perspectives on
Land
Antelope Valley Ranch in the spring, photo courtesy of Hall & Hall
Antelope Valley Ranch: A Haven for Wildlife
F rom Craters of the Moon
National Monument and north
all the way to the Salmon River,
there is only one paved road. This
vast wild area, comprised primarily
of public lands in the Sawtooth and
Challis National Forests, encompasses
familiar mountain ranges including
the Pioneers and White Knobs as well
as backcountry destinations such as
Copper Basin and Wildhorse Canyon.
This unfragmented area supports large
carnivores and iconic species includ-
ing pronghorn, sage-grouse, mule deer,
elk, wolves, mountain lions, black
bears, mountain goats, and wolverine.
A publication of Wood River Land Trust
www.woodriverlandtrust.org info@woodriverlandtrust.org
Wood River Land Trust
spring 2008
On the eastern edge of this wild and
natural landscape lies Antelope Valley
Ranch.
Photo: Conservation Seeding & Restoration, Inc.
The 2,667-acre Antelope Valley
Ranch is a working cattle ranch and
a haven for wildlife located 14 miles
south of Mackay, just over the Pioneer
Mountains from the Wood River Valley.
In December 2007, ranch owners Jon
Manetta and Kathryn McQuade forever
protected this critical piece of private
land by donating a conservation agree-
ment to Wood River Land Trust. This
agreement ensures that the land can Protecting the heart
remain a working cattle operation of the valley...now and
Continued on page 9
for the future.
 who we are
Thoughts from Executive Director, Scott Boettger
T he other day I was asked what had been my greatest
accomplishment since becoming Executive Director of
Wood River Land Trust. I instinctively thought back over
the last 5 to 10 years to recall some long ago project, but I
quickly realized that the “greatest” wasn’t something from
long ago but actually was just
last year.
Hands down, 2007 was
the best year, on all fronts,
Wood River Land Trust has
ever had.
Early in the year, with the
generous support of donors,
we were able to purchase a
home for staff housing. The
historic building next door
to our office currently houses
one employee, but plans are
underfoot to expand, restore,
and rehabilitate the old build-
ing to house two additional
employees (perhaps interns
year round).
The Draper Wood River
Preserve was also completed
in 2007, tying together many
past river and riparian projects
The Best of Times Meet our Staff
Diane Kahm, Development Assistant
Trout Friendly Lawns
now protected 9,434 acres.
2007 also saw unprecedented successes in our fund-
raising and membership efforts, ensuring a secure and
protect our river, keep A n always friendly voice at the Wood River Land Trust
office is Development Assistant Diane Kahm. Diane
and her husband, John, moved to the Wood River Valley from
sustainable effort for protecting and stewarding lands
in perpetuity. I feel this increased support is in direct
water clean for fish, and Seattle in 2001 after visiting the valley for years to hike in the
fall and visit nearby family.
correlation to our continued
efforts to educate, inform, and
can save you money! Having left behind
a 25-year career as a
Simba Springs sometimes just remind every- corporate travel agent
one in the valley (residents in Seattle, Diane began
Mackay
Hi
and visitors alike) about the
majesty of this valley and how
Trout friendly practices volunteering regularly at
Wood River Land Trust
in 2003 and joined the
gh
wa
y 93
vital it is to protect the natural
values, often indescribable but include changing watering staff part-time in 2004.
She has also volunteered
Antelope Valley Ranch
deeply felt, of the land that
surrounds us and gives us a schedules and using with the Animal Shelter,
home. The Nature Conservancy
Lower Board Ranch Some of the events and organic fertilizers. (where John works), and
the Hunger Coalition.
programs for the past year
Ketchum Diane’s part-time
included our Trout Friendly Diane Kahm skiing in the North Valley
Lawns program and the Heart work allows her plenty
of the Valley Contest, two of time to enjoy the outdoors. Diane and John began tandem
Draper Wood River Preserve programs that reach different bicycling in 1980 on a custom Davidson that they still have.
Croesus Hailey
audiences throughout the val- She describes their jump into the sport as a way for her to keep
Creek Colorado Gulch up with her husband; they have biked through Yellowstone
Bellevue ley and show the diversity of
20 our focus and reach. One of twice and have taken the tandem on a trip through Yorkshire.
way When not on the tandem, Diane enjoys hiking year-round and
High our greatest strengths is that
our efforts are timeless and classic skiing in the winter. The colorful flowers from her gar-
75

in the heart of Hailey by pro- available to all. den are a cheerful addition to the office throughout the sum-
way

tecting 80 acres and ½ mile 2007 Preserves And 2008 is starting off mer as are her chocolate chip and melting moments cookies
High

