Annual Report 2014-2015

FISCAL YEAR 2014 – 2015

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DEAR FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES,

In 2000, a group of Wyoming ranchers, led by Saratoga’s Dr. John
Lunt, approached the Wyoming Stock Growers Association with
their vision of developing a Wyoming agricultural land trust. They
keenly understood that development pressures were threatening to
fragment Wyoming’s working landscapes. Further, they understood
that with over 30 million acres of agricultural land in Wyoming,
conservation of those working lands would provide far reaching and
wide-spread benefits to all who enjoy Wyoming’s most precious re-
sources – her clean air, clean water, abundant wildlife, and wide-
open spaces.

Thanks to your generous support, we’ve come a long way in the last
15 years. From Dr. Lunt’s vision and dedication to the conservation
of Wyoming’s working landscapes and natural resources, the Wyo-
ming Stock Growers Land Trust became the Cowboy State’s first
and only locally based statewide agricultural land trust. This past
fiscal year, we closed four new conservation easements in Converse,
Sublette, and Crook counties. This land will forever remain avail-
able to agriculture and will continue to provide the important habi-
tats our Wyoming wildlife needs to thrive. To date, we have con-
served nearly 234,000 acres of working land and natural habitats,
partnering with 67 families.

Sadly, we recently had to say goodbye to Dr. Lunt. He passed away in November. His vision and will to “always do more…
always do better” will carry us forward and we will continue leading the charge in conserving Wyoming’s working lands,
natural habitats, and wide-open spaces. We couldn’t do this without your help, and are thankful to count you among our
supporters. Together, let’s achieve great conservation over the next 15 years…and beyond.



Sincerely,

Bo Alley
Mantha Phillips Executive Director

Board Chairman

2

Board of Directors 2014 - 2015 IN REVIEW

Chairman In fiscal year 2014, your support of the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural
Mantha Phillips – Casper Land Trust allowed us to conserve four new properties totaling 4,623 acres of
open space and working ranch lands.
Vice-Chairman In addition to these being productive agricultural lands they also include:
Keith Geis – Wheatland
• 2,175 acres of sage grouse core area
Treasurer • 1,955 acres of crucial mule deer habitat
Ryan Ford – Casper • 1,755 acres of crucial moose habitat
• 650 acres of crucial whitetail deer habitat
Secretary • 1 mile of pronghorn antelope migration corridor
Jim Magagna – Rock Springs • 4 miles of streams and rivers

Jody Bagley – Auburn 3
Jack Berger – Saratoga
Rob Hendry – Lysite
Madeleine Murdock – Pinedale
Scott Sims  – McFadden
Nels Smith – Sundance
Dennis Sun – Casper
Tracy Swanson – Sheridan
Kevin Voyles – Thayne
Annaliese Wiederspahn – Cheyenne

trustees

President
Budd Betts

Carole Baker
Barbara Dilts
Sara Flitner
Steve Laird
David Leuschen
Ron Rhyne

STAFF

Executive Director
Bo Alley

Conservation Director
Eric Schacht

Business Manager
Margaret Cox

Administrative Assistant
Chris Machan

Cover Photo: Creek Bend Ranch,
Converse County

FISCAL YEAR 2014 - 2015

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust takes pride in our record of fiscal responsibility and organizational growth.

TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE

9% 3% 2% 1%
2%

26%

55% 15%

88% OPERATING REVENUE

OPERATING EXPENSE 1% 9% 12%
9%
38%

11% 51% 69%

RANCHES CONSERVED ACRES CONSERVED

80 250,000
70 200,000
60 150,000
50 100,000
40
30 50,000
20 0
10
0

4
2015
2013
2011
2009
2007
2005
2003

2015
2013
2011
2009
2007
2005
2003
2001

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As of June 30, 2015 ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current assets
- cash/cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . $607,860
TOTAL LIABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . $141,967
NET ASSETS Contributions receivable
- current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,450
Unrestricted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $941,099
Temporarily restricted . . . . . . . . . . $1,252,894 Furniture & equipment,
Permanently restricted . . . . . . . . . . . $539,202 net depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,782
TOTAL NET ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . $2,733,195
TOTAL LIABILITIES Endowment net asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . $539,202
& NET ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,875,162
Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,641,941

