Conserving, restoring and protecting open lands, special places and wildlife habitat in the Wood River Valley by working cooperatively with private landowners and local communities to assure these lands are protected now and as a legacy for future generations.

The Land BulletinSPRING 2005

Square LakeIn December, 2004, the Wood River Land Trust acquired 320 acres of land 15 miles south of Bellevue in an expedited move to protect sage grouse habitat and shield the property from development. “It’s prime speculative real estate and it’s prime wildlife habitat,” said Land Trust Executive Director Scott Boettger. “We had to move fast if we were going to protect it.” The property is surrounded by public lands, so it is protected beyond its boundaries as well.

Known as Square Lake (or Rye Grass Flat), the land was previously owned by Dan Brown of Bellevue. To preserve this parcel and part of his family’s legacy, Dan offered Square Lake to the Land Trust at consider-ably less than market value. “Our family is proud to be part of this project and see the sage grouse habitat left intact,” Brown com-mented. “We are grateful to the Wood River Land Trust…I don’t see any other way this would have happened without them.”

The Family’s ConnectionDan’s grandfather, John Brown, arrived from Scotland in 1905 and started a sheep operation. In 1927 he purchased the Square Lake property at public auction. Because

A Little ProfileIn the process of protecting Square Lake, the Land Trust discovered that the land may well support another inhabitant. The pygmy rab-bit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is easy to overlook, primarily because of its size (small enough to fit in a cereal bowl), but also because there are so few of them—it is an Idaho species of concern and federal agencies list it as “sensitive.” The rabbit is found in the dry sagebrush country of the Great Basin and is dependent on sagebrush for food and protection.

Two male sage grouse perform their mating display (Photo courtesy of Robert Griffith)

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The decline in pygmy rabbit populations (in Washington, the spe-cies is near extinction) is primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation through development and agricultural practices.

Active pygmy rabbit burrows have been found in this area by Idaho Fish and Game but, since the pygmy rabbit is nocturnal, spotting one is difficult. The little rabbit is most likely there, and it is rewarding to know that another sensi-tive species will benefit from the protec-tion of Square Lake.

FUNDRAISING FOR SQUARE LAKE

A few years ago, thanks to forward-looking supporters, the Wood River Land Trust was able to fund an Open Space Investment Account. Because we had those funds on hand, we were able to move quickly to protect Square Lake. Now, we must replenish that account so that we are prepared for a similar opportunity in the future. Your tax-deductible donation to the Open Space Investment Account will ensure that the Land Trust is prepared to act when the need arises. Thank you!

Square Lake Preserve

BLM landPrivate landState of Idaho

Continued on page 6

Jan PepplerMajor Gifts OfficerJan arrived in the Wood River Valley in December, 2004, and began working with the Land Trust three weeks later. Childhood sum-mers spent on her grand-mother’s Michigan farm

instilled a lifelong desire to settle in a rural area with all the advantages of the natural landscape. A career in nonprofits kept her in cities until now – Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. She has worked with HIV/AIDS and homeless populations, and has directed development, communications, special events, vol-unteer programs and client services. “It’s an honor to be working with the Land Trust helping preserve the beauty and natural resources that all of us in this com-munity enjoy. We’ve got a tremendous team of people passionate about conservation who still find time for fun.”

Kathryn GoldmanProject CoordinatorKathryn has a background in wilderness protection and envi-ronmental campaigns. Her expe-rience includes grassroots orga-nizing and campaign planning for the Colorado Environmental Coalition, and as Conservation Assistant for the Idaho

Conservation League. Originally from New England, Kathryn grew up hiking and skiing in the Green Mountains, and her experiences backcountry skiing and living in the rapidly growing regions of the Rocky Mountain West spurred her interest in land conserva-tion. Kathryn holds an M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana. Last year, she married Carl Evenson in Bellevue at a location overlooking the Big Wood River. “The Big Wood is special to me, and I am so pleased to be working to protect the values that make this community such a wonderful place to live.”

Heather KingBoard Member“I am involved with the Land Trust because we all have a responsibility to take care of the places we know and love. We need to be thought-ful about setting aside open spaces – for the wildlife, the views, and the solace they offer.”

Heather first came to the Wood River Valley in 1969. She and her husband, Wade, have long

supported environmental causes and believe that each of us can make a difference in larger issues by becoming more involved locally.

Heather co-produced A Day in the Life of Africa in 2002, a photodocumentary celebrating the vast African continent; pub-lishing proceeds went to AIDS education in Africa. She spent 15 years in the technology industry, holding executive posts at Apple, NeXT, and Marriner Associates, a consulting firm for educational software companies such as Disney and Discovery Media. She is an author and a guest lecturer at Stanford and Berkeley. She has a BA and MBA from Dartmouth College.

Meet Our Staff

Meet the WRLT Board

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I am asked from time to time why the Land Trust takes public positions on various pro-posed developments during the governmen-tal approval process and, by our involve-ment, is the Land Trust being “used” by the development community to gain approvals it might otherwise not obtain.

The answer to this question is com-plex. First, let me say that Blaine County has the Land Trust on their list of review-ing bodies to solicit public comment each time a new development affecting land

use is proposed. Being asked for recommendations is the result of years of impartial review and creative input by Scott Boettger, our Executive Director, and his staff. Through this review and comment process, the Land Trust has earned the respect of local planning and legislative bodies as a credible, knowledgeable and impartial organization dedicated to protecting what the public has identified to us as being of primary importance, that is, open space and natural wildlife habitat. We do not comment on traffic, utili-ties, or other issues beyond the realm of our expertise and mission.

Second, we are not anti-development. We strive to make developments better by taking into account a new proposal’s impact upon those values we are dedicated to protect. We all know and appreciate that development is inevitable. The challenge is to make future development in keeping with the character of the com-munity and to preserve our environment as best we can for future generations.

Third, we encourage developers to work with us in the early

President’s Message

John Flattery

Heather and her children, Jacqueline, 10, and

Hampton, 13, near Hailey

Kathryn Goldman

Jan Peppler

Continued on page 8

The Land Trust’s Kate Giese pilots the Flying Beaver in this year’s Snowbox Derby

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PROJECT UPDATES

Big Wood River Fishery Assessment: Lessons to DateThe Big Wood River is the defining natural feature of the valley. It offers many recreational opportunities for valley families and visitors, and boasts a nationally recognized sport fishery.

