Spring 2014

SPRING 2014

IN THIS ISSUE... Where a Family’s Legacy
and Our Mission
Letter from Come Together........................ 4
the Chairman.......................... 2 Conservation Champions....... 5
Ranchland Succession Bear Lodge Cattle Co.............. 6
Program.................................... 3 From the Field......................... 8

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN Board of Directors

DEAR FRIENDS Chairman
Ed Prosser – Cheyenne
A wet Wyoming spring looks to give us
plenty of grass and water this summer and if Vice-Chairman
cattle prices remain at their current levels, Alan Barnett – Meeteetse
it might be an especially good year for the
ranch industry here in the Cowboy State. Secretary
If so, it will be a particularly important Jim Magagna – Rock Springs
time to look after our investments, both
for the benefit of our families as well as Treasurer
for the future of agriculture in Wyoming. Al Wiederspahn – Cheyenne
We invite you to consider investing in the
Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust. Jody Bagley – Auburn
Jack Berger – Saratoga
As stewards of the vast majority of the private lands in our great state, it is up to
us to help ensure their availability for agriculture in the future. This is no easy Ryan Ford – Casper
feat, and those of you reading this may already be scrolling through reasons in Keith Geis – Wheatland
your mind why there might be an end of the road for your family ranch. With
operators 65 years of age and older managing a third of our private ag land (that’s Rob Hendry – Lysite
almost 9 million acres!), this could spell some real change for what we all might Madeleine Murdock – Pinedale
perhaps take for granted.
Mantha Phillips – Casper
And I do mean all of us – visitors to the state, non-ranchers, those making a Nels Smith – Sundance
living off the tourism industry or others working to deliver cost-efficient energy Dennis Sun – Casper
to the rest of the country and beyond its borders. We have all come to believe Tracy Swanson – Sheridan
that some of Wyoming’s natural resources are just about infinite.
Emeritus
It is crucial that we protect the water rights that nourish the grasslands which John Lunt – Wilson
are so critical to Wyoming’s economy and culture. We also need to review the
opportunities we have to keep agricultural land intact and producing food and trustees
fiber – and providing a livelihood to those who steward it. Have you considered a
plan to keep your family lands in agriculture for future generations of producers? Budd Betts – President
Carole Baker
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust has worked with numerous families Barbara Dilts
as they gathered up the tools needed to pass their generational ranch properties Sara Flitner
along, and keep those lands in agriculture. In some cases, a desire to keep family Steve Laird
lands pieced together by their ancestors as intact working units has led to unique
approaches to ensuring those lands get into the hands of the next generation, David Leuschen
even if not the next generation of their own family. Ron Rhyne

In others cases, families have pieced together lands to accommodate more than A newsletter of the Wyoming Stock
one branch of a family, helped siblings buy out the ones that went to town, Growers Land Trust, a non-profit
enabled sons and daughters to take over a place from aging parents. In these
pages you can read about some of our projects which have closed and others organization dedicated to conserving
which are in progress. We hope that you will consider supporting our work – so Wyoming’s working family farms and
important in the bad years, and perhaps more possible in the good ones. ranches and the wide-open spaces,
natural habitats and rural communities
Please consider an investment in agriculture. In Wyoming. In the future.
they support.
2 Ed Prossser, Chairman, Board of Directors
Cover photo: Stephanie Russell
Cowgirl Graphics

RANCHLAND SUCCESSION PROGRAM

Much like Wyoming’s leaders of the earlier time of their choosing, the Fred and Catherine Kusel
late 1800s, today’s Wyomingites Kusels will bequeath their ranch to the
are called upon to define their state and Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust. this act of extraordinary generosity.
its future. Numerous studies underscore The Land Trust has been charged by the The Georgene Hager Family Fund will
the commonly-held belief that wide- Kusels with placing the property in the be used repeatedly through revolving
open spaces, abundant wildlife and hands of a young ranch family. loans that help assure agricultural lands
traditional agriculture must be part remain in production and young people
of Wyoming’s future. The Ranchland The second gift occurred in 2012 when remain in agriculture.
Succession Program is our effort to Georgene Hager LeBar passed away. The Georgene Hager Family Fund also
broaden awareness surrounding the Her family liquidated a portion of her marks the beginning of a multiyear,
work to be done, to add new tools to assets and made charitable investments. multi-million dollar campaign that will
the potential solutions and to see that The Ranchland Succession Program help Wyomingites chart the course for
existing tools are better understood is among the causes benefitted from the future of agricultural lands in their
and readily implemented. Our vision state.
is the successful conservation of Central to the project’s success is
Wyoming’s working ranches for future expanding awareness about the
generations of landowners engaged in Ranchland Succession Program and the
the production of food, fiber and other availability of individual opportunities
natural resources. to help chart Wyoming’s future.
Potential for positive impact stretches
Two key gifts were central in creating from those who have inherited family
the Ranchland Succession Program land, to up and coming producers to
and charting its general course. In attorneys, accountants and other who
2009, siblings Fred and Catherine Kusel aid in estate planning. Each of us, in our
of Sheridan, placed a conservation own way, can help define the Wyoming
easement on their family ranch, but we hope to see persevere for the next
then made broader plans for its future. century and beyond through the
At the time of their deaths, or at an Stock Growers Land Trust Ranchland

