Landon

An old homesteader’s cabin at Sheep Bridge Canyon, Wood River Land Trust’s newest conservation purchase

hen snow accumulates in the high country, winter recreation-

ists in search of fresh snow venture uphill, and big game animals trek in the opposite direction. The high country’s deep snow drives elk, mule deer, and pronghorn to seek lower elevations where they can more easily find food.

In April 2008, Wood River Land Trust protected a critical piece of one of these traditional migration corri-dors when the John McDonald Family agreed to sell the land at a bargain rate. Safeguarding 306 acres at Sheep Bridge Canyon from development maintains a link for wildlife between the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and the vast sage-

brush steppe landscape surrounding Magic Reservoir. The land also connects public lands managed by the Idaho Department of Fish & Game and the Bureau of Land Management.

Sheep Bridge Canyon is covered by sagebrush and other native vegetation that provide habitat for wildlife; it also con-tains nearly a mile of the Big Wood River upstream from Magic Reservoir. Anglers can fish on an unusual section of the Big Wood River surrounded by basalt cliffs, while others can enjoy the host of wildflow-ers and wildlife. Last spring our staff found some of the season’s first wildflowers grow-ing near seeps along the northern rim of the canyon and reveled in meadows of lupine

Protecting the heart of the valley...now and

for the future.

Protecting Big Game Animals’ Room to Roam

Continued on page 7

A publication of Wood River Land Trust www.woodriverlandtrust.org info@woodriverlandtrust.org

Wood River Land Trust

WinTeR 2008

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woodriver land trust

perspectivesperspectives

Who We ARe

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Best of All . . .Letter from Executive Director, Scott Boettger

ou have probably heard someone say that they came for the skiing but

stayed for the summers. I’ll let you in on a little secret only the locals know—the real magic happens in the fall. You can just about name your pleasure and it is probably heightened during the season we derogato-rily call “slack.” The nights turn cold and the leaves explode in their extravagance. The trout sense the lean times of winter and throw caution to the wind in their attempts to get your fly. The valley wel-comes a series of winged visitors from the north starting with the gawky and boister-ous sandhill cranes and followed by squad-rons of ducks and geese. The fall also turns the normally elusive elk into wide-eyed, forest virtuosos with their haunted bugling.

In all, we are blessed to have all these natural wonders intact and thriving just out our back doors. It truly is paradise. We must remain vigilant to ensure that the most sensitive lands and waters that make up the heart of the Wood River Valley remain healthy.

Thanks again for your support. Please get out and enjoy what remains of this glorious fall. The snow will be flying soon.

Executive Director, Scott Boettger

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HeLP US MeeT OUR CHALLenGe TODAY!

n these uncertain financial times, we need your support more than ever. Please take this opportunity to prioritize your giving to support the things you

most value. For us, the Valley would not be the same if we could not spend the day catching wild trout in our clean, healthy rivers or see the elk, moose, owls, hawks, and other animals in our close-to-home natural areas. The greatest por-tion of our annual funding comes from individuals like you—people who love the land and water and want to see it protected and cared for not only today but always.

Wood River Land Trust is the only locally-based organization focusing its efforts on protecting local land, water, and wildlife habitat. This past year, Wood River Land Trust protected ¾ mile of Big Wood Riverfront just south of Hailey using voluntary conservation agreements with two local landowners; we also restored a portion of the Croy Creek wetlands at the site of Hailey’s former landfill and hosted events to get people out on the land and sharing experiences through events like our Mushroom Walk at Draper Wood River Preserve and the Heart of the Valley Contest. To continue protecting our nearby land, water, and wildlife habitat now and for future generations, it takes the concerted efforts of everyone who enjoys these things today.

Please consider making a gift to our year-end challenge grant. This year’s challenge requires us to raise $360,000 in unrestricted gifts by December 31st in order to receive $180,000 donated by an anonymous donor and Wood River Land Trust’s Board of Directors. This means that every dollar you donate before the end of the year will be matched by an additional $0.50. Your unre-stricted gifts help pay for the basic necessities—dedicated professional staff, office space, and general office needs—that make our work possible. This year it is more important than ever that we reach our Challenge.

If, like us, you treasure the local wildlife, clean water, pristine landscapes, and family farmland that Wood River Land Trust helps protect, please make a contribution today!

