Evans Ranch Easement
One of the great pleasures of our work comes from learning about the history of the lands on which we live. Occasionally, we get to work on a project which holds cultural and historical significance as well as providing critical habitat, and supporting local agriculture. The Evans Ranch Easement is one such project, safeguarding over 1000 acres of precious ranchland, open space, and wildlife habitat in Cache County, Utah. Upland birds such as sharp-tailed grouse and chukars live on the land and it serves as crucial winter habitat for mule deer and elk. The land also protects the Sagwich Basin, a place of cultural and historical significance for local indigenous tribes.
According to Darren Parry, former Chairman of the Northwest Band of the Shoshone, Sagwich Basin “was a home, a burial ground, a refuge from war, a fall encampment, and a lookout at a point where four different canyons come together into a small valley. Preserved lands like this easement provide a critical resource for future generations by allowing us to learn, grow, and remember.”
BRLC is deeply appreciative to landowners who enter into these voluntary agreements to conserve public and historic values on their lands. As the landowner said during the easement process, “This has been a special place for us. It is one of those places that needs to be conserved. It is probably the most critical deer and elk winter range in this end of the valley. It is important for the wildlife, it is important for Sagwich Basin. It is just a real special place.”
Funding for this project was made possible by a collaborative effort involving NRCS’s ACEP/ALE Program, Utah’s LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund, the Heart of the Rockies Initiative - Keep It Connected Program, and other private funding sources. We would also like to thank Summit Land Conservancy for their technical assistance and support on this project.
Together with our partners, we continue to expand conservation opportunities for private landowners in the Bear River Watershed, preserving the region's natural and historic heritage.
