What Save Our Canyons does

Save Our Canyons, legally the Citizens' Committee to Save Our Canyons, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1972 and headquartered at 3690 E Fort Union Blvd STE 101, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Its mission is to protect the beauty and wildness of the Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley watershed, which supplies drinking water to more than 450,000 residents and provides habitat for over 1,200 plant and animal species. The organization serves Wasatch Front residents, outdoor recreationists, and youth/families through a hybrid segmentation approach combining geographic and persona-based targeting, with the Wasatch Front Residents segment identified as the primary donor and advocate base.

The organization operates as a member-based nonprofit with a 5-person staff and a volunteer board of directors. Its core offerings include a Membership Program (annual dues plus the quarterly Ridgeline Report), the Wasatch Stewardship Program (volunteer trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and wilderness monitoring launched in 2018), the SOCkids youth education initiative, and an online merchandise shop. Advocacy is delivered through five active campaigns: the No Gondola in LCC campaign (litigating UDOT's $1.4 billion proposal), the Protect Parley's Canyon campaign (opposing the 634-acre Tree Farm LLC quarry), the Watershed & Wildlands campaign, the Transportation campaign (favoring enhanced bus service over gondolas), and the Central Wasatch National Conservation & Recreation Area (CWNCRA) initiative targeting 80,000 acres. There is no proprietary technology; the operating stack consists of a WordPress website, email newsletters, social media (Instagram and Facebook), and event-based community engagement.

Revenue is generated through a diversified nonprofit model: recurring and one-time donations (suggested tiers $5-$1,000), membership dues, merchandise sales ($25-$109 ASP), event tickets ($15-$45), corporate sponsorships with outdoor brands (Patagonia, Black Diamond, KÜHL), grants from foundations (David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation), and alternative giving instruments including IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, stock transfers, and real estate donations. Distribution is regional and direct-to-donor through the website, email action alerts, in-person events (Wasatch Trivia Night at Fisher Brewing), and partnership-marketing collaborations. All revenue figures are undisclosed.

Name

Save Our Canyons

Legal name

Citizens' Committee to Save Our Canyons

Website

https://saveourcanyons.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Save Our Canyons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1972 that protects the Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake Valley watershed through advocacy campaigns, the Wasatch Stewardship volunteer program, SOCkids youth education, and a member-supported donation and merchandise model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Advocacy

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

akta.pro primary industry

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)

Keywords

• Environmental conservation advocacy
• Wilderness stewardship
• Watershed protection
• Nonprofit membership program
• Public lands advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Utah

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues and Donations: Primary funding source from rapidly growing membership base. Members pay annual dues and make one-time or recurring donations. Also includes Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs for donors 70.5+ years old.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including shirts, hoodies, and event tickets through online shop. Revenue supports conservation work.
3. Event Revenue: Revenue from event tickets such as Wasatch Trivia Night ($15-$45 per ticket) and partnership merchandise collaborations.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Business partnerships and sponsorship arrangements with outdoor industry companies including KÜHL, Black Diamond, Patagonia, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Save Our Canyons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that protects the beauty and wildness of the Wasatch Mountains through member-supported advocacy campaigns, volunteer stewardship programs, and youth education. The organization conducts public lands advocacy, files public comments on land use decisions, engages in litigation to block development projects, and runs volunteer trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and garbage cleanup activities. Revenue is generated through membership dues, donations, merchandise sales, event tickets, and corporate sponsorships.

Product overview

Save Our Canyons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 74-2443535) dedicated to protecting the beauty and wildness of the Wasatch Mountains. Founded in 1972, the organization operates as a member-based organization offering a membership program, various advocacy campaigns (No Gondola in LCC, Protect Parley's Canyon, Watershed & Wildlands, Transportation, and CWNCRA), volunteer programs (Wasatch Stewardship Program), youth education (SOCkids), and merchandise sales. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by staff including an Executive Director, Policy Manager, Development Director, Outreach & Community Manager, and Operations Manager. The Central Wasatch Commission and Mountain Accord represent collaborative multi-stakeholder initiatives that SOC participates in. The organization maintains an office at 3690 E Fort Union Blvd STE 101, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SOCKids: A youth education program that facilitates access to and education about the Wasatch Mountains by collaborating with after-school and summer programs.
• Wasatch Stewardship Program