Year-End Challenge Goal: $360,000

Amount Raised as of November 13: $225,165

Amount Needed to Meet Challenge: $134,835

We’ll be in the office during the holidays so feel free to stop by or call. For questions about making a donation, contact Robyn Watson at 788-3947, rwatson@woodriverlandtrust.org, or (818) 577-7811. Wood River Land Trust is a tax-exempt non-profit organization; donations are tax-deductible.

I

Meet Our BoardBarbara Thrasher

arbara Thrasher and her husband, Rick Koffey, became part-time resi-

dents of the Wood River Valley in 1999. In the winter, Barbara is an avid down-hill and cross-country skier; in the sum-mer, she enjoys hiking in the mountains that surround our community. These activities have given her an appreciation of our unique open spaces and the need to protect them.

Barbara was concerned that many families, like hers, live here only part time, and she wondered who was keeping watch over the Valley when she wasn’t here. In 2001, Clark Gerhardt intro-duced her to Wood River Land Trust, and she became convinced that Wood River Land Trust was the ideal organiza-tion to protect the Valley’s natural beau-ty. She joined our Board of Directors at that time and has served as a member for the last eight years. Barbara has numerous other interests as well. Three years ago she co-founded the Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation, which has distributed more than $250,000 to charities in our com-munity. She has been active in fundrais-ing for the Blaine County Recreation District in support of the Harriman Trails endowment and was the origina-tor of the annual high tea, which raises money to support the trail system (and provides perhaps the only opportunity for women in the Wood River Valley to wear extremely large hats and long gloves in the summer). In Seattle, where she and Rick live when they are not in the Valley, Barbara served for many years on the Board of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Barbara Thrasher

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Meet Our StaffKathryn Goldman, Project Coordinator

athryn moved to the Wood River Valley from Durango, Colorado

in 2003 and joined our staff in March of 2005. Originally from Vermont, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in english from the University of Vermont and, after traveling and living in several Western states, earned her Masters of Science in environmental Studies from the University of Montana in Missoula.

The Big Wood River is the focus of Kathryn’s work here at the Land Trust. She is responsible for the Trout Friendly Lawn program, which has just com-pleted its 2nd successful year, the Healthy Water, Healthy Future project, and she has worked with waterfront homeowners to help them deal with floodplain issues. While many people think that the moun-tains define our wonderful Valley, Kathryn is passionate in her belief that the River is the most important feature.

Kathryn is a member of the Bellevue Planning & Zoning Commission, and she has worked on various state and county ballot measures both in Idaho

K

Kathryn Goldman, Project Coordinator

and Colorado. When not working for the environment, she likes to enjoy all things outdoors: backcountry and cross-country skiing, mountain bik-ing, hiking, gardening, and, in a more introspective mood, yoga. She lives in Bellevue with her husband, Carl evenson, and their lucky dog, Mattie.

Visit the Building Material Thrift Store

at its new location

3930 S. Woodside(208) 788-0014

buildingmaterialthriftstore.org

4

connecTing To The LAnd

Be the First to See this Year’s Heart of the Valley Photographs

Save the Date for Wednesday, January 21st when we will announce this year’s contest winners

at a public reception.

DECEMBERShare the Spirit ReceptionFriday, December 5, 5:00-7:00 p.m.Kick off the Share the Spirit weekend with a reception generously catered by Riccabona’s.Silver Creek Outfitters, Ketchum

Share the SpiritFriday-Sunday, December 5-7Complete your holiday shopping this weekend when Silver Creek Outfitters will donate 15% of the weekend’s sales to Wood River Land Trust. Silver Creek Outfitters, Ketchum

Sagebrush Seed CollectionWednesday, December 10, 10:00 a.m.Join us to collect sagebrush seed for restoration work with Idaho Fish and Game. Please dress for the weather and bring a lunch. Meet at Wood River Land Trust’s Hailey office to carpool. Wood River Land Trust, 119 E. Bullion Hailey

JANUARYBusiness After HoursThursday, January 15, 5:30 p.m.Join Bruce Tidwell and the Building Material Thrift Store crew for an open house in their new space.Building Material Thrift Store, 3930 S. Woodside

Heart of the Valley Contest Awards ReceptionWednesday, January 21, 6:00 p.m.Join us for the announcement of this year’s contest winners and view photography submissions. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.684 4th Street (corner of 4th & Spruce), Ketchum

Fish TalesWednesday, January 28, 6:00 p.m.Share your stories about the Big Wood River at this family-friendly storytelling event. Location to be announced

FEBRUARYHeart of the Valley Contest ReadingsDates to be announced, 6:30 p.m.Join us for selected readings from the 5th Annual Heart of the Valley Contest.Iconoclast Books, Ketchum