Contributions receivable,
net current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,927

TOTAL ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,875,162

1 family 6 families Sheridan
1 easement 10 easements
498 acres 10,918 acres

Park Big Horn Crook
3 families
4 families Campbell 3 easements
4 easements 4,507 acres
14,818 acres 3 families
3 easements Weston
Teton 4,064 acres Johnson

Washakie 3 families
4 easements
Hot Springs 3 families 2,707 acres
3 easements

11,531 acres

Niobrara

Sublette Fremont Natrona Converse

7 families 2 families 2 families 3 families
18 easements 2 easements 2 easements 3 easements
40,823 acres 914 acres 18,966 acres 4,960 acres

Lincoln Platte
4 families
4 easements Goshen
566 acres
Sweetwater Carbon Albany 2 families
Uinta 3 easements
1 family 9 families 7 families 34,023 acres
1 easement 12 easements 7 easements
490 acres 32,169 acres 23,866 acres Laramie

5

FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015 COMPLETED PROJECTS

This past year, in partnership with four Wyoming ranch families and the generous funders and partners who believe in
our mission, the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust completed four easement transactions, conserving 4,623 acres of
working lands. Our focus on traditional producers has helped us steer a course that not only achieves the conservation of
many family legacies and local economies, but also helps to retain Wyoming’s defining wide open spaces for wildlife and all
who enjoy our rural surroundings.

MARTIN PLACE

Closed 9/26/14
The Martin Place conservation easement conserves 840
acres of rangeland in Sublette County.

Landowner Maggie Miller said, “Again, I have a tremendous
amount of gratitude to the Wyoming Stock Growers
Land Trust, WWNRT and NRCS for supporting the
Martin Place conservation easement. It’s gratifying to know
that the Martin Place lands will always be in agriculture and
conservation for generations to come.”

The Martin Place has a rich variety of plant and animal
diversity as it lies between Bridger-Teton National Forest
and the Green River. The surrounding uplands provide
terrestrial habitat for a number of sage brush obligate

-species including Greater Sage Grouse.

WOOD RANCH

Closed 10/22/14
The Wood Ranch conservation easement conserves 1,788
acres of productive ranchland in Crook County.

Landowner Jackie Griffith said, “I would like to thank the
Stock Growers Land Trust staff for their dedication and
perseverance in preserving and protecting Wyoming ranch-
land, especially the Wood Ranch. The preservation of the
beautiful ranch will protect wildlife and the natural beauty
for all to enjoy.”

The Wood Ranch was founded in 1895 by Jacob Wood and remained in the Wood family for many generations. Jackie
Griffith purchased the land from the Wood family in 2000 and continues to utilize the forage for livestock grazing. At the
location of the original homestead, a cabin was erected in Jacob’s honor and is used today as a Pastor Day Retreat, where

-religious leaders may have a quiet place to reflect, pray and study.

6

CREEK BEND RANCH

Closed 12/30/14
The Creek Bend Ranch conservation easement conserves
240 acres of productive ranchland in Converse County.
The ranch serves as suitable habitat for many of
Wyoming’s species of greatest conservation need, and
provides a year long range for mule deer and pronghorn.
The ranch is speculated to have been a United States
Army waystation between Fort Fetterman north of the
ranch and the Overland Trail and Fort Steele to the
south. This may have been the last waystation before
reaching Fort Fetterman when approaching from the
south. Numerous historic trails pass within 15 miles
of the ranch, including the Oregon, California and

-Mormon Trails.

CHARLIE BALL PLACE

Closed 5/11/15
The Charlie Ball Place conservation easement conserves
1,758 acres of rangeland and important wildlife habitat in
Sublette County.
Landowners Zac and Patti Roberts said, “We are very happy
to have finished this conservation easement with Wyoming
Stock Growers Land Trust and its funding partners. This con-
servation easement assists in protecting wildlife habitat and
sage grouse habitat for future generations.”
In addition to providing forage to the Roberts Cattle Co., the
property provides significant habitat resources for large game
in Sublette County. The property is entirely within Mule Deer
and Moose Crucial Ranges as well as Elk and Pronghorn

-Antelope Seasonal Range.

7

WHERE A FAMILY’S LEGACY AND A MISSION COME TOGETHER

YOUHOW CAN HELP THE WYOMING STOCK GROWERS LAND TRUST?

