The Families Who Make it Happen

The success of the Land Trust is primarily due to the families who recognize the resource value of their property and are willing to limit its development potential. These landowners are not only protecting their family legacy, but they are conserving resources valued by today’s communities and future generations.

Archibald 1998 - Gary and Patricia Archibald of Rexburg protected 81 acres of farmland in Madison County. The Archibald’s property is important not only for its farm ground, but also for its waterfowl ponds and wetlands.

Atchley 2000 - Clen and Emma Atchley protected a 100-acre property on Ashton Reservoir in Fremont County that is rich in scenic and wildlife values. The property, located on the north banks of the reservoir, overlooks miles of cultivated fields to the south, the Tetons and Henry's Fork to the east, and public lands to the north. The Atchleys just celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Atchley farm where they grow seed potates and pre-nuclear seed potato stock. Clen is the president of the Land Trust.

Bagley 1997 - John and Luella Bagley's 175-acre ranch features a rich cottonwood bottom along the Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Fremont County. The Bagley’s property is valuable for its fish and wildlife habitat, grazing pastures and scenic open space.

Bell 2000 - The Land Trust helped the Bell Family protect 13 acres of Henry's Fork river corridor along the St. Anthony Greenway through a conservation easement and transfer of fee title to 17.5 acres of wetlands to the Bureau of Land Management.

Bevan 1998 & 1999 - Lynn and Wilma Bevan protected 20 acres of wetland pasture and Teton River frontage bordering the Hill Family property. The Bevan easement includes plans for a rotational grazing system. With their second conservation easement, the Bevan Family protected another 100 acres of grazing pastures and wetlands along the Three Forks section of the Teton River. This easement was made possible, in part, by partnership with the North American Wetlands Conservation Council. The Bevan Family is a long-time ranching family in Teton Basin.

Carter 1999 - The Land Trust helped Jerry and April Carter protect 96 acres of Henry's Fork river corridor along the St. Anthony Greenway through a conservation easement and transfer of fee title to 17.5 acres of wetlands to the Bureau of Land Management. This project was made possible by federal Land and Water Conservation Funds.

Cecil 1995 - Dr. James Cecil donated an easement on his 35-acre Dry Creek property in Teton County. Jim's property features spectacular scenery, and his woodland creek bottom is home to an abundance of wildlife. Dr. Cecil is a former Land Trust board member and a retired physician.

Clawson 1999 & 2001- The John Clawson Family protected a total of 165 acres of grain fields, aspen corridor, and scenic vistas with easements on their Dry Ridge property northeast of Driggs.

Cooke 2000 - In the bottomlands of southern Teton Valley, Larry and Murrel Cooke protected 320 acres of their Warm Creek Ranch with a conservation easement. The property is crossed by numerous spring creeks, and features several ponds and springs. The Cooke Family has agreed to work with the Land Trust and Ducks Unlimited to restore 50 acres of the ranch into choice waterfowl habitat. This project was made possible by a grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Council. When NAWCC representatives were visiting the Warm Creek Ranch, Larry told the visitors from all over the west, “I have two choices for my land. I can sell to the developers and become a multimillionaire. Then you will see houses all over this ranch. Or you can help me and the Land Trust protect our place.”

Cordes 1998 - Ron and Betty Cordes have given up development density on an 11-acre property in Swan Valley to protect stream and wetlands in a subdivision near the South Fork of the Snake River. The Cordes' have enhanced a branch of Rainey Creek on the property to benefit fish and waterfowl like the trumpeter swans that winter on this property.

Dewey 2000, 2003 & 2004 - Jim and Treva Dewey, a long-time local ranching family, completed a conservation easement on 178 acres of their valuable wetlands on the banks of the Teton River at Foster's Slough. This area is regarded as the premier waterfowl habitat in Teton Valley. This is another successful NAWCC project.

The Deweys also protected 140 acres of wet meadow in the heart of Foster's Slough along Elliot Creek in 2003 and an additional 160 acres in 2004. The Deweys use the property for cattle grazing and haying.

The property contains mostly grasslands, with some wet meadow, willow-lined riparian corridor and wetlands. A portion of Elliot Creek runs through the property, as well as other spring creeks. Significant nesting habitat for long-billed curlew, mallard, sandhill crane and willet is located on the Dewey property. It also provides habitat for savannah sparrows, common snipe, white-tailed deer, and potential cutthroat trout spawning habitat.