of Big Wood River frontage. 2007 Conservation where 2007 ended. Sheep Contact Kathryn Goldman at 788-3947 or any time of year!
The trade with the State of Bridge Canyon, the purchase While she had the opportunity to travel all over the world
Shoshone
Agreements kgoldman@woodriverlandtrust.org to learn during her career as a travel agent, Diane is very happy to call
Idaho, which created the pre- of which is slated for comple-
serve, also included a 40-acre Barbara Farm II tion early this spring, will be more about how you can certify your lawn the Wood River Valley home.
parcel that became a link for the largest riverfront property Trout Friendly.
further river protection and we have purchased to date and Clear Water by Joy Koespel, entry in the 2007 Heart of the Valley Contest
public access downstream when the 103-acre Preserve at will protect wildlife, scenic views, public access, and
Colorado Gulch conservation agreement (to be featured in river resources well beyond its 306 acres.
our summer newsletter) was donated at the end of the year. These may be the best of times for Wood River
That parcel brought to six the number of voluntary conser- Land Trust and correspondingly for all residents of the
vation agreements received by Wood River Land Trust in valley—both human and wild. Golden opportunities
2007—the most ever in one year. With these six agreements lie ahead!
protecting nearly 4,000 acres, Wood River Land Trust has
 connecting to the land
Fourth Annual Heart of the Valley Submissions Define the
Elements that Make the Wood River Valley Home
WINNERS!
Narrative Writing
T his year’s Heart of the Valley Contest asked writers
and photographers to explore the elements that set
the Wood River Valley apart from other mountain commu-
1st Place—Eternity by Marly Morgus nities. Entries flowing into our office portrayed the myriad
2nd Place—The Importance of Having Ernest recreational opportunities to be had on the Big Wood River
by Lee Brown and in our nearby mountain ranges as well as unique aspects
3rd Place—Sage Time by Harry Weekes
of our landscape and local history. The unifying thread
weaving through the body of submissions is the idea that the
Staff Favorite (chosen from both narrative
Wood River Valley is a community: an active, engaged, par-
and poetry entries)
Big Wood River by Amaya Ingram ticipatory community comprised of individuals who love the
land and their neighbors and who are eager to be involved
Poetry in the many pursuits the area affords.
1st Place—Ochre Ringlets by Hank Dart Thank you to everyone who submitted a piece (or
2nd Place—Boulders by La’akea Smith pieces) to this year’s contest and to everyone who attended
3rd Place—Tension by Chris McAvoy the host of contest-related events throughout the winter!
Please visit the Community page of our website—
Photography www.woodriverlandtrust.org/community—to view this year’s
1st Place—The Sun Sets on Quigley winning submissions.
by Larry Barnes
2nd Place—One Less Car by Beverly
Robertson
3rd Place—Riverside Sandals by Cody
Boeger

Staff Favorite
South Valley by Patricia Bolding

Honorable Mentions
The Sun Sets on Quigley by Larry Barnes, First Place
• South Valley by Patricia Bolding
• One Fly by Joshua Wells
• Snowy Trail by Maria Parkhill
• Dollar and Baldy by Beverly Robertson

Prizes generously donated by: Heather Kimmel (right) awards Patricia Bolding (left) the Staff
Favorite award for her photograph, South Valley, at the awards
reception at Images of Nature Gallery

Sponsored by:
Special thanks to:

One Less Car by Beverly Robertson, Second Place Riverside Sandals by Cody Boeger, Third Place South Valley by Patricia Bolding,
Staff Favorite
 connecting to the land
Protecting Warm
Springs Creek
I n 2007, Wood River Land Trust
worked with Bing and Debra
Gordon to protect nearly 14 acres
of land along Warm Springs Creek.
The Gordons established a voluntary
conservation agreement that prohibits
development and protects wildlife
habitat in the sensitive areas around
the creek and spring-fed pond. The
agreement benefits an array of wildlife
including elk, deer, rainbow trout, and
Wood River sculpin.
Protecting the area from develop-
ment will guard against erosion on the
banks of Warm Springs Creek during
high water events and keep water
clean. The native trees, shrubs, and
grasses along the creek also provide
food and nesting cover for migratory
birds such as yellow warblers and com-
mon yellowthroats and year-round
residents like song sparrows.
Time Out To Preen by Larry Barnes, entry in
2007 Heart of the Valley Contest
Success in 2007
A Second Barbara Farm Conservation Agreement
O nce again, Judy and Fred Brossy of
Barbara Farm have gone beyond simply
using organic practices to protect the natural
and agricultural landscape. In 2005, they
facilitated a conservation agreement with
Wood River Land Trust to protect nearly 400
acres of prime farmland and wildlife habitat
along the Little Wood River near Shoshone.
At the end of 2007, they permanently pro-
tected an additional 138 acres of working
farmland, rangeland, and open space.
Bing and Debra Gordon
In 2007, an additional 138 acres of working
farmland, rangeland, and open space were
protected at Barbara Farm
Lincoln County, where Barbara Farm is located, has
experienced population growth of nearly 40% in the
past 25 years, and residents of the region continue to
witness the conversion of productive farmland and sage-
brush steppe to residential development. The Brossys’
second conservation agreement preserves habitat for
native plants and animals and guarantees that farming
can continue on their land.
Barbara Farm provides seasonal homes for a number
of wildlife species that require sagebrush for survival
including greater sage-grouse. It also ensures animals
can roam freely between the proposed wilderness area
on public lands adjacent to Barbara Farm and the Little
Wood River. Some of Barbara Farm’s wild denizens
include birds of prey, mule deer, songbirds, upland game
birds, and a variety of small mammals.
Prevention of residential development will permit
limited grazing to continue, maintain scenic views, sup-
port native pollinators, and avoid potential conflicts
between different land uses on the property. Preserving
these farmlands also ensures communities in the Wood
River Valley and beyond can continue to enjoy delicious
local produce.
Autumn harvest at Barbara Farm
 thank you
for helping us achieve our goals
2007 Business & In-Kind Supporters
Alpine Tree Service, Pat Rainey
“We are happy to work with
Sotheby’s International Realty, Gayle Stevenson
The American Legion Elizabeth and John Stevenson Wood River Land Trust and
Lyn and David Anderson Sturtevant’s Mountain Outfitters
Blue Heron Workshop
believe that together we will be
Sun Valley Brewing Company
Lee Brown Sun Valley Magazine good stewards of the land.”
Catering by Ric Lum Chris Thompson
— Kathryn Manetta, conservation
Clemens Associates Robyn Watson agreement donor
Scott Featherstone Doug Werth
Glacier Graphics, Jennifer Self Gerald and Maryanne Whitcomb
Susan and Ron Green
Cherry Creek snakes through Antelope Valley Ranch
Leslie and Jack Hanks
Mike Howard Share the Spirit Raises Over
Antelope Valley Ranch:
Iconoclast Books $10,000 A Haven for Wildlife
Idaho’s Bounty
Images of Nature Gallery
Marsha and Kip Ingham T his year’s Share the Spirit weekend at Silver Creek Outfitters
raised over $10,000 to further Wood River Land Trust’s pro-
tection of the land, water, and wildlife habitat that make the Valley
Continued from page 1
while also protecting habitat for pronghorn, sage-
Daphne and Pen King home. Next time you’re in Silver Creek Outfitters, please take a grouse, mule deer, and elk. The Ranch is bisected by
Lava Lake Land and Livestock, LLC moment to thank Terry Ring and his staff for their ongoing support! Antelope Creek, a tributary of the Big Lost River, and
Thanks too to Steve Riccabona for a beautifully catered reception contains several smaller creeks and springs that are
Marlene and Bill Lehman
to kick off the Share the Spirit festivities! frequented by resident and migrating wildlife. Deer hide in brush near the creek
Mathieu Computer Jon Manetta and Kathryn McQuade purchased
The Nature Conservancy of Idaho Antelope Valley Ranch a few years ago and immedi- Land Trust and believe that together we will be good
ately started getting to know the place. They watch stewards of the land.”
Esther and Michael Ochsman
Patagonia
Thank you for Helping Us the pronghorn moving from the hills into the valley Protecting private land in lower elevation valleys
bottom; they anticipate the sage-grouse congregat- and river bottoms, such as Antelope Valley Ranch,
Evelyn Backman Phillips Meet Our Challenge ing on their traditional mating ground in the spring; ensures that wildlife living on our extensive public
lands remains viable. Jon and Kathryn’s donation
Rasberrys Your generous year-end support helped us exceed they keep track of the weasel and her litter of young
that have made a home under the front porch of the not only preserves their 2,700-acre ranch; it contrib-
Red Canoe Architecture our largest ever Challenge Grant goal. Meeting this ranch house. Kathryn recounts the first time she utes to the thousands of acres of forested hills, alpine
Riccabona’s, Steve & Victoria Riccabona challenge helps us continue to protect our local and Jon saw the ranch: “We knew that it was very peaks, and mountain streams surrounding it. We are
John Seiller land, water, and wildlife habitat. With your help, we special. The size and location of the property and its grateful for their generous and lasting gift.
Silver Creek Outfitters remoteness made it a very unique property, especially
have now permanently protected 9,343 acres in the
for the wildlife. From the beginning, we knew that
Starbucks “Make Your Mark” Wood River Valley and its surrounding areas! we wanted to preserve this environment for future
Volunteer Program generations. We are happy to work with Wood River
 other news
Help Us Protect Sheep Bridge Canyon!
“Ochre Ringlets” by Hank Dart, 1st Place, Poetry Division, 2007 Heart of the Valley Contest We are 95% of the way there, but need your help to raise the final 5%.
I have run the ridges with Ochre Ringlets
Cloistered in their yellow light
Traveling from rock to tree
The magic remains, tested too often
Yet, wildflowers will stretch across the
spring-cleared lands
W e need your help to protect 306 acres in Sheep Bridge Canyon
including over a mile of Big Wood River frontage four miles west
of Timmerman junction. Sheep Bridge Canyon is home to bald eagles Highway 75
To Bellevue
And maybe a bit further Breathing colors onto the and other raptors and is an important migration corridor for large numbers
In light conversation reshaped landscape of antelope, elk, and mule deer that pass through the area each spring and
And I will find myself again up on the ridges fall. You’ll also find trout spawning in the canyon’s cold, clear water as 0
hway 2
Mostly, hellos and goodbyes. Looking for the yellow light. they make their way from Magic Reservoir. Hig
Wood River Land Trust has been offered Sheep Bridge Canyon at a
I offer my hand to make it feel more real We have so much to talk about. bargain sale price of $800,000—less than 40% of the appraised value. We
The way touching a river brings to life are 95% of the way there, but need your help to raise the final 5%. Your
its true measure. donation to the Sheep Bridge Canyon Project by April 1st will ensure this
Then with a gust of wind or area is protected so large game animals have room to roam and the areas
Visit the Building