Georgene LeBar’s nephew, Dylan, and Erin Hager and family -Succession Program.

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WHERE A FAMILY’S LEGACY AND OUR MISSION COME TOGETHER

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

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CONSERVATION CHAMPIONS

Doran and Enid Lummis HALL AND HALL not necessarily in the corrals, but in the office. She was an essential
part of the family’s ranching operation. Through her efforts the
The 5,080 acre Lummis Ranch lights were kept on, all of us were fed and the jeans were mended.
owned by the family of U.S.
Rep. Cynthia Lummis recently The fact that Hall and Hall so generously responded in respect to
sold. The Montana firm that my mom was admirable and speaks well of the company and what
brokered the sale, Hall and they stand for.” — Del Lummis
Hall, has donated $25,000 to
the Wyoming Stock Growers LUNT FAMILY
Land Trust in memory of Enid
Lummis, Cynthia’s mother John Lunt, my uncle, gave me a job on his ranch when I
who died last year. needed one for my personal growth, and he helped me find
my direction in life through that work. The fact that I am
Hall and Hall history: The year was 1946—a time when our now a successful rancher is due significantly to him. I want to
soldiers were returning home from war. The United Nations contribute to something that is important to my Uncle John.
held its first general session. The movie “It’s a Wonderful
Life,” starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, was acclaimed Whether the general public knows it or not, keeping land
“the best movie of all time,” and Roy Rogers was riding tall open and productive is the best direction for us and future
in the saddle and in the hearts of people across the country generations. I wish more kids would stay on their families’
This was also a time for new adventures and new business ranches and continue to live a clean, rewarding and honest
opportunities. life, conserve the natural environment, produce healthy, grass
fed beef, and protect it all for our descendants.

Henry Hall and his son, Warren, founded Hall and Hall. I am proud to contribute to the Wyoming Stock Growers
Traversing the vast landscape of the West and carrying his
bedroll, a forty-five pistol, and a stack of loan applications -Land Trust! Cowboy up! — Tony Lunt
on the seat beside him, Henry developed close business and
personal relationships with the hard-working ranchers and
farmers he met along the way.

Those early friendships were built on trust, good advice, and
being there to lend a helping hand. “While many things
have changed over the years the basic principles on integrity,
fairness, and hard work still drive everything Hall and Hall
does. And they always will.” — Mike Hall

“We as a family were very pleased with the generosity of Hall and
Hall in regards to the donation to the Stock Growers Land Trust.
My mom was instrumental in keeping the ranch in working order,

photo credit: Hall and Hall

5

BEAR LODGE CATTLE COMPANY

• YOU CAN HELP CONSERVE 7,000 ACRES AT THE BASE OF DEVILS TOWER

The Bear Lodge Cattle Company project will conserve private This historic ranch provides important year-long seasonal and
lands on the west and southeast areas at the base of Devils transitional habitat for a variety of wildlife, including a substantial
Tower, America’s first National Monument. Designated by number of avian species such as bald and golden eagles, peregrine
President Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906, the and prairie falcons, herons, grebes, osprey, egrets, terns, hawks,
Monument’s boundary encompasses an area of 1,347 acres. sharp tailed grouse and Mirriam’s wild turkey.
Called Matho Thipila, or “Bear Lodge,” by the Lakota, the
Tower rises almost 1,300 feet above the surrounding terrain.

Four conservation easements will protect the working ranch
lands of the Campstool Ranch and additional holdings of
the Bear Lodge Cattle Company. They also will conserve the
view of Devils Tower from Highway 24 and the open views
of traditional Wyoming ranchland that are enjoyed from the
visitor areas of Devils Tower.