The fishery is a good indicator of the overall health of the river; the healthy fishery tells us we are doing something right in our relationship with the river. But what are we doing that is helpful? What is harmful? And what actions can we take in the future to bet-ter protect our river, land, and communities? The Land Trust’s Big Wood River Fishery Assessment will help community members pri-oritize the work that needs to be done to keep the river healthy.

In Phase I of the Fishery Assessment, the Land Trust compiled the best available habitat studies on the Big Wood’s fishery. Our research indicates that the river’s fishery is essentially limited by the amount and quality of habitat, and water quantity. Wild rainbow trout seek areas with cover, such as root wads or dead trees anchored in the stream channel, and

thrive in these areas. Over time, the river’s wild rainbow trout fishery has been profoundly affected by stream alterations, such as diking, riprap on the banks, moving the river channel, and clearing woody debris (such as cottonwood trees that have fallen into the river) out of the river.

We know that unaltered stretches of river contain 10 times the density of fish over

After two years of planning by the Wood River Land Trust, it took just four days in March to remove the century-old Bullion Bridge abut-ment on the Big Wood River at the entrance to Croy Canyon in Hailey.

The old bridge abutment was not removed when the existing Bullion Bridge was built in the 1970s. Prior to the Clean Water Act, snow-removal crews used to back their trucks onto the old abutment and dump the snow—along with sediments, oil, and other pollutants from city streets—directly into the river, and some trucks used an adjacent area to spill excess cement.

As County Engineer Jim Koonce said during the permitting process for this project, “This is definitely worth doing. It’s practically motherhood and apple pie.” Held together by cables, the deteriorating abutment posed an envi-

ronmental hazard—if it crashed into the river it would have damaged the streambed, adjacent riverfront property, or the existing bridge. The crumbling cement was detrimental to water quality, increasing sediment and inhibiting the health of the fishery. The structure was also an eyesore and, because it stood at the access to a popular hiking trail and the river, presented safety concerns.

After the concrete and steel were removed, angular rock and willows were installed to sta-bilize the lower bank. The upper bank was then graded to a gentler slope which was restored with native plants by volunteers on April 23. Fish habitat will be enhanced by a bank barb and root wad structure that was also installed.

Wood River Land Trust Stewardship Coordinator Kate Giese noted, “This great project would not have been possible without the willing support our many local partners.” We want to express our appreciation to everyone involved: Bruce Lium of American Water Resources, Blaine County, Flood Control District, Department of Environmental Quality, Wood River Resource Conservation and Development, and Deer Creek Ranch which owns the prop-erty where the abutment once stood.

Bullion Bridge

Continued on page 8

The old Bullion Bridge, ca. 1900 (looking east)

Demolition of the old bridge abutment

One hour’s catch from the Big Wood River, early 1900’s

Volunteers planted native vegetation in April

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Camas Prairie HomeBy Pamela Tucker

Pamela Tucker, home on the Camas Prairie farm

Dick and I walked our dogs in fall-ing snow this morning. These days every snowflake is a heavenly gift. This morning’s snow belies the fact that south Idaho is in her sixth year of drought. It is nice to be in drought denial today. Flakes were so thick that they blurred our view. Buckaroo and Max, the dogs, scooped great mouthfuls of the heavy, wet snow and ran with glee. The storm didn’t stop birds from singing spring melodies. Redwing black birds and western mead-owlarks joined in sweet harmony. Only the pair of magnificent sand hill cranes remained quiet; their stately presence graced our day as they slowly strutted along in search of a prairie breakfast.

Our 315-acre farm eight miles north and west of Fairfield and near the base of the Soldier Mountains is the land that first triggered a deeply emotional sense of place in me. It now grows hay and barley

and has grown wheat and grass seed in the past. But its magic is found mostly along a mile of the west fork of Three Mile Creek and in the slough that meanders near the western boundary. A plant survey done by the Wood River Land Trust identified over 300 kinds of plants on the property. Numerous types of birds, antelope, ducks, deer and fox have lived there. I’ve seen snowshoe rabbits, coyotes, badgers, beaver, and squirrels while wandering the farm. For one entire year a handsome moose used the willows along the creek as home base. And views from the farm are open, stunningly beautiful, and filled with character in all four directions.

My love affair with the land began twenty-something years ago. I have greater affection for it with the passage of each year. In 1985, my late husband Stephen Smith and I purchased the farm; Steve was a farmer at heart, having grown up on a small dairy farm in Gooding, while I was pretty much a city kid from Idaho Falls. While Steve was a partner in a successful accounting firm, he often said that if it would “pencil out,” he would be a full-time farmer. In December, 1999, with help from the Wood River Land Trust and Scott

In February, Ojibway Land Activist Joan Jack visited us and shared her experiences as a community leader of Berens River First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. Joan was accompanied by Elder Henry McKay, and through song, prayer, and stories they com-municated their deep connection to their traditional lands.

Berens River Nation is raising aware-ness and funds to develop a land use plan that protects their treaty rights, landscape, and community. This comprehensive plan is needed now in the face of development pres-sures. If you are interested in learning more about the Berens River Nation’s efforts to protect their traditional lands, contact Joan at joanjack@mts.net, or P.O. Box 346, Berens River, Manitoba, Canada R0B 0A0.

Connection to the Land...

“My love affair with the land began twenty-something

years ago.”

An Ojibway Connection

“It is our land relationship that determines who we are

as a nation...”

Joan Jack

Continued on page 7

Through a variety of activities and events, the Wood River Land Trust is encouraging individuals and our communities to explore how deeply the land affects

all our lives—our connection to the land. The series seeks to inspire a greater appreciation for our relationship with the land by highlighting the many ways it

benefits our lives and reminds us of our place in the natural world.

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2004 Photo Contest WinnerThe topic of our first annual photo contest was Connection to the Land. A showing of the top vote-getters was held at the Coffee Grinder and Images of Nature Gallery, and the winner was chosen in December. Sheila Liermann’s photo took top honor. Please turn to our calendar for details about this year’s contest—the topic is “Water’s Gifts.”