Drexler 2000 - Our second conservation easement in Clark County was donated by Doug Drexler on the 1,127-acre Centennial Ranch. This property in the Kilgore area is covered in sagelands and is an important migration area for big game and contains several sage grouse leks.

Dunn 2002 - Protecting a spectacular mile-long corridor of the Teton River, Harold and Kaye Dunn donated a conservation easement on nearly 200 acres. This willow and wetland property is north of the Idaho Fish and Game's Ranier Sportsman's Access and is important winter elk habitat.

Eckhoff/Scott 2000/2001 - David and Linda Eckhoff made a very generous donation of fee title to 40 acres of Packsaddle Highlands to the Land Trust. They had enjoyed the property for nearly a decade. “What we wanted was for it to stay as it was for others to experience the joy of this place,” said Linda. This spectacular parcel was sold to a conservation buyer, Cory Scott, who protected it with an easement. The proceeds have helped to further the Land Trust’s conservation efforts.

Findlay-Freeman 2002 - The Findlay and Freeman families donated a conservation easement on 60 acres of scenic Dry Ridge farmland, located adjacent to the Clawson Family easement properties.

Finegan-Dynia 2003 - David Finegan and Stephen Dynia have protected over 28 acres with substantial natural, scenic, wildlife, and agricultural values of great importance to the people of Fremont County. This property contains winter range and riparian habitats vital to the protection of wildlife and supports a diversity of wildlife species, including federal and state listed threatened, endangered and sensitive species, which are dependent upon the property's streams, riparian areas, and uplands.

Foster 1998 - David and Carolyn Foster protected 80 acres near the Fox Creek East Sportsmen's Access on the Teton River. This property was dear to David’s heart, as it was originally settled by his great grandfather. As David said “I just couldn’t see this land changing from the way it has been all these years.” Their Fox Creek bottomland includes wetlands, openspace, pasture, and fish and wildlife habitat.

Goble 1995- Our largest easement was donated by Dr. Marlowe and Michele Goble in Clark County. The Gobles protected 2,617 acres of their Medicine Lodge Creek Ranch, which lies in a spectacular setting between the Italian Peaks and Red Conglomerates. The ranch is a hard-working livestock operation and will be kept in agriculture.

Guenzel 2001 - Rudy and Peggy Guenzel placed a conservation easement on their 80-acre Henry’s Lake property. The Guenzels protected a rare white spruce bog along the lakeshore and important bald eagle and big game habitat.

Hamilton 2001 - On the South Fork of the Snake River, Cletis and Sharon Hamilton placed a conservation easement on 245 acres, protecting upland ag fields and fir stands along the river. “Sharon and I and our sons, Clark and Clayton, felt that this is a good way to go, to preserve this land for posterity,” said Cletis Hamilton. “It makes me feel good as a steward of the land to maintain this property for those who will follow.”

Hanson 2003 - The Margery W. Hanson Trust completed a conservation easement of 320 acres six miles northwest of Driggs. The property provides critical wintering habitat for the Big Hole Mountain elk herd. The Hansons also partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and IDFG to reduce soil erosion and to enhance wildlife habitate on the property by enrolling 185 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program.

Harrington 2003 - Mark Harrington has donated a conservation easement on 80 acres of his Fish Creek property. He's been actively restoring its habitat since 1987. His primary method has been just plain rest - and shrubs have rebounded, aspen are regenerating, and the banks along Fish Creek are now shady cover for fish. He plans to reroute a spring creek into its natural channel, to restore wetlands and to develop a grazing management plan. Mark wants to show that restoration and grazing can happen on the same property.

Hill 1998 - Toni Hill protected nearly 200 acres of Teton River property at Three Forks. The Hill Family property includes rich fish and wildlife habitats, beautiful scenery and public recreational access. Toni Hill, property donor, said, “people have camped, picnicked and fished on this property for as long as locals can remember. We wanted to make sure that people might enjoy it forever. I really appreciate all those who made this happen.” This project was supported by many individual contributions and NAWCC.

Johnson 2004 - Annette and Terry Johnson, with the help of the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, completed a conservation easement on 160 acres of their Little Fox Creek Property, which is part of the Foster's Slough wetland complex. This property supports Yellowstone cutthroat and brook trout.

Jolley 2004 - Kent and Jill Jolley, together with the BLM, the Conservation Fund/Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, conserved a keystone piece of property on the Henry's Fork. Surrounded on three sides by the winding Henry's Fork of the Snake River and Texas Slough, the 180-acre Jolley Ranch is a haven for birds of prey and waterfowl.