More than 400,000 visitors a year come to Crook County,
and Devils Tower is the main attraction. The Monument
is an important economic development generator for the
northeastern corner of the state and is a favorite stop for bikers
and other travelers on their way to and from nearby Sturgis and
Mt. Rushmore. The Tower also has a devoted niche of climbers
who ascend it each year according to schedules that protect
important tribal ceremonies and nesting of peregrine falcons.

The project will conserve almost 7,000 acres of productive
agricultural land and wildlife habitat as well as a rich cultural
history. More than 20 tribes have a cultural affiliation with
Devils Tower and in the 1930s, the importance of Devils Tower
to the Plains Indians was recorded in first person narratives.
Most of the legends talk about how the Tower was created and
feature a climbing bear using its claws to score the Tower’s sides.

6
photo credit: Chandra Snook

Map Key

Bear Lodge Cattle Co.
Wyoming State Lands
BLM
National Park Service

The peregrine and prairie falcons that nest on Devils Project Budget
Tower find substantial hunting opportunities on the hay
meadows along the banks of the Belle Fourche River. Total Project Cost ......................... $8,478,000
Landowner Contribution .............. $2,035,200
Because it is situated so close to Devils Tower, the Committed to Date ....................... $4,000,000
ranch is especially vulnerable to subdivision and Total Left to Raise ......................... $2,442,800
development. Such development would eliminate
the open spaces that are required for the local
communities of birds of prey and severely limit or
eliminate habitat for the ground-dwelling birds in the
area. The conservation easement project will ensure
that these majestic views remain open to the public
and the wildlife habitat is conserved in perpetuity.

The Bear Lodge Cattle Company conservation easement is featured in the Department of the Interior’s “America’s Great
Outdoors” initiative. Honored as a Centennial Ranch by Wyoming’s State Historic Preservation Office, the Campstool Ranch
has been owned and operated by the Driskill family for more than 100 years. Conservation easements will help the family’s

-succession planning as the 6th generation assumes ranch management.

photo credit: photo credit: Wyoming State Archives, 7
Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources

FROM THE FIELD

KAMP CATTLE “The importance of preserving Wyoming’s agricultural
heritage cannot be overstated, especially as development
More than 8,700 acres of productive ranchland in Albany moves into important ranching land,” said Conservation
County have been preserved as a result of a recent conservation Director Matt Wells of the Wyoming Stock Growers Land
easement project completed by the Wyoming Stock Growers Trust. “The Kamp family’s donation will ensure that there is a
Land Trust. viable agricultural operation for future generations.

Kamp Cattle Company traces its origins to Wyoming’s historic Lessee and Ranch Real Estate Broker James Rinehart stated;
King Ranch, which was homesteaded in the early 1900s. It “Private ranch land is vital to wildlife and the open spaces that
has been in continuous agricultural production – including all people enjoy. The opportunity to continue to run yearling
sheep and cattle grazing – since that time. The 8,783-acre cattle on the Kamp Ranch is something Patti and I enjoy
easement was donated to the Land Trust by the property and will continue to enjoy for the long term, thanks to the
owner, Pete Kamp, to ensure the ranch’s compatibility with assurance due to the conservation easement that the Kamp
agriculture in the future and deter subdivision and commercial Ranch will always be in ranching, not housing.”

BEARTRAP MEADOWS

Cattlemen, woolgrowers, anglers, hikers, and hunters will
continue to enjoy Beartrap Meadows in the Big Horns thanks
to a conservation easement completed by the Wyoming Stock
Growers Land Trust with the support of Johnson County ag
organizations, the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource
Trust and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

photo credit: James Rinehart The project conserves a historic stock rest in western Johnson
County that has been used by agricultural producers for almost
development. In recent years North Laramie has experienced a century. Located high in the southern Big Horn Mountains
a significant amount of development. near the headwaters of Beartrap Creek, ranchers in the region
rely on the area as a stopover for rest for their cattle and sheep
“I want to make sure it remains in cattle pasture,” said Kamp. while driving them to summer grazing pastures. More than
“I don’t want the next owner cutting it up into house lots. 20,000 head of livestock trail through annually, benefitting
Hopefully the next owner will keep cattle on it.” from the area’s plentiful water and forage. Under the terms of
the agreement, the land and the stock rest will be conserved
in perpetuity.