10-year-olds Help Celebrate WRLT’s 10th AnniversaryDuring the week of Earth Day last year, as the Wood River Land Trust entered our 10th year of land protection efforts, 4th grade students in val-ley schools heard about and discussed land use and animal habitat in the Wood River Valley. After the presentation, the kids were asked to produce a poster or other artwork that might express their feelings about conservation. As expected, the results were from the heart, with much emphasis on preserving land for wildlife.

Adopt A PreserveThe Wood River Land Trust’s Adopt A Preserve program was initiated this past winter to encourage greater community involvement in the enjoyment and stewardship of natural areas protected by the Land Trust. By being on the land, we can learn what the land requires and why it is important to all of us. A core group of volunteers is spearheading the adop-tion of each of the three preserves.

Cedar Bend In January naturalist Ann Christensen led a tracking event hosted by the Friends of Cedar Bend, which includes Patrice Cole, Dayle Ohlau-Graham, and Liz Zellers. Participants enjoyed a beginner’s course in winter tracking, and Ann com-mented on the wealth of wildlife on the preserve, such as fox, mink, river otter, moose, and a variety of birds. Boxcar BendThe Hemingway Chapter of Trout Unlimited adopted the Land Trust’s Boxcar Bend Preserve on the Big Wood River, a popular fishing spot. Carmen Northen, president of this chapter of TU, said members will improve the riverside, and offer educational opportunities and fly-fishing activities. A clean-up day and barbeque was held May 21.

Howard PreserveJoy Allen and Janet and John Barton head a new group that adopted Bellevue’s Howard Preserve. The Friends of Howard will take on a real stewardship challenge—eradication of noxious weeds. They will work with a management plan developed by the Land Trust staff, who will continue to offer assistance.

We invite you, too, to get out on the land. If you are inter-ested in this program, contact Kate Giese, Stewardship Coordinator, kgiese@woodriverlandtrust.org.

“This is a photograph of my husband mountain biking by North Star Mine above Triumph, and I hope it meets the criteria. I think we revere the

land as it is a place to be solitary from time to time, a place to replenish our spirits—and a place to strengthen our calves.” —Sheila Liermann

Ann Christensen and other trackers at Cedar Bend

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Square Lake had a year-round spring, it was important to many sheep ranchers who regularly brought their trail bands through Square Lake to the Big Wood River, crossing on the swinging bridge just above Magic Reservoir. The lake itself was formed when the current highway was built; John allowed highway workers to scoop road-bed material from the land, producing a square crater that filled with spring-fed water.

Those Amazing Birds Square Lake is critical habitat for greater sage grouse, the largest upland game bird, which relies on the spiky, aromatic sage plant for food, nesting sites, and protec-tion. Once common on the sagebrush plains of the Intermountain West, the sage grouse population has declined by 40% from historic levels as development and other disruptions fragment its habitat.

The purchase of Square Lake ensures protection of this habitat but, more important, preserves a lek, or mating area. Each spring, male sage grouse congregate

Square Lake

Continued from page 1

in the meadow and perform for females, and each other, in an elaborate display. Drawing themselves to full height (24 to 30 inches), they strut, spread their feathers, and inflate and deflate air sacs on their chests to create loud plopping sounds. Seeming disinterested at first, the females ultimately choose their mates. The pairs do not stay together, however, and the hens hatch and care for the chicks.

The Square Lake parcel has 28 acres of wetland—not easy to find in sage-brush country—and provides a home for many other wildlife species including a variety of birds, such as golden eagle, prairie falcon, horned lark, loggerhead shrike, and western meadowlark. Of spe-cial interest is a possible population of pygmy rabbit there, an Idaho Species of Concern.

Looking ForwardIn this first year of ownership, the Land Trust is gathering information. Regional sage grouse experts have joined us on site visits this spring to determine the best way to maintain and improve wildlife habitat at Square Lake. We are exploring management options such as removing tall posts (which serve as perches for raptors that prey on young sage grouse), restoring native grasses and forbs, and installing a fence to manage livestock while the most sensitive habitat recovers.

We are grateful to Dan Brown and his family for their decision to protect Square Lake. With this partnership, the Wood River Land Trust was able to conserve this key piece of wildlife habitat forever—a small local protection effort with big conse-quences. y

Milt AdamDavid and Lyn AndersonJean ArkellLarry BarnesJohn and Shari BehnkeJacob and Ruth BloomRudy and Susan BoeschScott and Sally BoettgerPatricia BoldingJoAnn BoswellDick and Bobbie BoyerDavid BrayDoug and Carol BrownJohn and Louise BrysonBrian and Susan BuckleyMary Ellen CardJohn CharneyAnn and Doug ChristensenCharles Conn and Beverley RobertsonSteve and Mary Kim Deffe’Cecil and Sally DrinkwardPeter and Sara DudgeonChris and Holley duPontS.F. EcclesMartin and Joan ErdheimBill and Helen EvansJim and Sandy FiggeMarcus Finkle

Jack and Suzie FinneyJoan FirmanJohn and Sandra FlatteryPeter and Ginny ForemanRalph Fullerton and Myra FriedmanWolf, Feli and Fynn Funke-RiehleJoseph and Gail GallagherRobin and Lee GarwoodClark and Maria GerhardtMr. and Mrs. George GolleherJim and Mary GoodyearFred Gray and Linda ParkerJohn K. GreeneMaureen GroperEd GrubbBeatrice Ott HaemmerleMike and Francis HawkeyJohn HillDave HillPatsy HuntingtonDenise Jackson FordMaryAnn JenkinsRoss and Martha JenningsCharlie JohnsonJim and Mary JonesJohn and Diane KahmMark Kieckbusch and Kathryn EarhartAnonymousJack and Marie Kueneman

Margot Larsen Ritz/Larsen FundDavid and Lana LatchfordJack Latrobe and Laura ClarkeJames and Allison LuckmanGeorge and Ann MacomberMarie and Edward MatthewsAnthony and Audrey MattosCamille McCrayHal and Sharon McNeeAndrew and Jackie McRobertsDavid and Rebecca MeyersSarah Michael and Bob JonasLarry MonkarshJames MooreGordon and Betty Moore FoundationJames and Carmen MooreAnonymousMarr and Nancy MullenVida NicewarnerGeorge OhrstromDavid OrmsbyJohn and Gloria OsbergRichard Paris and Kathryn WoodsRebecca Patton and R. Thomas GoodrichJim PhillipsKristy PigeonDick and Connie PorterGreg RawlingsThomas and Mary Rees