Products and services

• Membership Program A membership-based program where members contribute annual dues that fund Save Our Canyons' advocacy work, publications, and campaigns. Members receive the quarterly 'Ridgeline Report' newsletter, appeals, invites to special events, and opportunities to engage in public land protection efforts. For Wasatch Front residents and supporters of the Wasatch Mountains.
• Donation Processing Accepts one-time and recurring donations with options for monthly contributions, general donations, and campaign-specific giving such as the 'No Gondola in LCC' campaign. Offers multiple payment methods including credit card and PayPal, plus alternative giving methods such as IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, stock transfers, and real estate donations. For individual donors and supporters.
• Wasatch Stewardship Program (WSP) A volunteer stewardship program that maintains and improves trails, removes invasive plants and garbage, and maintains wilderness characteristics in the Central Wasatch Mountains. For volunteers, outdoor recreationists, and community members.
• SOCkids (Save Our Canyons Kids) A youth education program that introduces local youth to hiking, watersheds, and ecosystems to develop the next generation of environmental stewards. Provides access to and education about the Wasatch Mountains through collaborations with after-school and summer programs. For young people and families in the Salt Lake Valley area.
• No Gondola in LCC Campaign An advocacy campaign opposing the proposed 8-mile gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon, using advocacy and legal action to prevent this development project. Includes litigation against UDOT filed in December 2023. For Wasatch Front residents and outdoor recreationists.
• Protect Parley's Canyon Campaign An advocacy campaign opposing a proposed 634-acre limestone quarry (I-80 South Quarry Project) in Parley's Canyon by Tree Farm LLC and Granite Construction, addressing concerns about water supply, air quality, wildlife disruption, and recreation impacts. For residents concerned about water supply and natural spaces.
• Watershed & Wildlands Campaign A long-standing advocacy campaign focused on protecting the Wasatch watershed and wild space, engaging with U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Utah State Parks, and local governments on land management decisions affecting public lands. For general public and policy stakeholders.
• Transportation Campaign An advocacy campaign for equitable and responsible transit solutions in the Cottonwood Canyons, supporting enhanced bus service, carpool incentives, occupancy-based tolling, and improved enforcement of traction laws as alternatives to gondolas. For commuters and Wasatch Front residents.
• Merchandise Store Online store selling branded merchandise including apparel (Long Sleeve Shirt from $25, Men's Alpenglow Hoody, Women's Alpenglow Hoody from $70), event tickets (Wasatch Trivia Night), and collaborations with partners like Party Shirt International ($59) and Black Diamond ($15-$25). Revenue supports conservation work. For members, supporters, and general public.
• Events (Wasatch Trivia Night, Volunteer Projects, Hikes, Educational Programs) Community events including trivia nights (e.g., Wasatch Trivia Night at Fisher Brewing Co, tickets $15-$45), volunteer stewardship projects, hikes, and educational programs that connect people to the Wasatch Mountains and provide opportunities for advocacy and action. For members, supporters, and general public.
• Internship Program Internship opportunities for individuals interested in environmental advocacy, nonprofit work, and Wasatch Mountain protection. Provides learning and professional development opportunities in conservation work. For students and early-career individuals.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully advocated for wilderness designation of Lone Peak, Twin Peaks, and Mt. Olympus wilderness areas
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• U.S. Forest Service (Salt Lake Ranger District)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary regulatory agency partner for wilderness stewardship, recreation site monitoring, and public lands management in the Wasatch Mountains. SOC works with USFS on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and planning processes.
• Central Wasatch CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterlocal agency created to implement Mountain Accord actions. SOC holds seats on system groups and executive committee to impact decisions about environment and watershed protection.
• Utah Department of TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey stakeholder in transportation planning for Cottonwood Canyons. SOC advocates for bus-based transit solutions and challenges gondola proposals through litigation and public engagement.
• Salt Lake CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner for land use ordinances, canyons planning, and mining bans in Wasatch Mountains.
• Salt Lake City Public UtilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWatershed protection partner managing protected watershed areas for drinking water quality for hundreds of thousands of residents.
• National Wilderness Stewardship AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization providing funding and support for Wilderness Stewardship Performance framework implementation.
• Winter Wildlands AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in winter recreation and wilderness advocacy efforts.
• The Wilderness SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational environmental organization supporting public lands protection efforts.
• Wasatch Backcountry AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal advocacy group for backcountry recreation. Co-plaintiff in Little Cottonwood Canyon litigation and partner in transportation advocacy.
• Salt Lake Climbers AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal climbing community organization sharing interest in canyon access protection.
• Utah Open LandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLand conservation organization partnering on invasive species removal and habitat restoration projects.
• Trails UtahminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail advocacy organization supporting trail access and maintenance efforts.
• Friends of Little Cottonwood CanyoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal advocacy group. Co-plaintiff in gondola lawsuit against UDOT.
• Friends of AltacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal organization protecting Alta area. Co-plaintiff in Little Cottonwood Canyon litigation.
• Save Parleys Canyon CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner in opposition to proposed mine in Parley's Canyon.
• Swaner Nature PreserveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNature preserve partner in environmental education and stewardship.
• Utah Division of Outdoor RecreationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner for outdoor recreation programs.
• National Wilderness CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational wilderness advocacy organization.
• EcoflightminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerial photography partner for advocacy and documentation efforts.
• PatagoniacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor apparel brand providing event sponsorship and merchandise collaboration. Patagonia SLC supports trivia events and volunteer projects.
• Black DiamondcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor equipment brand partner. Staff volunteers for cleanup events and merchandise collaborations including 'All Hail The Whale' collaboration.
• KÜHLcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor apparel brand partner for events and merchandise.
• CoalatreeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor brand partner for merchandise and events.
• Momentum Indoor ClimbingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndoor climbing gym partner for community engagement.
• Park City Culinary InstituteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCulinary partner for events and community engagement.
• Beehive CheeseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal food partner for events and community engagement.
• Fisher Brewing CominorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal brewery venue partner hosting Wasatch Trivia Night events.
• Party Shirt InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerApparel collaboration partner for limited-edition merchandise.
• Sierra ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational environmental organization collaborated with historically on wilderness advocacy.
• Wasatch Mountain ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal outdoor recreation organization partnered on advocacy efforts.
• Great Salt Lake Audubon SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBird conservation organization historically partnered on advocacy.
• Southern Utah Wilderness AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWilderness advocacy organization historically partnered on campaigns.
• Utah Wilderness CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner for wilderness designation efforts.
• High Uintas Preservation CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organization historically partnered on advocacy.
• Service Learning CampsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization connecting church service groups with local partners for volunteer projects.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sierra Club: One of the largest U.S. environmental organizations with chapters across Utah including the Wasatch Group. Comparable conservation advocacy mission at much larger scale; SOC has historically partnered with Sierra Club on wilderness advocacy.
• Natural Resources Defense Council: Major national environmental advocacy organization active on public lands, water and climate. Comparable advocacy mission; far larger scale and broader geography than SOC's Wasatch focus.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit focused on land conservation, working with communities to protect natural areas. Comparable land-protection mission at national scale with similar conservation easement and public-lands advocacy toolkit.
• The Wilderness Society: National nonprofit advocating for wilderness designation and public lands protection. SOC explicitly lists The Wilderness Society as a partner and the organizations share overlapping campaign playbooks around federal designation efforts like CWNCRA.