After making provisions for loved ones SECURITIES REAL ESTATE
and friends, one or more charitable in-
terests are often included in a deed, will Giving appreciated securities (stocks, Gifts of real estate can be made to the
or living trust. By giving a gift through bonds and mutual funds) can generate Stock Growers Land Trust for the ben-
a deed of a remainder interest, a will or additional tax savings. Such gifts are efit of Wyoming’s next generation of
a trust, individuals can help the Stock generally deductible for income tax pur- producers. A bequest of working land
Growers Land Trust conserve working poses at their full current value if owned can be passed along to a young ranch-
ranches in Wyoming. for longer than one year. They can be ing family through our Ranchland Suc-
used to offset taxes up to 30% of adjust- cession Program. Or individuals may
This process is known as planned giv- ed gross income. choose to donate the property and
ing. The plans made today will help retain a life estate, realizing the value
define a family legacy and ensure that LIFE INSURANCE of the gift during their lifetime and re-
philanthropic wishes are carried out. maining on the land they love. Condos
Through a proper will, individuals can The donation of a policy that has been and houses in town can also be left to
have a significant impact on the causes paid for allows the donor to receive a tax the Stock Growers Land Trust and
they care about, including the Stock deduction for its fair market value. A the proceeds derived from their sale
Growers Land Trust. life insurance policy naming the Stock
Growers Land Trust as the irrevocable -directed to support our mission.
• Donations made by will or other be- owner and beneficiary provides the
quest effective at death are 100% de- donor with a tax deduction for the LEGACY SOCIETY
ductible for estate tax purposes. policy’s cash value.
Our Legacy Society includes
• Donations are simple to make and Future payments to the Stock Growers individuals and families that
may only require drafting a simple deed Land Trust to cover the premium on the have left the Stock Growers
or codicil (amendment) to a current will. policy can also be deducted. In either Land Trust as a beneficiary
example above, you can name more in their will or trust. If you
• Many people are able to make larger than one charitable organization as would like more information
gifts through their will than would a beneficiary.
be possible using current income. about our Legacy Society
BEQUEST please let us know.
RETIREMENT PLANS
A bequest is made through a will or Legacy Society Members:
Many financial advisors suggest trust. Bequests of real estate can also be
using these funds to make charitable made through provisions in a deed. Typ- Jackie Griffith
gifts to reduce the tax burden on heirs ically, a bequest in a will or trust would Dr. John and Susie Lunt
by reporting the amount withdrawn specify that a dollar amount or percent- Fred and Catherine Kusel
combined with an offsetting age of your estate be left to the Stock
charitable donation. Growers Land Trust. The donation Pamela Dewell
is exempt from federal estate tax and Georgene Lebar Charitable Trust
allows the donor use and control of the
assets during his or her lifetime. Wood Ranch
Marcia Gladstone
Carrol and Chris Machan

Please consider including
the Stock Growers Land
Trust in your estate plans.

8

PRESERVING A LEGACY

In order to conserve Wyoming’s vibrant agricultural​landscape, the
Cultural Landscape Fund has been established in memory of Alvin​
Wiederspahn to help private landowners maintain the range through
ranching culture. Funds will be directed by the Wyoming Stock
Growers Land Trust to assist with​voluntary conservation of private
ranch l​ands so that they may sustain people and cultural resources
for generations to come. Donations to the Cultural Landscape Fund
may be utilized for traditional conservation purposes, such as the
acquisition of conservation easements or the costs associated with
completing that work, estate or succession planning assistance to
ranch families, or to further awareness and the conservation of ranch
culture. Alvin Wiederspahn served on the Board of Directors of the
Stock Growers Land Trust from ​2009 up to his death in 2014 and as
Chairman from 2012 through 2014. He was passionate about our
work and the opportunity we have to conserve not just land, but
Wyoming’s “cultural landscape.”

The Cultural Landscape Fund has been
established by the family of Alvin Wiederspahn
to help private landowners maintain the range

through ranching culture.

