Conservation Easement Saves 6,000 Acres

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  September 2, 2015.  Dan Dygert, Birch Creek Ranch and Sott Walker, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, announced the completion of  a new Conservation Easement Project that they have been working on with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for two years. This will preserve over 6,000 acres In a very beautiful area.  It will still be used for agricultural and hunting, but now no buildings will be built on this open space near Woodruff.

 Phase 1 was accomplished  in  partnership  with the Rocky Mountain Elk foundation.  This phase was donated. Phase II received funding from McAllister Fund to by development easements so that now the entire ranch will be preserved.  This supports a wild life corridor for large game animals as well as providing habitat to sage grouse and other game birds.

Birch Creek Ranch can continue to ruse the area for agricultural and hunting  purposes, conservation easements don’t  affect livestock trail rights either, but there will be no buildings or development on the property.  It helps to preserve the agricultural nature of the area. It is beneficial for both big game and sage grouse and  will protect vistas along Highway 30.