Elwood and Helen RichLee and Lisa RoweRoger and Kathy SangerJohn SchererTimothy Semones and Susan DeskoLarry and Nancy ShipleyRichard and Nan ShupeLinda SissonGreg and Hanna SkjonsbyMark and Debby SlonimBob and Carol StevensSandy StrongBill and Ginny SwigertJohn and Genie SwyersDoug and Ann TaylorHerb and Julie ThomasChris ThompsonBruce TidwellJared and Cheryl WilliamsJeremy WintersteenMike Wise and Linda ErdmannTed and Candace WittR.B. WoolleyRichard and Rebecca WorstGordon M. Younger

Contributions as of April 15, 2005

Thank you to those who have contributed to the protection of Square Lake

When we’re armed with a historical awareness, we are enriched in every dimension. We can solve complex

questions in the present, ensure our-selves a future, and come to value the importance of place. —Ken Burns

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This winter a report released by the Joint Committee on Taxation stunned the land trust community by proposing large cuts in the available federal tax deductions for land conservation donations. The propos-al, if adopted, would profoundly compro-mise the work of land trusts. Wood River Land Trust board and staff are responding to the report. We need the help of every one of our members and every friend of land conservation to succeed.

The ProposalsThe JCT proposes to make harmful changes to the incentives for easements and donations of land. If a landowner still lives on the property where an easement is donated, no deduction will be allowed. The Joint Committee also proposes limit-ing deductions for conservation easements to only 33% of the easement’s value, down from 100%. And the JCT proposes changing the deductions associated with donations or bargain sales of land by limit-ing such donations to the cost of the land at the time of purchase or, the “basis.” These measures discourage landowners

Congressional Committee Report Threatens Easements By Kathryn Goldman, Project Coordinator

from making generous donations that pro-vide public benefit and penalize long-term landowners, particularly in places like Blaine county where property values have increased dramatically.

Impact on WRLTSaving land is often the guiding principle for donating a conservation easement, but we know that tax deductions play a key role in enabling many individuals and families to make a land conservation donation.

ACT NOW!The Land Trust depends on the tax incen-tives the Joint Committee proposes to re-write. Personal calls and letters to Senator Larry Craig and Senator Mike Crapo asking them to help in fighting these proposals are vital. Please call or fax a letter today, letting both our Senators know that you support our work and want it to continue. A sample letter and more information are on our website at: www.woodriverlandtrust.org

For more information, contact Kathryn Goldman, Project Coordinator at kgoldman@woodriverlandtrust.org or 788-3947.

Personal calls and letters to Senator Larry Craig and Senator Mike Crapo asking

them to help in fighting these proposals are vital. Please call

or fax a letter today.

kThe Honorable Mike Crapo

U.S. Senate239 Dirksen Senate Office

BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510Phone: (202) 224-6142

Fax: (202) 228-1375

k The Honorable Larry Craig

U.S. Senate520 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510Phone: (202) 224-2752

Fax: (202) 228-1067

Warm Springs RanchWith few remaining open space parcels in the North Valley, the Warm Springs develop-ment presents a unique opportunity to create a 35-acre preserve in Ketchum. The Wood River Land Trust con-tinues to work with the current owner and

potential developer of the Warm Springs Ranch to protect the open space and wildlife habitat along Warm Springs Creek.

Under the proposed plan, almost half of the 76-acre property will become a preserve to be owned and managed by the Land Trust. The public will be welcomed to the Preserve to enjoy the restored Warm Springs Creek, hiking and biking trails with small parkland areas and links to Baldy trails, and improved wildlife habitat. Land Trust involvement in this project is helping to cre-ate a community asset that will forever enhance the character of Ketchum.

Boettger, we signed the agreement placing a conservation easement on the land. Steve and I, our pets and family and friends, cherished the land and each moment we spent on it until Steve’s premature death in early 2002. Later that year, on a glorious September afternoon and in accordance with his wishes, I sprinkled his ashes on the farm.

The two and a half years since that sadly perfect September afternoon have brought changes so radical that I must still sometimes stop to catch my breath. I am very hap-pily married to Dick Tucker. Last November we moved into Fairfield to be nearer the farm—Dick insisted we must live nearby. Our attachment to the farm and the Camas Prairie grows stronger with each country walk. And our farm is bet-ter today thanks to the Hallowell family who farms it for us.

When our conservation easement was new, we rolled our eyes at the outlandish idea that this open space would ever be pressured by development. Today, just over five years later, there is an application to change the zoning on 880 agricul-tural acres that border our easement to allow one-acre parcels. When I think that our prairie farm is protected forever, I am grateful. And I am hopeful that others find the will and the way to preserve the lands they love—because I know it can be done. y

Camas Prairie Home

Continued from page 4

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Fishery Assessment Continued from page 3

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altered stretches of river, and that different stretches of the river are affected by differ-ent limiting factors:

• From Magic Reservoir to the Glendale diversion, water quantity is the major limiting factor as the river goes dry due to agricultural irrigation each year.

• From the Glendale diversion to Warm Springs Creek, the fishery is most affected by stream alterations and somewhat affected by water quantity. This is the most productive area of the river where fish are more densely concentrated, and the area where we have the greatest opportunity to improve the health of the fishery with restoration efforts, as well as land protection projects for areas that haven’t been altered.

• From Warm Springs Creek north to the headwaters, the fishery is limited primarily by inherent habitat conditions such as the colder water temperatures and lack of nutrients in the river system. Stream alterations are not as much of a problem in these units of the river.

Phase II of the Fishery Assessment include conducting research on where the Big Wood River has been altered, and creating maps that show these and other land use changes over time. We will iden-tify the problem areas and locations for specific opportunities for improvement and preservation along the river. Ultimately, the Wood River Land Trust’s goal with the Fishery Assessment is to secure the health of the river and the fishery, even as we grow as a community. y

stages of their planning. Our experi-ence in what “works” may be critical to the approval process and may dictate what we will or will not support. There are several tools in the Land Trust’s tool box which may enhance a project and preserve environmental values for public benefit and enjoyment. Donations of land or conservation easements, if they are for the public benefit, are ways to create a win-win result. Coordination with agencies, local community groups and individuals is a hallmark of our efforts. If a proposal does not meet our test, it will not gain our support.