Winter Wildlife WalkFriday, February 27, 10:30 a.m.Join our resident naturalist, nathan Welch for a family-friendly walk along the Big Wood River as he shares his expertise on birds and animal tracks.Draper Wood River Preserve, Cedar Bend Entrance, Hailey

Winter 2008 Events

Prizes generously donated by:

Special thanks to:Media sponsor:Sponsored by:

5

connecTing To The LAndbeautiful early fall evening on the banks of the Big Wood River: blue skies, warm

weather. A neighborhood gathering of good friends, old and new. On September 13th, the Howard Community Picnic in Bellevue drew 200 people who enjoyed a feast of barbequed lamb donated by Lava Lake, quail, local trout and morels, chili and beans, salads, garlic bread, and an array of drinks and desserts. The annual event is sponsored by Wood River Land Trust and the City of Bellevue with an open invita-tion to all Valley residents to visit the Howard Preserve.

Carol Blackburn, our favorite botanist, led a nature walk along the quiet canal road under cottonwood trees to point out the plants, trees, and animals inhabiting the 12-acre Howard Preserve. Music perfect for the location was provided by Matt Renner and Slow Children Playing.

The Howard Preserve was created in 2004 thanks to a partnership between the Howard family, Wood River Land Trust, the City of Bellevue, Friends of Howard, and many inter-ested organizations and individuals. The Howard family had owned the parcel since 1972 and, in order to protect it in perpetuity and keep it as a natural preserve with public access, they approached Wood River Land Trust to facilitate a bargain sale with the City of Bellevue. Mike Howard returns each fall to manage the annual picnic. He brings with him help from the restau-rant at his Tres Pinos Inn in California and his cooking expertise.

“It makes me happy to do this picnic each year,” Mike said. “Involvement with the Land Trust and friendships I’ve made in Bellevue and the Valley bring me back each year. I love it here.” We thank Mike and the Howard family for their generosity. Kudos too to Tom Blanchard who grilled the mouthwateringly delicious lamb, and thanks to all the volunteers who make this picnic such fun each year!

AA Record Crowd Attends the Howard Community Picnic

Board of DirectorsEd Cutter, PresidentJack Kueneman, Vice PresidentJoan Swift, TreasurerRobin Garwood, SecretaryDavid Anderson Jerry BashawJohn FlatteryJohn FrenchClark Gerhardt Trent JonesHeather KingLiz MitchellWolf RiehleJohn Fell StevensonSteve StrandbergBarbara ThrasherDoris TunneyLiz Warrick

WRLT StaffScott Boettger Executive Director

Morgan Buckert Membership Assistant

Melanie Dahl Executive Assistant

Kathryn Goldman Project Coordinator

Diane Kahm Development Assistant

Heather Kimmel Program & Membership Coordinator

Robyn Watson Major Gifts Officer

Nathan Welch Planning Coordinator

Keri York Stewardship Coordinator

Advisory CommitteePeter BeckerRanney DraperRebekah HelzelDave ParrishLarry SchoenJohn SeillerTom Swift Bruce Tidwell

This newsletter is published by:

Wood River Land Trust119 East Bullion StreetHailey, Idaho 83333208.788.3947 (telephone) 208.788.5991 (fax)info@woodriverlandtrust.orgwww.woodriverlandtrust.orgTax ID# 82-0474191

Protecting the Heart of the Valley Now and for the Future

wood river land trust

Picnicking at Howard Preserve in Bellevue

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ThAnK YoufoR heLping us Achieve ouR goALs

A Gift to Protect Land and Inspire Others

Gloria and John Osberg outside their Baker Creek cabin

ohn and Gloria Osberg have lived and skied in the Sun Valley area for over 50 years. In 2006, they donated

their longtime home to Idaho Conservation League, The Wilderness Society, and Wood River Land Trust. The home was recently appraised at over $2 million, and pro-ceeds from the home’s sale will be shared equally by the three organizations.

The Osbergs hope that sharing their story will inspire others to make similar gifts of “appreciated real estate.” “I think it feels great,” Osberg says, “to see money doing good things while you are still around to experience it.”

Having supported a number of local, state, and nation-al conservation groups over the years, the Osbergs set about using what John calls their “appreciated real estate” to advance the causes in which they believe. “The appreci-ated value of our home was unearned income,” he explains, “and we want to see that appreciated value put to work to protect the Idaho we love and that has enriched our life so very much.” He added, “I see no advantage to holding on to it and being one of the rich guys in the cemetery.” This is why the Osbergs drew up an estate plan, known as a “life estate reserved.” This approach allows homeowners to donate real estate to non-profit organizations while remain-ing in their homes as long as they wish and providing immediate tax deductions and avoiding capital gains tax.

