Henry's Fork benefits from Conservation Project

Val and Gail Chambers have recently closed a conservation easement with the Teton Regional Land Trust, adding to the 2,500 acres of contiguous conservation land that protects the Henry’s Fork and its associated wetland complexes in the Texas Slough area. The Chambers’ 80-acre, no-build easement borders Texas Slough near the Henry’s Fork river about five miles southwest of Rexburg.

"It is very rewarding to help landowners achieve their conservation goals using conservation easements. Through this permanent agreement, Val and Gail will rest assured that their property will remain as they want; agricultural open space and wildlife habitat," TRLT’s Land Protection Specialist Matt Lucia explained. "It has been a pleasure working with the Chambers family."

 The Chambers property, primarily pasture ground, retains nationally designated prime soils which helped make it eligible for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. This grant would not have been possible without matching funds from the JKL Foundation.

"The Chambers easement is very important to the NRCS because it protects an important piece of farmland. The protection of productive soils like those found on the Chambers property will help ensure the future of agriculture in Madison County," Hal Swenson, Assistant State Soil Scientist for the NRCS said. "The NRCS appreciates the opportunity to work with the Chambers family and the Teton Regional Land Trust on the acquisition of this conservation easement."

The property also has a number of conservation values that benefit wildlife in the region. The flooded pasture lands draw hundreds of migrating birds each year, providing secure habitat for waterbirds and their young. Some of the waterbirds that make use of the property include white-faced ibis, green-winged teal, Canada geese and mallards. The property is also home to several species designated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game as Species of Greatest Conservation Need such as the northern leopard frog, Swainson’s hawk, bald eagle, sandhill crane, Franklin’s gull, northern pintail, blacknecked stilt and trumpeter swans.

Not only does the Chambers easement preserve prime wildlife habitat, it also helps to preserve scenic views of nationally recognized natural landmarks such as the northern Menan Butte, a pioneer landmark.

The preservation of the Chambers property has made an important link in the chain of conserved lands in the Texas Slough region, benefiting wildlife, agriculture and future generations. ■