Last, to those who say we are con-flicted by working with developers, I urge them to look at the alternative. What might be the result if we were not involved? I believe that our involve-ment will serve to better protect the values we hold dear. We advocated, for example, the vision of a 35-acre nature preserve on the Warm Springs Ranch redevelopment for the recreational and educational opportunities it will offer our community and for the wildlife it will protect. (See Update, page 7). I hope you will agree that the potential results are well worth the potential criti-cism we may experience along the way. y

John Flattery Continued from page 2

Thank you to those who have contributed to the Big Wood River Fishery Assessment

Hugh BlueJay Cassell and Gay Weake Joe ChlebowskiEdward and Susan Cutter Ted and Crystal Dale Ranney and Priscilla DraperCecil and Sally Drinkward Jim and Sandra Durham John and Sandra Flattery John and Elaine French Mark and Betsy Gates Peter and Betty Gray Daniel and Sue Guggenheim George and Paula HauerKathleen HullKip and Marsha Ingham Charlie JohnsonGarrett and Clay Kirk William LandrethDaniel LaneGeorgie Lindquist and Dave Friedenberg Ali LongMichael and Sarah Mars David and Rebecca Meyers James O. MooreBill and Sally Neukom Ed and Carmen Northen in memory of Whitney George OhrstromSusan ParkinsonSteve and Marylyn Pauley Jon and Judy Runstad Silver Creek OutfittersGreg and Hanna Skjonsby Trout and Salmon Foundation

Contributions as of April 15, 2005

n Become a member of the Wood River Land Trust

n Donate land or a conservation easement

n Planned Giving: Add the Wood River Land Trust as a beneficiary in your will or charitable remainder trust

How You Can Help

n Purchase gift memberships for friends and family

n Close a home loan with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Ketchum—Wells Fargo will make a $300 contribution to the Land Trust

n Volunteer

n Spread the word, get others involved

For more information contact Jan Peppler,

jpeppler@woodriverlandtrust.org

We would like to thank the following donors who generously contributed to the Wood River Land Trust between March 1, 2004, and February 28, 2005.

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Spring at the Building Material Thrift StoreWhen the Wood River Valley starts spring cleaning, the Building Material Thrift Store gets busy. The crew has seen all types of things come through the door, from airplane wings, diving boards, travel trailers, dog grooming tables, ceremonial masks, to water buffalo medicine bags—and that doesn’t include the more unusual things….Stop by and check out the most interesting store in the valley.

The BMTS takes donations of reusable building and house-hold material—even entire houses. Proceeds from sales support the land protection work of the Wood River Land Trust.

The BMTS is located at 3990 Woodside Blvd, Hailey. For more information visit www.buildingmaterialthriftstore.org, or call 788-0014.

IN KIND Alpine EnterprisesAmerican Water ResourcesAnderson Consulting ServicesFlolo’s One Hour Photo & PortraitsGalena EngineeringGlacier GraphicsSarah GrayHawley GraphicsSteve PlatzerRiver Bend Brewing Sagebrush SolutionsSawtooth Auto SalesStoecklein PhotographySun Valley BronzeThat’s EntertainmentThe Real Estate MagazineViva TaqueriaZebco/W.C. Bradley Co.

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Corky BarrellMarjorie Heiss

Nan CrockerScott and Sally BoettgerCroy Canyon Ranch FoundationDan and Martine DrackettAnne Kalik

Helen HansenJohn M. Hansen

Terri HigdonPeggy DeanJames and Maureen FinneganJohn and Sandra FlatteryGlenna GloverAllen and Barbara SpaffordVirginia C. Van Doren

Debra Davis MillerBill & Betty Barnes

Rece OchsmanMichael & Esther Ochsman

DONORS

$20,000 and aboveAnonymousAnonymousBuilding Material Thrift StoreJohn and Elaine French Family FoundationClark and Maria GerhardtKemmerer Family FoundationJames O. MooreBarbara Thrasher and Rick Koffey

$10,000 to $19,999Edward and Susan CutterRobert Disbrow and Kim KawaguchiThe Nature Conservancy of Idaho Michael and Esther OchsmanJohn and Gloria OsbergDoris TunneyMacauley and Helen Dow Whiting Foundation

$2500 to $9,999AnonymousDavid AndersonDavid and Lyn AndersonTsunami Foundation, Anson and Jean Beard and FamilyTom Bentley and Becky FolloNicole BrownJim CiminoJohn and Sandra FlatteryDick and Susan HareRoy A. Hunt FoundationCharlie JohnsonWade and Heather KingDavid and Rebecca MeyersAllen Morgan and Patti McClungAdam J. Richter Charitable TrustSteve and Diana StrandbergPepper WalkerR.B. Woolley

$1000 to $2499Brett and Trish BashawBrain and Kathleen BeanSteven and Jill BeckSteve BeeversBlaine Co. Soil Conservation DistrictJay Cassell and Gay WeakeCroul Family FoundationPeter and Bonni CurranAnn DownDan and Martine DrackettMickey and Peggy DrexlerCecil and Sally DrinkwardJim and Sandra DurhamBob and Linda EdwardsKevin and Jennifer EmbreeTimothy and Tracy FlahertyPeter and Ginny ForemanWolf, Feli and Fynn Funke-RiehleMark and Betsy GatesNed and Karen GilhulyMorley and Deana GoldenPeter and Betty GrayDaniel and Sue GuggenheimLen and Carol HarligGeorge and Paula HauerMichael and Irene HealyDonna and James HowardKathleen HullG. Thompson and Wende Hutton Fund/Peninsula Community FoundationKip and Marsha InghamBenjamin JacobsonGlenn JanssGarrett and Clay KirkJack and Marie KuenemanWilliam LandrethMargot Larsen Ritz/Larsen Fund