The Osbergs have shared an eventful life in the Sun Valley area. Gloria worked for Sun Valley and the Union Pacific Railroad during the 1950s and is the author of Day Hiking Near Sun Valley and Easy Hiking Near Sun Valley. John is an avid skier and long-time member of the Ancient Skiers club from the Seattle area. Together, they have travelled extensively on Arctic rivers and other wilder-ness adventures. now, after years of enjoying natural areas in the Wood River Valley, they can see the home they’ve lived in all these years go to protect the places they love.

J

NoN-PRoFiT & GoVERNMENT PARTNERS Thank you to the non-profit organizations and government entities who have partnered with us on projects and programs between November 2007 and october 2008!

Blaine CountyBlaine County Citizens for Water & WildlifeBlaine County Flood DistrictBlaine County Probation DepartmentBlaine County Weed Management AreaBlaine Soil Conservation DistrictCity of HaileyCity of KetchumERCHailey Department of Parks & LandsHailey Environmental Leadership Program (HELP)idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districtsidaho Department of Environmental Qualityidaho Department of Fish & Gameidaho Rivers UnitedLava Lake institute for Science & ConservationSawtooth Botanical GardenSustain BlaineThe Nature ConservancyTrout UnlimitedYAK!

To learn more about how you too can use “appreciated real estate” to support Wood River Land Trust’s protection of the places you love, contact your estate planner or our Major Gifts officer, Robyn Watson, at (208) 788-3947 or

rwatson@woodriverlandtrust.org.

7

and sage stretching as far as our eyes could see. As winter advances, tracks throughout the Wood River Valley will tell the story of animals passing through the area seeking refuge from the harsh higher elevation winters and the hardy peo-ple enjoying winter’s fresh snow and crisp blue skies.

Thank you to everyone who made this purchase possible!Lyn and David AndersonThe Lennox FoundationThe Draper Family Foundation Fundelaine and John FrenchThe Macauley and Helen Dow Whiting FoundationThe Lightfoot FoundationRichard C. BarkerThe Richard K. & Shirley S. Hemingway FoundationDave Perkins and nancy MackinnonMark BenjaminChris ThompsonMartha and Ross JenningsLee D. Rowe, MDDiane and John KahmSusan and Rudy BoeschBobbie BoyerDan Gilmore

Protecting Big Game Animals’ Room to Roam Continued from coverAdditional Protection for

Colorado Gulch hanks to two generous families, Wood River Land Trust protected an additional 51 acres at Colorado

Gulch this fall. Grant, Sheri, and Cat Stevens and Jeff Pfaeffle have donated a 51-acre conservation agreement in Colorado Gulch to Wood River Land Trust that includes ¾ mile of riverfront on the east side of the Big Wood River. This area is adjacent to the 103 acres the Stevens’ and Pfaeffle protected in 2007 using another voluntary conservation agreement. Together, these agreements pro-tect 154 acres in Colorado Gulch and contribute to the corridor of protected or restored land that stretches from Lions Park in Hailey south to Colorado Gulch.

This second conservation agreement limits develop-ment on the property’s farmland and protects the cot-tonwood forest and native plants in the floodplain. The cottonwood forest provides winter habitat for bald eagles, elk, moose, and mule deer while the native plants preserve the area’s floodplain functions. The area is an important link in the future of the fishery, and protecting this area safeguards habitat for wildlife and allows the river to move within the floodplain to create and maintain fish habitat. This area along the Big Wood River is also a popular desti-nation for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.

T

Colorado Gulch in winter

original Conservation Agreement Boundary

Wood River Land Trust Land

New Conservation Agreement Boundary

BLM Land

State Land

119 East Bullion StreetHailey, idaho 83333

www.woodriverlandtrust.org

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Acres Permanently Protected With Your Support: 9,860

WinTeR 2008in This issue:

Protecting Big Game Animals’ Room to Roam...Page 1

Winter 2008 Events...Page 4

A Record Crowd Attends the Howard Community Picnic...Page 5

A Gift to Protect Land & Inspire Others...Page 6

Additional Protection for Colorado Gulch...Page 7

May’s Creek, permanently protected in 1999

Protecting the Heart of the Valley Now and for the Future

wood river land trust