Conservation Continues in the Boulder Valley

The Green River Valley Program of the Jackson Hole Land Trust is happy to announce the completion of another conservation easement in Sublette County. Boulder Draw Conservation Easement is a unique 400-acre property in Boulder, Wyoming, that preserves family ranchlands, open spaces, and wildlife habitat in perpetuity while adding to the network of protected lands in Boulder and along the Wind River Front.

Protection of Boulder Draw will prevent subdivision and development on a property that balances a long history of agriculture with important habitat for resident and migratory wildlife. Safeguarding the landscape connectivity of the property protects critical winter range for elk and habitat for mule deer and moose in the warmer months by limiting human disturbances that can negatively impact ungulates.

Located in the Daniel Sage-Grouse Core Area, Boulder Draw’s sagebrush uplands and irrigated pastures support riparian vegetation and wet meadows, providing vital brood-rearing areas that stay green longer into the dry summer months when sagebrush habitat dries out. These wet meadows are also important nesting habitat for sandhill cranes and long-billed curlews, a Wyoming Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Open spaces provide hunting areas for birds of prey, such as Swainson’s hawks, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and more. Carnivores such as coyotes, foxes, and badgers may capitalize on the open, undisturbed habitat for cover, forage, and raising young.

Boulder Draw safeguards the region’s important ranching legacy and will keep its working lands in the hands of the ranching family that has long stewarded it. Several other conservation easements have been established in the immediate area, and Boulder Draw contributes to the agricultural heritage that has long defined the humble, tight-knit community of Boulder. “We appreciate all the hard work and time that went into making this easement possible and it will certainly help maintain the beauty and productivity as well as a haven for wildlife in this special Boulder Valley,” the landowner reflected.

“Boulder Draw is a perfect example of what conservation easements can do for ranching families,” adds Green River Valley Program Director Kerry Gold. “Their decision to place a conservation easement on their property will forever protect their operation and help future generations keep ranching. I deeply appreciate the Boulder Draw family’s patience and commitment to the protection process.”

This conservation success would not be possible without the support of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, and Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition.