South Wellsville Preserve
March 24, 2025 - Bear River Land Conservancy is proud to announce the successful conservation of over 2,700 acres in the southern Wellsville Mountain range, ensuring the long-term protection of critical agricultural lands, vital water resources, and key wildlife habitats.
This property safeguards important agricultural rangeland, preserving open space that has supported local food and fiber production for more than a century. The conservation easement placed on the property ensures that this legacy continues, maintaining the land’s productive use for future generations.
“As I look forward to the future of Cache Valley and northern Utah, I know that every acre we conserve will become a community treasure for generations to come. This place we live in is very special, but the secret is out and development is coming. These 2700 acres protect critical habitat and water for our communities, and it is amazing to think that in 100 years this open space will still be here, open, undeveloped, protecting our heritage and the values that make this place unique. I am honored to be part of conserving one of the last remaining large-scale agricultural properties we have in our region.” - Gabriel Murray, Executive Director
Beyond its agricultural significance, this land also plays a crucial role in protecting the viewshed of Southern Cache Valley and providing essential habitat for upland bird species, including the Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. The property is home to an active lek, a critical breeding ground for this at-risk species. Conservation of this land will help maintain the delicate balance necessary for the long-term survival of these birds and other wildlife.
A lek is an annual mating ritual for grouse, and involves some very interesting dancing. This video does not belong to BRLC, nor was it taken on the South Wellsville Preserve, but it is amazing footage of what this property protects.
​Water resource conservation is another key victory of this project. The property contains primary and secondary recharge zones for the local aquifer and groundwater system. It also protects the headwaters of the Little Bear River, with several natural springs on the property. By ensuring that these water resources remain protected, BRLC has taken a significant step in securing clean and sustainable water for the region.
This conservation success would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following organizations for their contributions:
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The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE), which provided essential funding for this effort.
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The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, which contributed through the LeRay McAllister Working Farm & Ranch Fund.
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The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which provided critical support to our staff in bringing this project to completion.
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The Nature Conservancy of Utah, whose ongoing support has been critical to the closing of this easement and several others.
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Summit Land Conservancy, whose technical support and professional guidance has been invaluable throughout this project and others.
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Most importantly, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the landowner, who has chosen to leave this land as a lasting legacy. Their commitment to conservation ensures that these acres will remain protected for generations to come. We respect their request for privacy and celebrate their dedication to preserving Utah’s open spaces.
This project is a testament to the power of agricultural and conservation partnerships and the importance of proactive land stewardship. Bear River Land Conservancy remains committed to protecting the lands and waters that sustain our communities, our wildlife, and our agricultural heritage.
