The first member of the group that bought property near Lister was Harold Michael Blackmore, who moved there with his family in 1946.

On April 19, 2005, Bountiful's leaders held an extensive press conference in an effort to dispel many of the allegations of abuse that had surrounded their community.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said, "Everyone should now know that no one is above the law; religion is not an excuse for abuse, and every victim has a right to be heard.

Three of Blackmore's putative wives could face deportation, as they are U.S. citizens and would not be considered legally married to a Canadian.

[7] On June 6, 2007, the province of British Columbia announced the appointment of high-profile Vancouver criminal lawyer Richard Peck as a special prosecutor to review the results of a police investigation into possible polygamous activity or other offences by members of the community.

Peck suggested that British Columbia ask the courts whether current polygamy laws, specifically section 293 of the Criminal Code,[9] are constitutional.

He said, "If the law is upheld, members of the Bountiful community will have fair notice that their practice of polygamy must cease.

"[10] The Supreme Court of British Columbia upheld Canada's polygamy laws in a 2011 reference case.