Direct peers

• Utah Open Lands: Utah land conservation nonprofit focused on protecting open space through acquisitions, conservation easements and stewardship. Directly comparable as a state-level conservation nonprofit, and SOC lists Utah Open Lands as an active stewardship partner.
• Friends of Alta: Local nonprofit protecting the Alta area in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Co-plaintiff with SOC in gondola litigation against UDOT; small-staff, member-funded, geographically concentrated advocacy model directly analogous to SOC.
• Wasatch Backcountry Alliance: Local advocacy nonprofit for backcountry recreation in the Wasatch. Co-plaintiff with SOC in Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola litigation and aligned on transportation advocacy; highly comparable local advocacy model.
• Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance: Utah-based 501(c)(3) environmental advocacy nonprofit focused on protecting Utah's redrock wilderness. Directly comparable mission, structure (membership-based advocacy) and regional focus on Utah public lands conservation.
• National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance: National nonprofit that provides funding and framework support for the Wilderness Stewardship Performance program SOC implements locally. Comparable volunteer-driven stewardship model and direct operational partnership with SOC.

Emerging players

• Winter Wildlands Alliance: National nonprofit focused on winter recreation and wilderness stewardship. Listed by SOC as a partner in winter recreation advocacy; comparable niche conservation-and-recreation framing though with broader winter-specific focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/saveourcanyons
• Instagraminstagram.com/saveourcanyons
• Xx.com/SaveOurCanyons
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/save-our-canyons

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Save Our Canyons