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perspectives on

Land

Wood River Land Trust

f all 2 0 0 7
The cottonwood forest trail at Draper Wood River Preserve

Hailey Preserve Grows by 80 Acres


and Gets New Name
H ailey residents and Wood River
Land Trust are celebrating the com-
pletion of a long-anticipated land trade that
Gore and Ashworth donated 2.3 acres, and
the Cedar Bend Preserve was born. An
opportunity to purchase 2.2 adjacent acres
expanded the Cedar Bend Preserve from 4.5 at a bargain rate arose in 2003, leading
to 84.5 acres. Wood River Land Trust first to a successful fundraising campaign that
identified the area for protection in 1997 expanded the Preserve to 4.5 acres.
as part of an effort to create a protected In mid-July, after more than two years
greenway along the Big Wood River in of discussion and negotiation, Wood River
Hailey. The greenway would protect Land Trust received 120 acres of land pre-
healthy river function and wildlife habitat, viously owned by the Idaho Department
lessen impacts of flooding, and provide a of Lands including a ½ mile of Big Wood
place to enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, River frontage in Hailey in exchange for a
and bird watching year-round. 4.6-acre lot in Indian Creek. 80 of these Protecting the heart
The first step towards protecting this acres are adjacent to the Cedar Bend
riverfront area came with a donation from Preserve, making the new preserve an of the valley...now and
Ernie Gore and Cheri Ashworth in 2001. expansive 84.5 acres in the center of town. for the future.
As part of the new Cedar Bend subdivision, Continued on page 5

A publication of Wood River Land Trust


www.woodriverlandtrust.org info@woodriverlandtrust.org
who we are
Bill Burnham open space and other environmentally
sensitive land. “I became more and more
Board Member concerned,” he says, “about ways to
ensure that sensitive areas throughout

I n the late 80s and early 90s, Bill


and his wife, Kaye, took many sum-
mer trips to western resort areas hoping
the Valley were protected and preserved
for generations to come . . . After dis-
cussing this with my friend and former-
to find the perfect second home town. Board President of the Land Trust, John
Although they loved to ski, they want- Flattery, it became obvious that the best
ed to experience the mountains, rivers, way for me to pursue these goals was
streams, forests, and wildlife during the to get involved with Wood River Land
glorious summer months. Their deci- Trust.”
sion to settle in the Wood River Valley Bill has been a member of Wood
turned out to be an easy one—the area’s River Land Trust’s Board of Directors
beauty, its tranquility, the friendly and Kaye and Bill Burnham since 2005. “This is a very active and
involved people, and the recreational involved Board,” says Bill. “The mem-
agreed he would retire early and they
opportunities made it the clear choice. bers are passionate about Wood River
whould move full-time to their home in
They bought a home and moved here Land Trust’s work, and I’m excited to be
Elkhorn.
part-time in 1995. helping the organization meet its goals.”
In 1999 Bill became a member of
Less than two years later Bill missed
the Board of Directors of the Sun Valley
the area so much when at home in
Elkhorn Association. Bill explains that
Atlanta, Georgia, that he and Kaye
the group owns hundreds of acres of

Challenge Grant 2007


For the ninth
consecutive year, Year-End Challenge Goal.............$340,000
Wood River Land
Trust is fortunate Amount Raised as of 8/30........$78,995
to announce a Amount Needed to
2:1 year-end Meet Challenge........................$266,005
challenge grant. Visit the Building
Material Thrift Store
Anonymous donors and our Board of Directors have generously pledged at its new location
$170,000. To receive this gift, we must raise $340,000 by December 31, 2007. - 3930 S. Woodside -
This means that every dollar you donate before the end of the year will be beginning
matched by an additional $.50. November 1, 2007.

The Year-End Challenge provides an excellent opportunity to make your gift go (208) 788-0014
even further in the protection of the Valley’s land, water, and wildlife habitat.
All donations are tax-deductible. Please help us reach our goal today! buildingmaterialthriftstore.org

2
thank you. . .
for helping us achieve our goals
Thanks to All Our Volunteers-
We Couldn’t Do It Without You!
Jeff Adams Jeff Hobart
Joy and Eric Allen Patricia Hull
Ken Anderson Annie Kaiser
Tom Bergin Jenna Kavanagh
Riley Berman Allison Kennedy
Carol Blackburn Hampton King
Florence and Tom Blanchard Chris Koch
Gay Boecker Bob Law
Bobbie Boyer Meribeth Lomkin
Elizabeth Breen Paddy McIlvoy
Carol Brown Erica Miller
Mary Jane Burns Gerry Morrison
Susan Cady Lynea Newcomer
Lynn Campion Patsy Nickum
Mark Caywood Carmen and Ed Northen
Kyle Cole Esther Ochsman
Patrice Cole Nicola Potts
Steve Crosser Kathy Richmond
Art Dahl Jason Roth
Jenny Emory Davidson Becky Smith
Rick Davis Brenda Smith
Linda and Bob Edwards Bob Stevens
Carl Evenson Brett Stevenson
Daralene and John Finnell Reed Stokes John and Jackson in front of Wood River Land Trust’s historic
Polly Frostman Reggie Swindle headquarters
Peter Gray Jennifer Tuohy
Dick Hay
Irene and Michael Healy
Liza Wilson
Elizabeth Zellers Big Thanks to Dedicated
Sarah Hedrick
Summer Interns
W e send out a big thank you to our hardworking
stewardship interns, John McVay and Jackson
Parker. John, who recently completed his master’s degree
from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry College
in Syracuse, created a digital archive of our conservation
agreement documents. Jackson, a student at Eckerd College
in Florida, organized our annual conservation agreement
inspections. Jackson and John both spent long hours work-
ing in the field—maintaining trails, fighting noxious weeds,
and ensuring our lands are well cared for.
We wish the best to Jackson and John as they pursue
their careers in conservation!

Ken Anderson and MJ Burns join an ambitious group of


volunteers for a day of work and fun at Boxcar Bend 3
connecting
Meandering for Mallow Mushroom Madness
T his year’s wildflower hike took place on June
5th at the 17-acre Lake Creek Preserve and
was led once again by botanist Carol Blackburn.
D espite the cold drizzle at
Draper Wood River Preserve
(formerly Cedar Bend Preserve),
The sky looked threatening, but the weather stayed this year’s Mushroom Walk crowd
fine and cool, making the hiking up, up, up the hill was large and enthusiastic. Kathy
not quite so challenging. We saw many native Richmond, Simba Springs conserva-
wildflowers – Globe Mallow, Scarlet Gilia, Hot tion agreement donor and member
Rock Penstemon, Arrow-leaved Balsamroot, and of the Southern Idaho Mycological
Yarrow were just a few. There was also a member Association, led the walk for the
of the Lily Family that Carol had not seen there second year and shared her knowl-
before, and her enthusiasm was infectious. edge about mushrooms.
We hope you’ll join us next year for a fine eve- Kathy shared some pointers
ning hike to see beautiful flowers and panoramic and then sent the hunters to search
views, enjoy convivial company, and learn about throughout the preserve. Most of
our native flora. Or, visit the Preserve on your own the participants hunted for morels,
and let us know what flowers you find! but many mushroom species, both Kathy Richmond displays a
edible and poisonous, were found delicious morel
and identified.
Learning about wildflowers at Lake Creek Preserve

Caddis Capers:
A River Success
A s the fishing season heated up,
local kids headed out to the
River. Silver Creek Outfitters and
Wood River Land Trust teamed up
to create Caddis Capers, a fly-fish-
ing and conservation class for kids.
About ten local youth joined us for
a fun morning on the Big Wood
River.
The kids explored the River
with a stream health scavenger
hunt, learned about entomology, Hoping for fish at Hulen
Meadows Pond
and had a casting clinic in Hulen
Meadows Pond as well as a picnic
lunch. It was an exciting morning
on the Big Wood and everyone was
all smiles by the end of the day. A
special thanks to Terry Ring and
his staff at Silver Creek Outfitters
as well as our great volunteers who
helped make the event a success.

