POCATELLO — The Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust recently completed a conservation easement that protects 1,182 acres of important ranchland, open space and wildlife habitat in Bingham County.

Conservation easements are voluntary agreements that limit development to protect agricultural and wildlife habitat values. Landowners and land trusts work together to establish the specific terms of a conservation easement, tailoring each agreement to the unique conservation values of the property and the interests and goals of both parties.

“Conservation easements are an essential tool in protecting habitat, open space and valuable parts of Idaho farming and ranching heritage, but their benefits reach far beyond that,” said Jaime Campbell, former Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust Conservation Manager and Conservation Easement Contractor. “They build community amongst exemplary landowners like this one, essential agencies like NRCS, and leaders of the conservation mission such as Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust. These kinds of connections bring a great diversity of people together over a shared commitment to our natural places, building a stronger future for continued conservation success. I am immensely grateful for the experience working amongst that community and to have played a role in protecting this special piece of Idaho, forever.”

This conservation easement permanently protects important open space and ranchland within the Willow Creek drainage and enhances the natural and traditional values tied to the property.

“Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust is honored to work with such fine landowners who are deeply connected to the land and committed stewards of it,” Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust Executive Director Matt Lucia said. “The conservation easement agreement on this working cattle ranch ensures continued agricultural uses while protecting habitat for a variety of wildlife species including mule deer, elk, moose, sharp-tailed grouse and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Conservation easement agreements are tools for landowners that wish to leave a legacy of agriculture, wildlife habitat and open space for the generations to come.”

Funding for this conservation easement was made possible through a collaborative partnership with USDA-NRCS and three foundations.

“NRCS Idaho extends profound gratitude for the invaluable collaboration with Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust and the landowner, safeguarding the ranch for both operational vitality and pristine wildlife habitat indefinitely,” said Tracie O’Neill, state easement coordinator for NRCS in Idaho.