David and Lana LatchfordGeorgie Lindquist and David FriedenbergAli LongMichael and Sarah MarsKen and Molly McCainGeorge and Karen McCownGeorge OhrstromMarion PalleySusan ParkinsonR. Thomas Goodrich and Rebecca PattonKent and Karen PressmanRichard and Nancy RobbinsJon and Judy RunstadGordon Russell Fund/Peninsula Community FoundationRichard and Nan ShupeSilver Creek OutfittersGreg and Hanna SkjonsbyPeter and Becky SmithJohn and Elizabeth StevensonThomas and Joan SwiftBill and Ginny SwigertSandor and Terri SzombathyChris ThompsonBarry and Marjorie TraubWilly and Mary VanbragtBill and Annie VanderbiltMacauley WhitingBob and Patience Ziebarth

$500 to $999David and Stephanie AbramsonRichard and Jennifer BarkerBurns Family FoundationChatham Realty CompanyEugene and Elsie ChestonCynthia Green Colin/Jaloc AssociatesBob Corker and Liz SchwerdtleCroy Canyon Ranch FoundationPeter and Pat DinkelspielMary Bachman and William Downing FundChris and Holley duPontChuck and Nancy FerriesJim and Sandy FiggeRichard and Tina FischerAnthony and Carol FrankDiane Parish and Paul GelburdTed and Dayle GrahamEd GrubbFred and Bobbie HaemiseggerGreg and Wendy HosmanGeorge and Leslie HumePatsy HuntingtonDon and Beverly JeffersonJewish Foundation of GreensboroGerald and Kathy KavkaMark Kieckbusch and Kathryn EarhartKathleen KlingelhoferPatrick and Joan LambJohn and Ann LeonardoJeffrey and Margery LewisJohn and Elizabeth LewisElise LufkinJohn Maine and Kim BaltzellBill and Jane McConnellCamille McCrayCharles McNameeAndrew and Jackie McRobertsJames and Carmen MooreRichard MullKingsley and Cynthia MurphyKirk Neely and Holly MyersBill and Sally NeukomEd and Carmen NorthenMark and Phyllis OdellAlex and Suzanne OrbRyan OsePage Foundation Jeff and Mary PickardWilliam and Guity PierpointPhyllis Quinn

The faces of BMTS: Bruce, Walther, Etoile, Efrain and Marilyn

10

Greg RawlingsAlan and Julia RichardsonRichard Riordan and Nancy Daly RiordanMarie and Fred RohnertNed Sachs and Pat AluisiMr. and Mrs. William SandersRussell Satake and Anita LusebrinkSawtooth Board of RealtorsFrank and Harriett ShrontzGraham SmithStarbucks Coffee, Ketchum StoreCarl and Frann StremmelEddy and Anna SvidgalThunder Meadows Homeowners’ AssociationBruce TidwellGary and Linda VinagreJared and Cheryl WilliamsPaul Willis

$250 to $499Miss Lilla AicherMartin Albertson and Lisa RoseRoger and Holly AndersonAssociated Brokers of Sun ValleyBill and Sara BarrettMark BenjaminJack and Patricia BillhardtHugh BlueDoug and Gail BoettgerRan and Chris BracherElizabeth and Frank BreenBill and Kaye BurnhamVern and Connie BuwaldaJohn and Jennifer CampbellJoe ChlebowskiAnn and Doug ChristensenLawrence Goelman and Virginia CiricaEdward and Nancy ClementRobert ColmanCharles Conn and Beverley RobertsonJoe CrossonJim and Wendy DavermanThomas and Jerre DawsonSteve and Mary Kim Deffe’Eric DillonPeter and Sara DudgeonMr. and Mrs. Dennis DurganS.F. EcclesMark and JIll EshmanKenneth A. FoxLarry and Bunker FrankTerry Friedlander and Robin LeavittRobin and Lee GarwoodMr. and Mrs. George GolleherCharlie and Linda GoodyearFred Gray and Linda ParkerTony and Sarah GrayLinda HackettPhilip HandyScott and Yvette HarrisLawrence and Rebekah HelzelAlice and Tom HennesseyDave HillJames and Cynthia KnightRon LaneRobert and Deborah LawRebecca LeeMarge LilleyIgnacio and Marta LozanoJim and Bonne MackeyCaroline MacomberGeorge and Ann MacomberRobert and Jan MainJim and Kay MarronJon and Margie MastersonAnthony and Audrey MattosWilson and Lisa McElhinnyHal and Sharon McNeeRobert and Becky MitchellTom MongeChris MosconeRoy W. MurdockMike and Jane NicolaisDon and Judy OliphantRichard and Susan ParrishSteve and Marylyn Pauley

Dick and Connie PorterJack PowellTom and Michelle PraggastisDuane Reed and Suzanne Strom-ReedThomas and Mary ReesRobert and Betsy ReniersNils Ribi and Patti Brolin-RibiRoger and Kathy SangerTimothy semones and Susan DeskoJohn and Nancy ShepherdMark and Debby SlonimJohn SofroDoug and Beth StaggBob and Carol StevensJ.T. and Georgia StewartLarry and Nan StoneMichael and Lynne SweeneyDave TheobaldCrispin and Mary ThiessenMichael and Marlene TomGary Van AckerKarl and Diana WadsackCal and Cynthia WagstaffMason and Jaci Wilkins Bob and Anne WrightRichard and Diana YoungNeil Zussman

$100 to $249AnonymousMarc AbrahamThomas and Jeanne AbshireBart and Lois AdrianDavid and Carole AlmondRichard and Barbara AngleButler and Hilton BallBill and Betty BarnesNyle and Galen BarnesJohn and Janet BartonGerald and Audrey BashawRoy and Marjorie BathumPeter and Ruby BeckerJim and Peggy BermanJohn and Kaye BestemanEdward and Susan BilkeyPerry BinderJames and Jean BiondiGary and Heather BlackJacob and Ruth BloomJack and Sarah BlumensteinLisa and Paul BodorDonald and Gay BoeckerScott and Sally BoettgerPatricia BoldingMichael and Chris BoskinRobert BoughtonMr. and Mrs. Greg BrakovichDavid BrayJohn BrezzoBrian Poster ConstructionFred and Judy Brossy David F. BrownDr. Marvin BrownJohn and Louise BrysonWilliam and Lindy BuchananBrian and Susan BuckleyMalcolm and Teresa CampbellBill and Eltiena CampbellElliot and Elaine CaplowPage ChapmanAnne ChristensenMr. and Mrs. Robinson CluckPenelop Danz CoeDrury CooperGeoffrey and Diane CordesJack and Lila CorrockMike CorteseDonna CroninKevin and Polly CroninDonald C. DahlgrenTed and CrystalRobert and Barbara DargatzPeggy DeanTom and Candace DeeRoss DinkelspielHarriett Dixon