4
to the land
Hailey Preserve Grows by 80
Acres and Gets New Name
Continued from cover

On Wood River Land Trust’s wish list since

Ma
1997, this trade preserves one of the most
popular natural areas in our community. Elm

in
Lions

St.
The area’s cottonwood forest is a crucial
part of the river system, and the trail con- As
Park pe
necting Cedar Bend and Lions Park is used n
year-round for walking, jogging, and snow- Main preserve
shoeing, bird watching, and simply relaxing Entrance
on the banks. In addition to improving
beach
water quality and decreasing flood risks, the
cottonwood forest also provides important
wildlife habitat. Moose, elk, deer, river
ar
Ced
otter, and a variety of birds are commonly heart
seen in the Preserve. tree
Cedar bend
entrance

New
New
swimming
Draper
Draper hole
Former Cedar Bend Preserve
Wood
Wood
River
River Heagle Park
The trade was a success due in part to Preserve
Preserve
the generosity of a number of local residents.
Foremost are Priscilla and Ranney Draper,
who made a leadership gift that enabled
Wood River Land Trust to purchase the lot
used to trade for the State of Idaho land. We
also thank Bruce Smith, owner of Alpine
Enterprises, a local surveying and mapping
company, who sold his 4.6-acre lot in Indian
Creek to Wood River Land Trust at a bar-
gain rate for use as the trade lot.
The Idaho Department of Lands owns A long-anticipated land trade expands the Cedar Bend Preserve from
land for the purpose of generating revenue 4.5 to 84.5 acres
for the state’s schools. Because of its char-
ter, they are not able to make discounted traded to the State. Matt Luck of Preserve was renamed the
trades or bargain sales of land. Therefore, Windermere Realty also generously Draper Wood River Preserve at a
finding land at a comparable value for trade waived his real estate commission. private dedication ceremony on
was essential to the transaction’s success. Thanks to the support of the July 25th in honor of the Draper
Smith’s bargain sale (offering a selling price Drapers, Bruce Smith, and a number Family’s commitment to protect-
below market rate) offer made it possible for of others, 80 acres along the river ing the Big Wood River and its
Wood River Land Trust to raise money from are forever protected and open to cottonwood forests and wildlife
private sources to purchase the lot it then the community. The Cedar Bend habitat.

5
connecting
Tell Us Why You Love Living in the Valley!
E ach year as summer slows and
autumn creeps in, we announce
our annual Heart of the Valley con-
other mountain resort areas—the things
that if taken away would rob us of our
unique identity. It could be local produce
will be displayed and readings of the
short writings will be held through-
out the winter. Submission guide-
test. The theme of this year’s contest, that keeps us healthy, people and places lines are available on our website,
our 4th, is “Sustaining the Heart of our that inspire us, wildlife and unforget- www.woodriverlandtrust.org. You
Valley.” There are countless reasons we table vistas right out the back door, or can also stop by our office or con-
love living in the Wood River Valley. businesses and events that add to the tact Heather Kimmel at 788-3947 or
Some reasons—fabulous skiing, hiking, community’s vitality . . . countless people, hkimmel@woodriverlandtrust.org for
biking, and fishing—are almost uni- places, and things come together to cul- more information.
versally named. Other towns, though, tivate and nurture the bounty that makes
such as Aspen, Jackson, Lake Tahoe, the Wood River Valley home. This year’s contest is generously
and Whistler have these amenities, but That’s this year’s challenge . . . show sponsored by:
we do not long to call them home. us where, within what, or with whom
This year’s contest asks you to this essence is found by sending us your
explore the fundamental elements that photographs and short writings (essays,
set the Wood River Valley apart from poems, and memoirs). Photographs Submissions Due November 16, 2007