Kinsey 2004 - Richard and Levin Kinsey put in place an agreement that conserves 80 acres of an important cottonwood corridor along the South Leigh Creek. The thick cottonwood gallery forest provides refuge for a number of wildlife species, habitat structure for Teton Basin's greatest diversity of song bird and raptor species including Great gray owls and is home to the black cottonwood/black hawthorne community, which is considered globally imperiled.

Kirk 2002 - Jerry and Viesia Kirk protected a keystone property at the confluence of Teton Creek and the Teton River. This 167-acre property is an important area for cutthroat trout, big game and waterfowl. “Viesia and I are very grateful for the commitment and effort of everyone at the Land Trust to help us preserve, protect and enhance our property,” said Jerry Kirk. “Because of the meaningful work they do, we would encourage everyone in Teton Valley to support this organization.”

Klausmann 1999 & 2001 - James and Jacklyn Klausmann put 80 acres of their Two Forks property under easement. With the help of their son Jeff of Intermountain Aquatics, the Klausmann's enhanced their property for waterfowl habitat with a 30-acre shallow pond. In their second easement, the Klausmanns protected another 245 acres of wetlands near the Teton River. This property is an important link between other protected wetland properties.

Kruse 1997 - Joe and LaVerne Kruse put their 800-acre farm on Pine Creek Bench in Swan Valley under easement to protect the outstanding farmland and wildlife habitat. This property includes 570 acres of cultivated ground and two miles of spectacular Pine Creek Canyon, a primary cutthroat trout spawning stream. Natalie Kruse wrote, "The Kruses are still able to own, work, and enjoy the land which has been in my family for four generations. For this, I am truly grateful."

Lee & Seely 1996 - In Fremont County, Bob and Gwen Lee and their partners Sylvan and Gail Seely, protected their 400-acre Henry's Fork Ranch. The property, north of Ashton, includes irrigated farmland and brush- and timber-covered wildlife habitats above the river. Bob Lee wrote, "we want to keep the Ranch undeveloped with the exception of two small sites which could be developed for personal summer homes. The irrigable land (100 acres) will continue to be farmed, and the remainder might be used for grazing."

Lufkin 1999 - On the South Fork of the Snake River, Carma and Doyle Lufkin set aside 151 acres of Goe Flat, protecting incredible cottonwood corridors and big game habitat. This easement was facilitated with Land and Water Conservation Funds through the Bureau of Land Management.

Lundquist 2003 - Gary and Sandra Lundquist of Rigby completed a bargain sale of a conservation easement on 100 acres on the northeastern edge of Foster's Slough, with help from the State of Idaho and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council. The Lundquist property is primarily pastureland and wet meadows, with a spring creek tributary of Darby Creek, some wetlands, and a vigorous aspen stand. The wet meadows provide summer pasture for the Lundquist's cattle operation. The property also has high potential for waterbird, moose and cutthroat trout habitat.

Lundquist 2004 - The Lunquist family conserved 1200 acres of land along the river, a beautiful stretch of cottonwood bottomlands, cliffs, and uplands forming the heart of the family's beef cattle operation. "I have witnessed many ranchers' sacrifices to keep their ranch in the family but lose it to development because of the economics of Ranching. I am very pleased to witness the preservation of the Kenneth B. Lundquist Ranch as a working ranch," says Bruce Lundquist.

Mason & Saindon 1999 - Saunders and Mary Mason and their neighbors Donn and Brooke Saindon protected 250 acres of sagebrush and grasslands on the Teton River bench north of Harrop's Bridge, including basalt cliff riverfront at the beginning of the Teton River Canyon.

McGlinsky-Norton 2001 - In the foothills of the Big Hole Mountains, Al and Lee Ann McGlinsky and Boyd and Barbara Norton placed a conservation easement on 253 acres of forest and uplands. This important big game wintering area and raptor habitat is adjacent to the Targhee National Forest. “When we and the Nortons bought the property many years ago, it was always our intention to keep it natural and undeveloped,” said Lee Ann McGlinsky. “We’re really happy we could do this and all the children agree.”