CULTURAL LANDSCAPE FUND DONORS

ANB Bank Mike and Diana Enzi Horse Creek Cattle Co. Lawrence and Beatrice Lunt
Axiom Consulting Partners Thomas and Carol Fagan Bill Huppert Luthi & Voyles, LLC
Carole and Burke Baker, III John Fitzgerald Indian Springs Ranch Luke and Katherine Lynch
Richard Barker Foundation for the Episcopal IXL Ranch John E. Masters
Berger Ranches L. Patton Kline Family Thorpe Nickerson
Jack and Diana Berger Diocese of Wyoming Platte Valley Bank
Barbara H. Dilts David E. Foreman Foundation Mary Boice Reed
Bill and Beth Edwards Lynette E. Friess Laramie GM Auto Center Theodore Roosevelt
Cowboy Saloon & Dance Jim and Susan Furman Creed and Clarene Law Susan Sommers
Keith and Marie Geis Craig and Mark Kay Lewis Jim and Kathy Stoddard
Hall/Buckhorn Bar Mark and Jennie Gordon Jane Lewis Tracy and Liz Swanson
Frank and Jackie Ellis Chris Herman Luana Lathi William and Toni Thomson
Ellis Public Affairs Phil and Jean Hocker John and Susie Lunt

9

THANK YOU TO
FREMONT MOTORS!

We all know that Wyoming is a small town with
long driveways …. As an organization with state-
wide interests, we do a lot of windshield time.
Since 2012, Fremont Motor Corporation has
been providing a leased vehicle to the Wyoming
Stock Growers Land Trust as an in-kind gift.

Our thanks go out to the continued support of
Chuck Guschewsky, Ross Sutton and everyone
at Fremont Motors! Your belief in our cause is
outweighed only by your generosity.

2014-2015 FISCAL YEAR DONORS

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust would like to thank those individuals, businesses and organizations that helped
us achieve our mission during the Fiscal Year: July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015.

Anonymous (2) Joel and Gail Bernstein Kim and Susie Cannon Fred and Leanne Correll
#1 Properties Brooks Betts David Carlton Cottonwood Ranches
Admiral Beverages Corporation Budd and Emilie Betts Jan Carr Cowboy Living
Amazon Smile Big Bale Company Casey Law Insurance Cowboy Saloon and Dance Hall/
Frank Amos Big Goose Ranch Casper Glass
ANB Bank Big Laramie River Ranch, LLC Cattail Ranch, Inc. Buckhorn Bar
Carly-Ann Anderson Blackhawk Gallery Cave Creek Designs Matt and Margaret Cox
Brad Andres and Heather Richard and Ann Boelter Mike and Addie Ceballos Crazy Woman Mercantile
Bohemiam Metals Cheyenne Family YMCA Creek Bend, LLC
Johnson Jackie Boice Cheyenne Frontier Days Elaine Crumpley
Arnjac Corporation Bootleggers Barrels Cheyenne Frontier Days Old Kathleen Curtis
Atlantis Casino Resort Dennis and LuAnn Borgialli D.A. Davidson
Box Elder Ranch West Museum Dali’s Jewelry Designs
Spa - Reno Chuck and Laurie Box Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Davis & Cannon
Axiom Consulting Partners Broken R Ranch, LLC Carol Chidsey Luann Dekraker
Jody and Suellen Bagley Karen Brooks Chuck and Muriel Chidsey Larry and Susannah Detrick
Carole and Burke Baker, III Paul Brooks Leland and Anita Christensen Devon Energy Corporation
Ballinger Rocking R Ranch, LP Stan and Claire Brooks Story Clark and Bill Resor Pamela Dewell
Bar K Bar Kelly Brown Charles and Kellie Clinger Dillards
Richard Barker Brush Creek Ranch Cynthia Cloud Barbara Dilts
Alan Barnett Budd Ranches/Espenscheid CM Ranch Marietta Dinneen
Greg and Heather Bartlett Roger Coles Disney World
Nancy Bath Holdings, LLC Colorado Cattlemen’s Double Speer Ranch
Bear Lodge Cattle Company Bob and Lynn Budd Michael and Beverly Dowling
Beartrap, LLC Burlington Northern Santa Fe Agricultural Land Trust Ogden and Zannie Driskill
Ben & Jerry’s Burns Insurance - Burns Office Jerry and Pam Cooper Tobe and Peggy Driskill
Lollie Benz PLank Bruce and Dana Burns Traci Cooper H. Benjamin and Laurette Duke
Berger Ranches By Nature Gallery Cora Valley Angus Ranch Sophie Echeverria
Jack and Diana Berger C.H. Brown Co. Hal Corbett and Katie Curtis Ellbogen Property Management
Bob and Rosie Berger Cornerstone Realty, LLC