Last Chance To Reap


Additional Benefits For
Conservation Donations!
Board of Directors WRLT Staff Advisory Committee
Receive added benefits for conservation Clark Gerhardt, President Scott Boettger
Executive Director
David Anderson
Ed Cutter, Vice President Peter Becker
donations of land in 2007. Joan Swift, Treasurer Morgan Buckert Ranney Draper
Robin Garwood, Secretary Membership Assistant Rebekah Helzel

a temporary law: Jerry Bashaw


William Burnham
Melanie Dahl
Executive Assistant
Dave Parrish
Larry Schoen
• Increases the tax deduction for conservation John Flattery John Seiller
Kate Giese
easement donations from 30% of landowners’ Trent Jones Director of Conservation Bruce Tidwell
income in any year to 50%; Heather King
Kathryn Goldman
Patricia Klahr This newsletter
Project Coordinator
Jack Kueneman is published by:
• Allows qualifying farmers and ranchers to deduct Bill Lehman
Diane Kahm
up to 100% of their income; and Development Assistant Wood River Land Trust
Liz Mitchell
Heather Kimmel 119 East Bullion Street
John Fell Stevenson
Program & Membership Hailey, Idaho 83333
• Increases the number of years over which a Steve Strandberg Coordinator 208-788-3947 (telephone)
donor can take deductions from 6 to 16 years. Tom Swift
Robyn Watson 208-788-5991 (fax)
Chris Thompson Major Gifts Officer info@woodriverlandtrust.org
Barbara Thrasher
These new rules only apply to conservation Nathan Welch www.woodriverlandtrust.org
Doris Tunney Planning Coordinator Tax ID# 82-0474191
agreements and land donations made by December Liz Warrick
31, 2007.

6
to the land
Why We Protected Simba Springs
By Kathy and Dave Richmond of Clayton, Idaho

W hen we first came to Idaho


17 years ago we were struck
by the awesome beauty of this state
and especially the striking mountains
and forests around and just north
of Ketchum. The Boulders, White
Clouds, and Sawtooth Mountains
became a source of inspiration to
us. While caring for sick and dying
patients with cancer and blood
disorders in California was deeply
rewarding and challenging, it was
also immensely stressful. We decided
to look for property in Idaho. On a
skiing trip in 1989, we discovered a
chunk of relatively undisturbed land
with a small home and decided to
purchase Simba Springs, to be used
as a getaway from our frenetic life in
California.
A few years later, after many
vacations from California, we decided
we could no longer bear to stay away
from our new home in Idaho. We An autumn vista at the newly protected
635-acre Simba Springs
picked up lock, stock, and barrel and BLM to Challis
moved to Simba Springs. Suddenly, small creeks and many springs pro- to Stanley
we were surrounded by peace, beauty, vided sustenance to us and our visi-
and contentment. We became aware tors, both human and animal. Salm
on Riv
of the magic of wilderness and wildlife It soon became apparent to us er
HWY 75
surrounding us in our own backyard. that we would need to do some-
Since that time we have become avid thing to ensure that our 635 acres of Simba
preservationists of wild nature and heaven, surrounded on all 4 sides by
wild life. Simba Springs is home to Springs
the SNRA and BLM land, would be
hundreds of species of plants and wild- protected after we died. We had read
life and hosts lots of migrant mega- about conservation agreements and Sawtooth National Recreation Area
fauna including black bears, mountain investigated a couple of organiza-
lions, wolves, martens, lynx, deer, elk, tions who would help us plan for the
and even an occasional pronghorn hours working to assure our agree-
future of Simba Springs. It wasn’t
and mountain goat. We have counted ment was exactly what we needed.
until we interviewed the wonderful
80 species of birds, including bald On April 30, 2007 our Simba Springs
staff at Wood River Land Trust, how-
and golden eagles, northern goshawk, Conservation Easement was finalized
ever, that we knew we had found our
great horned owls, northern pygmy and recorded. We now can rest assured
solution.
owls, as well as many songbirds. that this piece of God’s creation will
Scott Boettger and Kate Giese
Our forest of mature and old growth remain in as pristine a state as possible
and the rest of the staff listened to
Douglas Fir and aspen and our two in perpetuity, thanks to Wood River
all of our concerns and spent many
Land Trust’s commitment.
7
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

fall 2007 Acres Permanently Protected


In This issue: With Your Support: 6,421

Hailey Preserve Grows


by 80 Acres and Gets
New Name
...Page 1

Tell Us Why You Love


Living in the Valley
...Page 6

Why We Protected
Simba Springs
...Page 7

“Golden Day” by Kim Clayton,


Honorable Mention
Photography Division,
2006 Heart of the Valley Contest

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