A new partnership between the Shivwits Band of Paiutes and Black Desert Resort, developed by Reef Capital Partners, is set to reshape the future of tourism and economic opportunity in Southern Utah. The collaboration marks a major step toward long-term sustainability, cultural preservation, and shared prosperity across the region.
The joint venture will expand Black Desert Resort’s footprint with additional golf amenities, a youth sports complex, a new hotel, meeting and event spaces, and an enhanced mix of retail and dining options—all co-stewarded by the Shivwits Band and Reef Capital.
“This collaboration supports our goal of creating long-term ventures and is built on mutual respect and a shared vision,” said Tina Gonzales, Chairwoman of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes. “We are excited to be a co-steward in this project, ensuring that our heritage and values are woven into every aspect of the development. This partnership will not only bring significant economic growth but will also ensure the preservation of our legacy for generations to come.”
Patrick Manning, managing director of Black Desert Resort, echoed that sentiment: “We’re not just building amenities, we’re building a shared future that provides lasting economic and cultural benefits to the entire community.”
The development will follow environmentally responsible guidelines, using non-potable or reclaimed water sourced exclusively from the Shivwits Band’s existing water rights for irrigation of golf courses and sports fields.
The partnership is also designed to create more than 135 jobs for members of the Shivwits Band in areas such as construction, hospitality, golf, and youth sports operations. Beyond employment, Reef Capital will fund annual educational and technical scholarships for Band members to support long-term career advancement and community development.
This initiative underscores the Shivwits Band’s ongoing commitment to sovereignty, sustainability, and self-determination—building on decades of work since federal recognition was restored in 1980.
For more information, visit reefcp.com or blackdesertresort.com.
While the Shivwits have every right to do what ever they want with their water rights, in fact they have more right than most that claim water rights.
They are probably not being given the whole story when it comes to our water issues here in Washington County, just like the rest of the citizens of this county. We are all only been given half the story and being lied to in many cases. The commissioners, mayors, city council members and even the GM of the WCWCD are hiding the truth from us and just lying about how much water we have, and how long it will last.
This narrative of pushing growth at all cost is going to end up costing the people of this county more than they can even imagine. I have shared proof for everything I have been claiming and all it has gotten me is people calling me names like fear monger, communist, and fascist for trying to share the truth with them so they can make their own decision on our growth and water issues. I have nothing to gain by sharing this information, other than hopefully giving my wife and I more time to live here before the water runs out or costs to much for us to afford to pay for it. We live full time in a fifth wheel so we have an advantage over those of you that own your homes. When we run out of water our the traffic and infrastructure gets so bad and can’t handle all the growth to the point were we can’t take it anymore we can just hook up and move some place else without losing much if we have to sell our lot quickly to get out of here before property values drop like in 2008. Those of you that own homes won’t have that option, so hold on it’s going to be a bump ride.
Many believe we have plenty of water in our aquifers so they can just keep using their water rights and continue pumping all the water they want out of them with no worries. Well you are wrong and here’s proof if you want to believe it.
https://local.newsbreak.com/nevada-state/4194290632925-southwest-in-a-mega-drying-zone-due-to-groundwater-loss-study-finds?s=dmg_local_email_bucket_3.web2_fromweb&emailId=0u6O3OP&uid=286754586&fbclid=IwY2xjawNrOeVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHj6B-8gz9Iszo_e1MzE_oXb6CLZTLMTSI7ri7RsN5V1rNpYF4LFojJbN9frB_aem_NZYugsx5YnkbDVFKgpcMGw