10

Ellis Public Affairs High Plains Gallery Riata Little Norcross Wildlife Foundation
Frank and Jackie Ellis High West Energy Live Water Properties, LLC JW and Thea Nuckolls
Chuck and Mary Engebretsen William U. Hill Livewater Properties Office of Susan H. Kallmeyer
Mike and Diana Enzi Theo and Dawn Hirshfeld Mike Lohse Old West Cedarmill
Nancy Espenscheid Phil and Jean Hocker Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters Barbara O’Loughlin
Howard and Nina Ewart Nancy Hoffman Louisville Mega Cavern One Bar Eleven Ranch
Farm Credit Services of America Gary and Linda Holsan Kim and Mary Kay Love Bud O’Neill
Bill and Karen Ferguson David and Tressa Horning Brian and Kim Lovett Overland Trail Cattle Co., LLC
First Interstate BancSystem Rick and Mary Horning Cynthia Lummis Oxbow/NoWood River
Horse Creek Cattle Co. John and Susie Lunt
Foundation Garrett Horton Lawrence and Beatrice Lunt Limited Partnership
First Interstate Bank Hotel Wolf Sam and Deborah Lunt P H Livestock
Ryan Ford George and Paula Hunker William and Mae-Lyn Lunt Padlock Ranch
David Foreman Jeseray Huntsman Luthi & Voyles, LLC Padlock Ranch Company
Reg and Laurie Forster Indian Springs Ranch Randall Luthi Paramount Cafe
Fourmile Creek Intermountain West Mayo and Susan Lykes Lance Patridge
Jamie Fowler Luke and Katherine Lynch Steve and Shelia Pecha
John and Theresa Freeman Joint Venture Carrol and Chris Machan Anne Pendergast
Fremont Motors IXL Ranch Anne MacKinnon Pendleton
Gerald and Gwen Geis J Bar 9 Ranch Mader, Tschacher, and PepsiCo, Inc.
Keith and Marie Geis Jackson Hole Paragliding Peryam Ranch
Marcia Gladstone Ben Jacquot Peterson, CPA Peterson Appraisal Co.
Joe Glode and Julie Evans Timothy and Kathy Joannides Jim Magagna Ruth Ann Petroff
Mike and Lindy Glode Michael and Mary Johnson Mangelsen Mantha Phillips
Goertz Family Wyoming Philip and Lori Johnson Manning Ranch Raymond Plank
Rod and Mackie d’Arge Johnson Forrest E. Mars Platte Valley Bank
Natural Beef Jonah Bank Janet Marschner Platte Valley Community Center
Gary Goodson Karmen’s Fine Things McCarty Land & Dick and Mary Pownall
Gooseberry Creek Ranch, LLC King Ranch Producers Livestock
Mark and Jennie Gordon King Soopers Water Valuation
Gourmet Gift Baskets Dan and Lynn Kirkbride Cory and Tara McCormick Marketing Association
Graffito Knobloch Family Foundation McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP Ed and Nancy Prosser
Grainger Charitable Fund Hod Kossman Hugh J. McGee Purdy Family Foundation
Granite Creek Valuation Jerry and Linda Kraft Gwyn McKee Range Magazine
Chuck and Cheryl Greenhawt L. Patton Kline John and Kathleen McKinley Rare Element Resources
Gretchen Swanson Family Midas Auto Service & Tires Rawlins National Bank
Family Foundation of Cheyenne Linda Raynolds
Foundation, Inc. Ladder Livestock Company, LLC Miller International, Inc. Bart and Liz Rea
Tom Grieve Land Trust Alliance Dale and Mira Miller Mary Boice Read
Grindstone Cattle Company Jane Lane Marguerite Miller Red Mountain Ranch, LLC
Joe and Gaylene Guth Laramie GM Auto Center Mirr Ranch Group Daniel and Shelley Reinke
Robert and Patricia Haigh Laramie Peak Motors MP & KD Horn and Roberts Cattle Co. Inc. & Patricia
Hall and Hall Tyler and Liz Lauck
Halladay Motors Auto Group Bob Laughlin Leather Shop M. Roberts Living Trust
Marti Halverson Creed and Clarene Law Karen Mumm Rocky Mountain
Cheri C. Harriet Libbey Foundation Reid and Linda Murchison
Hat Creek Saddlery Lil Teahon Boutique Murdock Cattle Company Power Foundation
Barbara Hauge Tyler and Charity Lindholm Natural Resources Rogues Gallery
James and Margaret Hearne Patricia Linehan S-A Cattle
Hellyer Limited Partnership Alan and Linda Linford Conservation Service Sandy K Designs
Rob and Leslie Hendry Linton’s Big R Stores Birch and Cheyann Negaard Chuck and Bobbie Sanger
Lois Herbst Little America Hotel and Resort Jim Neiman Dick and Maggie Scarlett
Heritage Place New Frontier Ranches, Inc. Brian and Maggie Schilling
Chris Herman Gift Shop John Newell Mike and Pam Schmid
Henry and Sue Hewitt Little America Hotel Thorpe Nickerson Schrader Funeral Home
Larry Hicks Jim Nielson and Anne Young Bob and Betty Schrader
Resort - Cheyenne NM Works Lance and Alicia Schutte
continued on page 12
11