Mithun 1995, 1999 & 2001 - Our first conservation easement was donated by Lew Mithun for his 295-acre Teton Creek property in Teton Valley. In years since, Lew has worked with the Land Trust, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and other partners to restore fish and wetland habitats and develop a grazing system. Lew and Jill Mithun donated a conservation easement in 1999 protecting 347 acres of grazing pastures, wetlands, hay meadows, and waterfowl habitat on the Six Springs Ranch south of Driggs (where the TRLT office is located). The Mithuns donated their third easement, protecting 200 acres along Dick Creek. This property is an important link between spring creeks and the Teton Creek corridor, with forested wetlands and great wildlife habitat. Lew is on the Land Trust board of directors and the recipient of the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2001 Great Blue Heron Award for his wetland conservation efforts.

Nedrow 2002 & 2003 - John and Sheila Nedrow, using federal Farmland Protection funds,conserved 318 acres of prime farmland soils. Along with the significant farmland, the property contains over a mile of river frontage, some wetlands, and aspen and cottonwood stands. These habitats are significant for both sage grouse and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, which breed within a few miles of the property. With its proximity to the river, Island Park Caldera, and the Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area, it is also valuable habitat for migrating elk, moose and deer. In 2003, the Nedrows conserved an additional 215 acres that contains wetlands, flood plains and riparian habitats vital to the protection of wildlife populations. This property supports a diversity of wildlife species, including threatened, endangered and sensitive species such as the trumpeter swan.

Payson & Alkire 1997 - George Payson and Gilman Alkire donated an easement on their spectacular 125-acre property on North Leigh Creek. In the foothills of the Teton Range, this property comprises vital wetlands, lush willow and aspen stands, big-game winter range and hay ground.

Robinson 1998 - Bill Robinson protected 760 acres of agricultural land and forested uplands in the northeast corner of Teton County. Robinson's Tepee Creek Ranch includes tremendous open spaces and wildlife habitat.

Rudd 2001 - The Francis K. Rudd Family placed a conservation easement on their 307-acre Paradise Ranch on the South Fork of the Snake River. The Rudds protected outstanding scenic resources of the river corridor and important wildlife habitat. "We would like to thank the Teton Regional Land Trust and the United States Bureau of Land Management for all their effort toward the protection of the Paradise property," said the Rudd Family. "Without their focus on the protection of the South Fork Canyon and the superlative natural resources it holds, this conservation easement could have never been accomplished."

Sands 1996 - Protecting a large great blue heron rookery and rare wetland plants near the Teton River, Charlie Sands put his 160-acre property under easement. This bottomland in Teton Basin is also important open space and big game habitat.

Scafe, Sturm & Fabian 1999 - Three families worked together to protect 85 acres of Fall River corridor, farmland and wildlife habitat. Walter and Shirly Scafe and Michael Fabian each put easements on 40 acres, while Ralph and Pat Sturm protected 5 acres.

Scofield-Mohr 2002 - Dean Scofield and Connie Mohr conserved a valuable piece of Teton Valley history when they placed the Land Trust's first historic/scenic conservation easement on the 40-acre Hollingshead Homestead. This easement protects the unique architecture of the homestead buildings and fantastic scenery in northwestern Teton County.

Scott 2003 - Ron and Dianne Scott have placed a conservation easement on 144 acres in Jefferson County. The property contains portions of important shorebird and waterfowl migratory and wintering habitat for species of special concern such as sandhill cranes. It also supports a diversity of wildlife, including federal and state listed threatened, endangered and sensitive species, including bald eagles, and many other species which are dependent upon the property's streams, wetlands, and uplands.

Seeley 1998 & 1999 - Dick and Jan Seeley, Arnold and Judy Seeley, Ernest Seeley, Harold and Clella Seeley, and Raymond and Joyce Seeley protected 160 acres adjacent to Ashton Reservoir. The property includes cultivated farmground, pasture, spectacular scenery, wetlands, big game migration corridors and wildlife habitat. Ernest, Arnold and Judy, and Dick and Jan Seeley put another 477 acres of their Ashton Reservoir property under conservation easement in 1999 for a total of 637 protected acres of farm and grazing lands, wetlands, and big game habitat.

Seely 2003 - Gail and Sylvan Seely have conserved 70 acres in the Texas Slough area, a Madison County property. The property provides habitat for trout, many waterfowl species, shorebirds, nesting sites for red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey, bald eagle foraging areas, and nesting and foraging habitats for many songbirds.

Shields 2001 - A 40-acre wetland near the Teton River was protected with a conservation easement by Pete Shields. Paradise Springs contains meadow wildlife habitat.

