their permit to graze was rescinded.This land fell within the Desert Wildlife Management Area, a part of the Habitat Conservation Plan designed to protect endangered desert tortoises. At the time, the federal government ruled that cattle grazing posed a threat to the tortoise population.Now, 30 years later, the same land near Grapevine Wash and Babylon Road is being bulldozed to make way for development, including housing, retail space, and a hotel. This development has been in the works for a decade, but zoning changes were approved in August 2024. It could double the population of Leeds.MORE on LEEDS DEVELOPMENT: Leeds community alarmed by environmental, archaeological impact of new developmentThe battle over land useJohnson advocated for compensation and clarification regarding the loss of her grazing permits. She reached out to numerous government officials, at both the state and federal levels, including then-Congressman James Hansen, Utah Senator Robert F. Bennett, and representatives from the Fish and Wildlife Service and BLM.The desert tortoise was added to the endangered species list in 1990. Shortly after, grazing permits were restricted or rescinded in DWMA zones across Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California. The Fish and Wildlife Service maintained that it was necessary to preserve the Desert Tortoise species.“While you may not personally agree with the HCP and its purpose, we feel this is the only way to balance protection of threatened and endangered species with private development in Washington County,” said Fish and Wildlife Field Supervisor Reed Harris in a letter addressed to Johnson on July 18, 1995.This ongoing tension between economic interests and environmental protections has shaped land-use policies, public opinion, and local politics in Washington County for decades, including in the recent debate over the Norther Corridor highway project.A changing LeedsLeeds Mayor Bill Hoster acknowledged the concern surrounding the development at Grapevine Wash but insisted the town is working to ensure growth is handled responsibly.He pointed out that the project has undergone significant legal scrutiny and revisions, with the number of planned homes being reduced from nearly 2,000 to 744. Additionally, developers have acquired the frontage road to create walkable commercial space.“It’s important to recognize that the developer has a legal right to develop their property,” the mayor said. “We also must trust the water district’s assessment of available water for the development. If Leeds were to obstruct the project, the developer could disconnect from the town and proceed under county jurisdiction — leaving our town with all the infrastructure and service impacts but none of the economic benefits.”To accommodate the expected population increase, the mayor said the town is actively working with UDOT on a new I-15 interchange study to redirect traffic away from old-town Leeds.Mayor Hoster added that a new fire station is also planned as part of the development.The larger debateThe Grapevine Wash development highlights a contradiction in land-use policies. In the 1990s, federal agencies deemed the land too environmentally sensitive for cattle grazing, yet today, large-scale development is proceeding on the same land.For some, this signals a prioritization of economic growth over conservation. For others, it’s a necessary step forward to provide housing and commercial opportunities in a rapidly expanding region.Some residents have posed questions in town council meetings, including: Will this housing be affordable? And will it positively impact the housing shortage in the state?This development will include 20 parcels set aside for affordable housing through the Utah Community Land Trust. The remaining parcels are designated as single-family homes. Additionally, the hotel planned luxury accommodations that could rent between $600 and $1000 a night during peak season.Leeds’ current population is less than 1,000 residents. The new development, with just under 750 planned homes and transient guests who come with a hotel, will drastically increase the population of the small, historic town.In addition to concerns about the environment, residents are concerned about infrastructure, traffic, and the impact on their way of life.“Concerns about infrastructure are understandable, but funding for necessary improvements comes from growth and development,” the mayor said. “We are committed to ensuring that Leeds grows responsibly while maintaining the quality of life that residents value.”As the town prepares for the influx of new residents and businesses, the debate over land use, conservation, and economic prosperity continues — echoing the very arguments Pam Johnson raised nearly three decades ago.Mayor Hoster provided KUTV 2News with the following statement:“I wish to express our full dedication to the environment, the habitat, and all historical remnants in Leeds. The county has provided guidelines and inspection standards the developers must pay for and follow when excavating in possibly sensitive areas.”_____
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