2014-2015 FISCAL YEAR DONORS

continued from page 11

Paul and Beverly Schwieger Golf Community Bruce and Beth White YMCA of the Rockies
Karen Seyfert The Prairie Pantry Alvin Wiederspahn Jack and Nancy Zeller
Shake It Up Designs Studio The Robert & Emilie Wilson Ranch
Ruth Shepherd Robert and Susan Wilson IN HONOR OF
Shively Hardware Betts Foundation Wolf Creek
Silver Sage Gallery The Statement Joe Glode
Al and Ann Simpson Thirty One Bar Ranch Co. Charitable Foundation -Bob and Suzanne Taylor
James Slater Jim Thompson Wood Ranch
Nels and Jeannette Smith Stanley and Betty Joe Thompson Wood River Ranch, LLC Dr. John and Susie Lunt
Sommers Herefords, LLC Tina Willis Bootique West Wooden Boat River Tours -H. Benjamin and Lauren Duke
Sommers Ranch, LLC Tom Lucas Western Art Oriana Wuerth
Susan Sommers Torrington Livestock Markets/ Wyoming Department of Bill and Mary Scarlett
Jared and Rebecca Souza - Dick and Magie Scarlett
Spring Creek Ranch Cattle Country Video Workforce Services
Staridge Ranch Trader Barb’s Gallery Wyold Aspen Studio Triggg James Newton:
John and Kathy Steil John and Mark Kay Turner Wyoming Aero Photo, LLC -Brush Creek Ranch
Dennis and Peggy Sun U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wyoming Allstar Farms
Sundance State Bank UL Ranch Wyoming Association of IN MEMORY OF
Superintendent of University of Wyoming -
Conservation Districts Jim Berger
Public Instruction Extension Office Wyoming Bank and Trust -Hotel Wolf
Erik and Jessi Swanson US Bank Wyoming Community
Tracy and Liz Swanson UTE Creek Cattle Company Stan Murdock
Bob and Suzanne Taylor V Ranch Foundation - Murdock Cattle Company
TechSoup Microsoft Fulfillment Vible Ranch Wyoming Downs, LLC
Texas Agricultural Land Trust Michael and Maggie Von Flatern Wyoming Game & Fish Kirsten Campbell
The Anschutz Family Foundation Kevin Voyles Wyoming Livestock Roundup - Hotel Wolf
The Bookover Gallery Patricia Wallace Wyoming Natural
The Conservation Fund Warren Federal Credit Union Luke Lynch
The Historic Plains Hotel Warren Livestock Company Resource Foundation - Live Water Properties, LLC
The Junk Drawer Wayland H. Cato Jr. Wyoming Outfitters
The Lone Star Group Wyoming Rib and Chop House Angus E. Linton
The Mineral Palace Foundation, Inc. Wyoming State Historical Society -Linton’s Big R Stores
The Nature Conservancy Jerry T. Webb Wyoming Stock
The Pampered Chef Wells Fargo Advisors This list reflects donations received
The Powder Horn Western Sage CPAs, PC Growers Association July 1, 2014 through June 30,
Ron and Dixie West Wyoming Wildlife and Natural 2015. We apologize for any mistakes
Western United Realty or omissions. Please contact us
Wheel of Fortune Resource Trust with the correct information so
Wyoming Wildlife we can correct our records and
thank you more appropriately.
The Foundation
XH Land & Cattle Company