Rick, Anne, and Chelsea DressellBuck DrewDana DuganJohn and Marlene DurbinSteve DurelsJim and Jamie DutcherKirk and Pam EbertzLaird and Joy ErmanJames and Leigh EverittGregg and Janet FalconePamela FeldDick and Georgie FentonJohn and Daralene FinnellJack and Suzie FinneyPierce FlynnKevin Fortun/Copper RidgeWilliam and Bev FraserGordon FreshmanWoody and Margery FriedlanderGeorge and Sandra FroleyDennis and Gail GalanterBrian and Julie GallagherJulian and Jo Ann GanzJim and Jean GemmellRobert and Deborah GilbertDavid GilesCherry GillespieDan GilmoreBill and Sue GilmoreBill and Connie GlynnStephen and Deborah GoddardBill and Mary Jane GodejohnPhil and Cathy GoldsteinMolly Goodyear and Mike WolterJack and Linda GordonBaird and Michelle GourlayRob and Esperanza GrundyBill and Sue GundyBob and Beth GuntonDouglas and Lorelli HacklerBeatrice Ott HaemmerleJohn HansenJohn HardinEllen HarrisJoseph Haviv and Wendy Moss-HavivMike and Francis HawkeyLois Jean HeagleTom and Roberta HeinrichPaul and Lori HeistThomas and Eve HendersonAlex HigginsHarvey and Margaret HinmanDavid and Ursula HinsonGeorge and Shay HirschTim and Marianne HoganJ.K. and D.L. HolmanBen Holmes and Carol Scheifele-HolmesDavid and Mary HommeCarolyn HousmanSusanne HubbachBobbi HuntDenise Jackson FordJim and Wendy JaquetPage and Maureen JennerLia JohnsonJim and Mary JonesJohn and Diane KahmRobert KahnJoseph and Marilyn KasputysRichard Katz Family FoundationRobert and Suzie KopfLex and Celia KunauLaird Norton Family FundDiana LandisNancy LeavensMichael LempresPatti Lentz and Tyler FeltonRay and Sheila LiermannGregory and Carol LindstromPhil and Judy LiptonBruce and Kay LiumJan LowenElise G.B. LufkinRobert LynchDavid Mackenzie and Patricia GarrettFrank and Greta Magee

Marie and Edward MatthewsMike and Anita McCannArthur McIntosh IIIJim and Willa McLaughlinDoug and Thelma McTavishJerry and Sheila MellsBob and Betty MeltzerEdie MiddletonMr. and Mrs. MildrenJohn and Cynthia MileyBrad MillerCharles and Jeannette MillerJohn Milner and Kim TaylorGerry Morrison and Julie WestonKevin and Dana MossMarr and Nancy MullenMike and Terry MurphyMark NoremDarrell and Barbara OppHugh and Kaye O’RiordanDavid OrmsbyWard and Cathy ParkinsonJan Peppler and Mark JohnstoneRichard and Ellen PerlmanJim PhillipsPriscilla PittiglioHope Hughes-PressmanLeigh and Louise RabelSara RatekinSteve and Karen ReidDoug and Susan RhymesPeggy and Walter RichardsMuffy RitzDonn and Patricia RobertsLois RosenLee and Lisa RoweRobert and Lynda SafronLyle and Gloriana SaylorNorman and Lisa SchlachterLarry Schoen and Rebecca EichornJames and Julie SchultzJennifer SchultzRoy and Thelma SchwarzMichael and Laura ShannonGeorge ShapiroDavid and Nancy SheffnerLarry and Nancy ShipleySuresh and Ritu ShivdasaniLinda SissonJill Smiekel-GeorgeD. William and Annette SmithChuck and Barbara SnowAllen and Barbara SpaffordDavid and Barbara SpeerGretchen B. StengelClint and Michelle StennettAl and Gayle StevensonJim Stone and Donna KelseySandy StrongSun Valley Title CompanyAlex and Bill SundaliPaul SunichPeter TaylorDoug and Ann TaylorMartial ThirskTed and Penny ThomasJack and Gail ThorntonWilliam and Diane TingueWilliam and Joanne TraversPamela TuckerScott and Sue Ulbrich United Way of King CountyRobert and Mary Van FossanRobin and Martin VoetFred and Jill VogelArchie D. and Bertha H. Walker FoundationMax and Sharon WalkerSuzanne WalshLita WestLuke WhalenPhoebe Thorne and Paul WilcoxBrian and Patricia WilliamsWayne and Christine WillichAlfred and Mary Wilsey Winget, Fulton, Daniels, McCoy and AssociatesJeremy Wintersteen

11

Board of DirectorsJohn Flattery, PresidentEd Cutter, TreasurerRobin Garwood, SecretaryTom BentleyClark GerhardtHeather KingBill LehmanElizabeth MitchellSteven StrandbergChris ThompsonBarbara ThrasherBruce TidwellDoris Tunney

Advisory CommitteeDavid AndersonPeter BeckerJanis FultonJulie GallagherLarry SchoenJohn Seiller

WRLT StaffScott Boettger Executive Director

Melanie Dahl Executive Assistant

Jan Peppler Major Gifts Officer

Kathryn Goldman Project Coordinator

Kate Giese Stewardship Coordinator

Allison Kennedy Planning Coordinator

Diane Kahm Data Manager

This newsletter is published biannually by:

The Wood River Land Trust119 East Bullion Street

Hailey, Idaho 83333

208-788-3947 (telephone)

208-788-5991 (fax)

info@woodriverlandtrust.org (email)

www.woodriverlandtrust.org (web)

Tax ID# 82-0474191

Mike Wise and Linda ErdmannSue WolfordWood River InsuranceRichard and Rebecca WorstBud YorkinPeter and Cheryl Ziegler