Smith 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003 - Boyd and Jill Smith protected 80 acres of land on the east bank of Rainbow Bend of the Teton River. The property represents some of the finest wetlands in Teton Basin. The Smiths have fenced off aspen stands and riparian corridors to protect key habitats. In 2001, the Smiths donated another conservation easement, this time on 118 acres at the base of Pine Creek pass. This forested wildlife habitat was already platted for subdivision before the Smiths protected it. “Taking certain lands out of intense development is a way to preserve the Teton Valley way of life and the natural beauty of the land,” said Boyd Smith. “If land is going to be preserved and managed wisely in Teton Valley, it will be the work of individual landowners working with the Land Trust.” In 2002, the Smiths conserved 200 acres on the west bank of the Teton River just upstream of the Teton Creek confluence. And most recently, the Smiths protected a vital 100-acre piece of wetlands and river frontage in Foster's Slough.

Snowdon 2004 - Margot Snowdon donated a conservation easement on her Cosmic Apple Gardens property in Victor, Idaho. This 30-acre easement limits the property use to horticulture and agriculture and allows the farm to contunue to serve the community with healthful organic produce.

Sturm 2003 - Pat and Ralph Sturm's family has been farming on the Fall River in Fremont County since Ralph's grandfather homesteaded the property in the early 1900s. With this heritage in their hearts and an eye to the future, the Sturms placed a conservation easement on 376 acres of their farm, ensuring that the ground will always be available for agriculture and forever protecting the scenic rural open space that is characteristic of Fremont County.

Tilt 2001 - Albert and Chris Tilt donated a conservation easement on their 48-acre property on Dry Ridge in northeastern Teton Valley. The Tilts protected important big game winter range and upland wildlife habitat. "We believe in the work of the Land Trust - it was time to protect our home in Idaho," said Chris Tilt. And that belief in land protection is strong - Albert and Chris have now contributed three conservation easements in three states. Albert has been a leader of Land Trust efforts in the Upper Snake River Valley since the Land Trust's founding ten years ago.

Walker 2001 – James and Jennifer Walker placed a conservation easement on 46 wetland acres in Swan Valley. The Walkers protected vital wildlife habitat and valued scenic resources along Highway 26. This property on Rainey Creek is near the South Fork of the Snake.

Watters 2001 - Timothy Watters protected a 118-acre property at the headwaters of the Teton River from slated development. His conservation easement protects the convergence of Little Pine Creek, Warm Creek and Trail Creek, their associated wetlands and wildlife habitat. “We looked at a lot of property before we found land with this unique mix of water and importance for the entire river ecosystem,” Watters said. “We are very excited to help preserve this land in its current state.” This project was facilitated by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Conservation Fund.

Wilcox 2003 - The Wilcox Brothers, Lynn, Ron and Terry, have protected a 2,037 acre property in Fremont County. The property is situated along the Henry's Fork of the Snake River, an internationally recognized fishery, and shares ecosystems with and contributes to the ecological viability of the Henry's Fork Watershed. The property contains a significant section of Sand Creek, a vital corridor for the migration of big game, waterfowl, and songbird.

Williams 2002 - Gerald and Anne Williams donated a conservation easement on 116 acres of forested habitat on Superior Creek in Horseshoe Canyon.

Wilson 2004 - Bob and Sharmin Wilson donated a conservation easement on 25.16 acres of rich wetland and riparian habitat along the Teton River. This easement protects habitat that is beneficial to species of conservation concern, including bald eagle, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, long-billed curlew, trumpeter swan and riparian nesting birds.

Young 2004 - John and Rosemary Young donated conservation easements that protects 50 acres along the east bank of the Teton River at the confluence of Foster's Slough. The Young property is a hotspot for wildlife, including river shoreline and islands, the mouths of three major tributary streams (Foster's Slough, Fish Creek and Darby Creek), wetlands and associated uplands, and Foster's Slough itself.

Anonymous 1996 - An anonymous donor donated an easement on an 80-acre property on Drake Creek in Teton Valley. Located in the foothills of the Big Hole Mountains near the National Forest, this property is important wildlife habitat with its aspen and spruce-fir stands.

Anonymous 2004 - An anonymous donor donated an easement on a 40-acre property on the Teton River in Teton Valley. Special features of this property include plants and animals that are rare or sensitive species because of their ecological roles, and high quality native plant and animal habitats.