12

REMEMBERING DR. JOHN LUNT

IN NOVEMBER, DR. JOHN LUNT Saratoga, Dr. Lunt and his wife Susie fulfilled a lifetime dream
PASSED AWAY. and purchased the Highline Ranch. In 1998, they placed a
conservation easement on the ranch, and in 2001, with the
“WSGALT has lost a longtime friend and partner,” said help of several likeminded ranchers in and around Saratoga,
Mantha Phillips, WSGALT’s Chairman of the Board. “Dr. he founded the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural
Lunt’s never ending desire to learn, to be better, to do more, Land Trust. He wanted to create an agricultural land trust
and “get it done” attitude will be so missed. The level of to conserve the productive working lands of the North
his dedication to and his passion for the conservation of Platte Valley that he had grown to love. He understood
Wyoming ag producing lands was unrivaled. We will move the importance of keeping productive ranches in agriculture
forward in his absence having been given the gift of his forever, and his enthusiasm inspired regular organizational
knowledge and commitment to conserving Wyoming’s meetings of local ranchers.
working family ranches and farms and the wide-open spaces,
natural habitats, and rural communities they support.” Dr. Lunt was appointed to the first Wyoming Stock Growers
Agricultural Land Trust Board of Directors in 2000 and
Dr. Lunt’s understanding of the crucial role that agriculture served on the Board until his death. He was passionate
plays in conservation spawned a conservation movement in about agricultural lands remaining in production. He once
Wyoming that has protected vast working landscapes across said, “For 130 years across Wyoming the hand of the rancher
this great state. His deep appreciation for Wyoming and and farmer has been gentle, transformative, and landscape-
agriculture can be traced back to 1946, when his parents enhancing; not because the early ranchers set out to be
purchased the Double 4 ranch, west of Wheatland, near the ‘environmentalists,’ but because their survival depended
base of Laramie Peak. Here, he fell in love with Wyoming’s upon open working landscapes, irrigated meadows, and a
wide open-spaces and the abundant wildlife it protects. healthy productive ecosystem…this landscape is what we
inherit today.” Dr. Lunt was a 2009 recipient of the Kurt
He attended college in New York, where he graduated from Bucholz Conservation award.
Cornell University in 1950. He went on to attend Columbia
University, College of Physicians, where he graduated in We at the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land
1954. During medical school, Dr. Lunt enjoyed his summers Trust will forever be guided by the virtues and integrity Dr.
back in Wyoming, working on ranches, nurturing his love Lunt instilled in our organization, and the memory of his
for ranching and agriculture. dedication will serve as a catalyst, to continue the work that
he started...to always do more...to always do better.
After medical school, he established a private practice
in general surgery in Denver, Colorado, where he resided Dr. Lunt’s wife, Susie passed away in December.
for the next 17 years. His love of Wyoming never waned,
and in 1977, he moved to Saratoga. Here, he served the
community for 21 years as its family physician. He was once
quoted as saying, “Every surgeon should have to do some
years in family practice, because that’s where you really find
out how to care for your patients.” Folks in Saratoga knew
his kindness and dedication first hand. He never hesitated
to make house calls, and always provided his patients the
utmost care and attention.

In addition to his successful medical practice, he was
passionate about Wyoming’s working landscapes. He keenly
understood the importance agriculture played in protecting
Wyoming’s natural attributes and way of life, and while in

13

IN MEMORY OF TWO SPECIAL FRIENDS

Our good friend and partner Luke Lynch was killed in an From left: Luke Lynch; Scott Talbott, Director, Wyoming Game & Fish
avalanche while backcountry skiing on Mt. Moran last Department; Annie & Brian Espenscheid and their children; Chad &
May. As State Director for the Conservation Fund, Luke Gudrid Espenscheid & their children; Paul Shelton, WY State
was instrumental in the completion of many projects since Conservationist Astrid Martinez and former Chief Dave White of the
2005. One of the projects he was most proud of was the NRCS, former Land Trust Executive Director Pam Dewell & Jennifer
acquisition of permanent conservation easements on the Hayward, also of the NRCS.
Budd/Espenscheid Ranches in Big Piney. Pictured with Luke
are some of the many partners who made this important
project come together, including Paul Shelton of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) who passed away
in October of 2014. There was not a bigger champion for
conservation in Wyoming than Paul. Our hearts remain
heavy and our thoughts continue to be with the Lynch

-and Shelton families.