Up to $100AnonymousAnonymousAnonymousDoug and Janet AbromeitThomas and Jane AcombMilt AdamPeter and Patti AhrensCharles AndersonKim AndersonRichard AndersonJohn and Kay AndersonKirk and Hillary AndersonJean ArkellJoe and Ann ArmstrongBill and Marty ArveyAlvis and Nancy AuseklisEric AvnerDan and Annelle BallbachAmy BarlowLarry BarnesCraig BarryJohn BeaupreSara Anderson and Michael BeesleyBarbara BehlingJohn and Shari BehnkeGary and Deborah BernerRobert and Joan BernhardCarl and Gloria BianchiRudy and Susan BoeschJoAnn BoswellMike BowmanPatti LousenDick and Bobbie BoyerJill BradburnBob and Janet BrandtDoug and Carol BrownLee and Kathy BrownAmy BrowningJoseph and Barbara BruffeyDavid CaldwellRalph CampanalePaula CaputoMary Ellen CardTim and Calista CarterJohn CharneyVictor and Bev ChingDavid and Lyn ChristensenDon and Marty CoatsDavid and Mary Jane CongerBill Corlett and Faus Geiger-CorlettJerry CostacosTerry and Nancy CurranArthur and Barbara DahlRobert and Claire DanaJohn and Caroline DavenportTanner and Jill DavisChristopher DeForestLeonard DochertyDale and Valerie DonnellyMary Ellen EllisMs. Lorna EmdyNan EmerickLisa EmpkeyMartin and Joan ErdheimBill and Helen EvansSteve and Norma FarmerFrank and Claudia FiaschettiJim and Barbara FiggeJulie FirestoneJoan FirmanPaul FleissBob Fletcher and Tom SmithJames ForestKaryn ForsythAnn FrancisStef FrenzlJason and Vanessa FryRalph Fullerton and Myra Friedman

Janis FultonDon and Louise GallagherJospeh and Gail GallagherChris Gardner and Anne Marie GardnerFran Garten CohenErnest and Candace GarthwaiteMack and Ann GasawayJames GeierMatthew and Mary GervaseSusan GiannettinoKate GieseMyra Gilmore and Rocco DiGiovanniTom and Ellen GlaccumEd and Penny GlassmeyerGlenna GloverJim and Mary GoodyearAngela Grant-KettlebandVera Greene and Karen GreenMaureen GroperKathy Grotto and Tom MarronDavid GrovermanHermie and Linda HaavikMartha M. HalePam HammondBeth HanrahanPaul HansenGordon and Elaine HarfstDavid and Judy HarrisonDavid and Barbara HartMike and Cindy HartellRonald and Sylvia HartmanSunny HealeyErik HeidemannMarjorie HeissJohn and Geri HerbertJohn HillCraig and Donna HintzeHolly HolmquistKlaus and Ginetta HuschkeTraci IrelandMaryAnn JenkinsGlenn JohnsonThaddeus and Virginia JohnsonStan JosephLloyd and Deborah KadishAnne KalikJohn and Jean KearneyGerry and Kaye KearnsKristan KennedyJames and Linda KennedyCindy and Bob KestingTrish KlahrMatilda KlingBliss KnowlesDavid KnutsonDick KolbrenerNita Kyle

Bart Lassman and Evan StelmaKent LavertyThomas LeaJohn and Alice LevangerJoan LevisArchie LevitanBarbara LivingstonCharles LockhartRick and Kris Lombardo Beatrice LongleyRobert Lonning and Elizabeth JeffreyMatt and Roni LuckMaggie MacdonaldJack MacPhersonJon and Leslie MaksikIra and Karen MarcusSteven and Jan MarxJohn and Carol MatkinsMichael and Sharon McCaffreyWilliam McCannRich McIntyre and Karen GreeneRon and Joan MendelsohnSarah Michael and Bob JonasJoe Miczulski and Angie RaybornJune MoffettJohn and Nancy MohrJennifer MontgomerySally and Jack MorbeckBrian MuldoonJanet Kellam and Andy MunterDavid and Sharron MurrayCraig and Katherine NalenGayle NelsonAnita NorthwoodFrancis and Ruthe NortonBill and Bixie O’ConnellMo O’ConnellJohn and Elaine O’ConnorVincent and Marci OnofrioJames and Nancy OsbornMary Tess O’SullivanKaren Oswalt and Barge LevyGerry O’TooleHeidi OttleyEdwin and Tisch OutwaterJohn and Eileen PacilioRichard Paris and Kathryn WoodsMark and Roxanna ParkerAllan and Midge PatzerMichael and Lyndell PaulKaren PedersonBarbara PeelorJames PerkinsSue PetersenKristy PigeonCharles Pomeroy and Jude HawkesArthur and Paulette Posch

Karen ReinheimerElwood and Helen RichArt and Theresa RichardsDavid and Kathy RichmondBuffalo and Katherin RixonBrent and Beverly RobinsonRobert and Beth RoheVern and Cheryl RollinRobert RomanoMichael and Julianne roosJack and Miriam RoseCharlene RothTom RulePeter and Diana RyanCalame and Dianne SammonsJulia ScheuRobert and Karen SchreyDarrell and Barbara Scott Robert and Ann Marie ShawChris and Donna SimmsJerold and Barbara SimonDon SmithRichard and Judy SmookeGerry SouleCurt SpaldingJames and Mary SpeckJeffrey Steinberg and Sherry Warner-SteinbergJoe Miczulski and Angie RaybornMike Stevens and Liz MitchellFrank and Nancy StreeterEdmund and Ruth SwanbergJohn Sweek and Bege ReynoldsJohn and Genie SwyersWilliam and Patricia TargettSergio and Denise TavaresDenis and Pam ThomasNancy ThomasHerb and Julie ThomasStephen and Gwendolyn ThompsonJack and Ruth WalshWick and Liz WarrickMichael and Anne WeberBob and Dee WilkinsMark and Korrine WilliamsRussell and Sharon WilliamsFloyd and Carolyn WillisNancy WintonRenny WoodKathy WygleJoel and Elizabeth ZellersMichelle Zimmerman

Protecting open space now... and for the future.

119 East Bullion StreetHailey, Idaho 83333www.woodriverlandtrust.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Acres PermanentlyProtected to Date: 3,864

Printed on recycled paper

NON-PROFITSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT NO. 679BOISE, ID.

Celebrate the Beaut i ful Wood River Val ley