Eagle Mountain remembers the life and legacy of Todd Black

Eagle Mountain City is mourning the passing of Todd Black, the City’s Wildlife Biologist and Open Space Manager, who dedicated the past three and a half years to helping the community understand and protect its natural surroundings.

Black passed away at his home in Nibley, Utah at the age of 59 last week.

Todd brought both expertise and personality to his work. A respected conservation professional, he developed wildlife and open space models that not only guided decisions in Eagle Mountain but have also been used by other cities across Utah. His work helped shape how growing communities think about habitat, migration corridors and the balance between development and conservation.

One of Black’s most important projects in Eagle Mountain was his work on the City’s mule deer migration corridor. As development accelerated in the area, Todd worked to identify and preserve key routes that mule deer use to move between seasonal habitats. His studies and recommendations helped guide planning decisions. That work is now considered a critical piece of the City’s long-term open space strategy.

But beyond his technical skills, Todd stood out for how he connected with people. He was known for his humor, strong wit and approachable style of communication. He had a way of taking complex topics and explaining them in a way that made sense to everyday residents.

In addition to his behind-the-scenes work, Todd became a familiar voice and face in the community through Living with Wildlife, a monthly video series and newsletter column he created. Each installment focused on helping residents better understand local wildlife and how to coexist. Whether explaining the habits of deer, the importance of pollinators, or the challenges of managing open space, Todd brought clarity and a touch of humor to every topic.

Colleagues describe Todd as someone who never lost sight of the bigger picture. While he worked on detailed models and technical studies, he always tied it back to quality of life and the importance of protecting what makes Eagle Mountain unique.

Todd Black’s passing leaves a void in the community, but his work and his voice will continue to influence Eagle Mountain for years to come.