Eagle Mountain: 20-Years Old and Going Strong

May 30, 2016, 6:51 pm

By Matthew Gary Milam

It was announced on the radio just yesterday, that the area of Northwestern Utah County (essentially, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, and Eagle Mountain) is the fastest growing area in the state of Utah. Moreover, others have estimated that the area is among the fastest growing areas in the country. The growth of the City of Eagle Mountain is a major factor in this explosive growth trend. Eagle Mountain has been expanding its population and subsequent development for two decades. This year, this precocious community turns 20, and seems to be growing up faster than its years. Born in 1996 (the year of its incorporation), already physically bigger than all other cities (largest city geographically in Utah), the city is maturing rapidly in terms of population, infrastructure, city services, and also in its identity as a community that seems to firmly know "who it is" and "where it is going."
Eagle Mountain has a lot to be happy about in terms of its past, present and future. Its history, of course, goes back considerably farther than its incorporation in 1996. At one time, its main road, Pony Express Parkway, was one of the stops-along-the-way for Pony Express riders. Now, the city has a population of at least 30,000 and is growing quickly.
The natural environment of Eagle Mountain is a big draw for those moving to the area. "Starry night skies," "endless views," and the feeling of being "away from it all" are just a few of the reasons regularly cited by residents as to why they love it in Eagle Mountain, according to Mayor Chris Pengra. Pengra also says that preserving the "natural, outdoor feel" of Eagle Mountain has been a priority. And it's more than just the natural environment that makes Eagle Mountain special---according to the mayor, "The degree of involvement by residents is something that sets the community apart from others."
In Eagle Mountain's natural environment several interesting things can be found. One is the recent petrogylph find by housing developers in the elevated area between the Ranches and City Center. Another, are the amazing sightings and photographs by residents; namely Shon Reed, who has been asked by the mayor to take the lead in "Hawkwatch" to preserve the area's natural raptor habitat. Eagle Mountain now has more than a dozen nest boxes set up throughout the community to provide American Kestrels with habitat, and Hawkwatch International with valuable data. Rocky Mountain Power, a local Eagle Scout and other hardworking volunteers have escalated the project to something very valuable for the area's natural environment. Eagles (the city's namesake bird), hawks, owls and falcons are among the many predator birds that have been spotted and photographed in Eagle Mountain.
Mayor Chris Pengra feels that Eagle Mountain is "one of the best kept secrets in Utah." On its Silver Jubilee anniversary, five years from now, considering the break-neck speed in which Eagle Mountain has grown in the first two decades, it wouldn't be surprising to find that at 25-years old Eagle Mountain has changed drastically, even from where it is today.

The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2024 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Eagle Mountain: 20-Years Old and Going Strong

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