Behind the Scenes: Thank you to the dedicated crew at the UDOT Park City Maintenance Shed
- Kelsey Miklavcic
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
On a rainy April morning, Save People Save Wildlife (SPSW) had the special privilege of visiting the hardworking crew at the Park City Maintenance Shed, housed conveniently next to the new High Valley Transit depot. This unassuming facility—managed by the Northeast Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)—is more than just a storage area for snowplows, fencing materials, pothole repair supplies, and road maintenance equipment. It's the operational heart for a small but mighty team committed to keeping our infrastructure maintained, our roads cleared of snow and debris, and repairing compromises in the wildlife fencing when accidents occur.
For years, SPSW has communicated regularly with these dedicated professionals through texts and emails. Finally meeting face-to-face, we connected some names to the friendly faces:
Cooper Crystal, Northeast Area Supervisor
Morgan McCarthy, Park City Maintenance Shed Supervisor
Tim Ellis, Transportation Technician
These individuals shared insights into their demanding work schedule—often stretching to 14-hour shifts, six days a week, particularly during harsh winter weather. Their tireless efforts ensure our roads remain as operational as possible in all conditions.
Our conversation turned to the critical wildlife fencing along I-80 from Parleys Summit to Swaner Preserve. UDOT and SPSW worked together to fund this stretch of existing wildlife fencing, and it was made possible thanks to our generous donors. While the maintenance required by this fencing adds to their extensive responsibilities, one crew member eloquently stated:
“I would prefer to maintain compromises in the fencing than pick up wildlife carcasses along the roadway.”
This powerful remark underscores the value of proactive measures like wildlife fencing. The team coordinates directly with a contracted carcass removal company, responding as quickly as possible. The data is also reported to DWR. SPSW recognizes that these fences don't just save wildlife—they significantly reduce wildlife vehicle collisions, which reduces the amount of resources spent on carcass collection and thereby supports environmental sustainability by reducing the number of carcasses that end up in the landfill. This aligns with the Zero Food Waste Initiative's goal of diverting all food waste from local landfills by 2030.
The crew also collaborates closely with Summit County Animal Services, compassionately reuniting domestic animals with their owners whenever possible.
Our visit left us deeply inspired by the commitment and resourcefulness of the Park City Maintenance crew, who quietly handle an extraordinary range of tasks with limited resources. To Cooper, Morgan, Tim, and the entire team—thank you. Your dedication makes a difference every single day.
How You Can Help
Join us in our mission to protect wildlife and enhance community safety:
Get Involved: Volunteer your time and talents with SPSW.
Donate: Your contributions directly support projects like wildlife fencing and community education.
Represent: Purchase SPSW merchandise to show your support and raise awareness visibly.
Use Your Voice: Reach out to local lawmakers, decision-makers, and elected officials to advocate for wildlife safety initiatives.
Together, we can make a lasting difference!