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

To celebrate 15 years of conservation work in Wyoming, we
are offering Stock Growers Land Trust merchandise for sale.

Please let us know if you would like to purchase any
items pictured.

Hats. . . . . . . . . . . $15 4 Coasters. . . . . . .$10

2 Coasters. . . . . . . .$7 2016 Calendar. . . .$7

In celebration of our 15th anniversary we
are compiling a photo book containing all

of our completed projects. If you would
like to share photos of your conserved
property, please contact the office. Photos
of ranch work, wildlife and landscapes

will be great additions to the book.

14

DEAR FRIEND,

The names contained within this book, and the generosity associated with those names are both inspiring and
humbling. We are so grateful for your dedication to our mission, and we hope you will continue to help us con-
serve Wyoming’s most precious resources. The West is facing a population surge, current studies predict that 48
million people will be added to the West’s population by 2050, resulting in 26 million acres of open space being
converted to residential and commercial developments.

We will continue to lead the charge in Wyoming ag-land conservation and stay ahead of this curve. We will
endeavor to improve existing programs, by working directly with public agencies to ensure their conservation
programs are accepted by, and work for, Wyoming stakeholders. We will also be diligent in identifying new
conservation and funding opportunities.

Finally, we will strive to “always do more…always do better.” Dr. Lunt was a modest man. He didn’t set out to
create a conservation legacy. He sought to provide a means that would help conserve and protect the Wyo-
ming he knew and loved. He was also passionate, and his passion for ranching, wildlife, and Wyoming’s natural
beauty spawned a conservation movement that has conserved vast working landscapes across this great state.
We at the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust will forever be guided by the virtues and integrity
Dr. Lunt instilled in our organization, and his memory will serve as a catalyst, to continue the work that he
started. We will strive to honor his legacy and seek to achieve a level of conservation that will make a meaning-
ful and positive impact in this place those of us fortunate enough to call home.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

Sincerely,

Bo Alley Mantha Phillips

Executive Director Board Chairman

15

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Phone: 307.772.8751
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www.wsgalt.org

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233,946 ONEacres of working of the largest regional
Landscape Conserved
Easement Holders in the US

Deaver Ranchester Little Missouri R.
Powell Hulett
Lovell Sheridan
Cody Crook
Sheridan Clearmont
Sundance
Big Horn Moorcroft

Yellowstone L. Park Burlington Greybull Upton
Basin
Jackson L. Buffalo Weston Newcastle
Gillette
Teton Meeteetse Manderson
Worland Campbell
Ten Sleep Johnson Powder R.
Wright
Hot Springs Kirby Washakie Kaycee

Thermopolis

Dubois

Jackson W Y O M I N GBoysenRes. South Fork Powder R. Edgerton
Alpine
Pavillion Shoshoni Niobrara
Thayne
Afton Fremont Converse

Riverton

Pinedale Lander Hudson Natrona Casper Evansville Glenrock N. Platte River
Douglas
Lost Springs Lusk

Sublette Van Tassell

Marbleton

Glendo

Green R. Pathfinder Res. Goshen

La Barge Bairoil Guernsey

Platte N. Lingle
Platte
Cokeville Lincoln Albany Wheatland Torrington
River
Kemmerer Sweetwater Seminoe Res. Rock River
Rawlins Sinclair Hanna Medicine Bow Yoder
Superior
Chugwater

Wamsutter Elk Mountain Laramie R. La Grange

Granger Rock Springs
Green River
Carbon Saratoga Laramie
Uinta Albin

Evanston Mountain View Laramie Lodgepole Creek
Flaming Gorge Res.
Riverside Burns Pine Bluffs
North Platte R.
Dixon Cheyenne