r
Ri

ve
Ro
change of purpose around rivers and streams remain healthy for an array of wildlife, raptors, ck od
They flutter off, Material Thrift Store To C ree k Wo
and songbirds. Fairfield Big
at its new location
And I go on. - 3930 S. Woodside -
(208) 788-0014
Now the cooling air lulls the land to sleep.
And it is well past their time. www.buildingmaterialthriftstore.org
So I run alone
Among the fallen leaves and patches of snow
The charred, ink-black earth of
summer’s fire.

Long shadows meld with the ash that

soften my steps Board of Directors WRLT Staff Advisory Committee
Scott Boettger David Anderson
And I breathe. Clark Gerhardt, President
Ed Cutter, Vice President Executive Director Peter Becker
Breathe and look across the new-open
Joan Swift, Treasurer Morgan Buckert Ranney Draper
spaces that Membership Assistant Rebekah Helzel
Robin Garwood, Secretary
Smell of cinder and dirt and drying grass. Jerry Bashaw Dave Parrish
Melanie Dahl
John Flattery Executive Assistant Larry Schoen
I can see the trails continuing on Trent Jones Kate Giese
John Seiller
Stitched across the hills and valleys Heather King Director of Conservation Bruce Tidwell
Holding together the green and the black, Jack Kueneman
Kathryn Goldman This newsletter
Living and dead. Bill Lehman Project Coordinator
is published by:
Liz Mitchell
Diane Kahm
John Fell Stevenson Wood River Land Trust
Snow will soon cloak this all Steve Strandberg
Development Assistant
119 East Bullion Street
Then we’ll wait Tom Swift
Heather Kimmel
Hailey, Idaho 83333
Program & Membership
For rhizome and root, deep seed Barbara Thrasher Coordinator 208-788-3947 (telephone)
and nematode Doris Tunney
Robyn Watson 208-788-5991 (fax)
To heal the scars, Liz Warrick Major Gifts Officer info@woodriverlandtrust.org
And consider ourselves lucky. Nathan Welch www.woodriverlandtrust.org
Planning Coordinator Tax ID# 82-0474191

The Big Wood River running through

Sheep Bridge Canyon in late spring
 NON-PROFIT
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 21
83333
119 East Bullion Street
Hailey, Idaho 83333
www.woodriverlandtrust.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Printed on recycled paper

using soy-based inks

spring 2008
In This issue:
Antelope Valley Ranch:
A Haven for Wildlife, page 1

The Best of Times, page 2

4th Annual Heart of the

Valley Submissions Define
the Elements that Make the
Wood River Valley Home,
page 4

Protecting Warm Springs

Creek, page 6

A Second Barbara Farm

Conservation Agreement,
page 7

Help Us Protect Sheep

Bridge Canyon, page 11
Acres permanently protected with your support: 9,343
Spring Leaves by Anne Jeffrey, entry in 2007 Heart of the Valley Contest