The conservation easement provides an open, pastoral view The appeal of Beartrap Meadows extends beyond agricultural
along U.S. Highway 287 as it heads north from Laramie. The uses. According to landowner Bruce Pheasant, a Kaycee
view extends from the highway beyond the Kamp ranch into rancher, hundreds of recreational users from the U.S. and
the Laramie Mountain Range. abroad enjoy the landscape each year, including its remarkable

8

trout fishing. Through the “bargain sale”
of a conservation easement, the Pheasant
family will preserve the property in its
current and historic use as a stock rest.
The Pheasant family generously donated a
significant portion of the fair market value
of the conservation easement and the
partners listed above contributed to the
reduced purchase price. In addition, the
family has worked out an agreement with
the Wyoming Game and Fish Department
that allows the public to continue to fish on
the property.

“It’s a little piece of paradise,” Pheasant Wyoming State Treasurer Mark Gordon grew up on a ranch
said. “The easement is going to help so that adjoins Beartrap Meadows. As a kid he trailed cows
many people in so many ways.” Beartrap and calves to summer range through the meadows, which sit
Meadows is about 30 miles from Kaycee about 8,000 feet above sea level. “It is not only a crossing for
and is accessed by roads from Kaycee, livestock, but a corridor for wildlife, a place to fish, and a place
Buffalo, Tensleep, and Casper. where at least one dude outfit offers summer rides,” Gordon
said. Once, during a June snowstorm, Gordon and his sister
The project brought together a unique set of six partners. In found welcome shelter is a sheepherder’s wagon. Gordon
addition to the in-kind contribution from the Pheasant Family, said the partners involved in the project have “preserved a
contributions from the following made the project possible: historically important thoroughfare as well as a culturally
the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program of the Natural significant and beautiful part of Wyoming, thereby assuring its
Resources Conservation Service, the Wyoming Wildlife and use for generations to come.”
Natural Resource Trust, the Johnson County Wool Growers,
the Johnson County Cattlemen, and private donations. Beartrap Creek is a tributary of the Powder River. It is
surrounded by grasslands that feed a rich array of resident
Dale Graves, president of the Johnson County Cattlemen, wildlife during seasonal migration. It is not unusual to see
said the easement serves a vital role for producers who rely moose foraging in the rich meadows along with elk, mule deer,
on Beartrap Meadows for the movement of their livestock – and red fox that inhabit the area.
a “connecting link” for cattle drives on that part of the Big
Horn Mountains. “Without it, moving livestock between Seasonally, the property provides breeding, nesting and brood-
these different drives and pastures would be very difficult if not rearing habitat for sandhill cranes, Canada geese, mallards
impossible,” he said. “For years it has been a mainstay offering and other waterfowl. Raptors frequent the property, including
a place to water, graze and rest livestock that are on trail.” red-tailed hawk, great horned owl, and bald eagle.

President of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association Peter continued on page 10
John Camino said wool producers in Johnson County are glad
that such an important part of the stock trail is secure. “We
don’t have to worry about losing that portion of the trail to
development and we can keep our trailing system alive. If
houses had been built there, it would have stopped us. It’s a
critical intersection,” he said.

9

FROM THE FIELD PERSPECTIVE FROM
AN EAGLE'S EYE
continued from page 9
How LightHawk assists in achieving our conservation goals
The area was first settled by Pheasant’s grandfather in the
early 1900s. Five generations of the Pheasant family have You’ve probably seen it, that small plane flying low at around
been involved in the sheep-ranching operation, with the sixth 1,000 feet above the ground. “What a view they must be
generation preparing to carry on the business. getting,” you think to yourself. Besides providing an incredible
look at what’s around us, small planes can also be a useful
“This land plays such a central role in so many peoples’ lives,” resource for conservation. Satellite images on Google Earth
Pheasant said. “The conservation easement is not just for me are quite amazing, but often times you need a more recent
or my family. It’s for everyone to enjoy.” view and staring at a 24” computer monitor doesn’t necessarily
make your heart beat faster.
Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Scott
Talbott noted the benefit for anglers. “This easement will The idea of LightHawk began more than thirty-five years
secure a publicly accessible stream fishing opportunity in an ago, when a charismatic bush pilot started with a borrowed
area of Wyoming where public stream fisheries are few and far plane. That bush pilot went on to found LightHawk, which
between,” he said. has been working ever since to provide aerial perspectives
and giving the conservation community access to invaluable
Added Gordon, “The easement represents a truly appropriate information and inspiring people to take action. Today,
and visionary purpose for a conservation easement and I LightHawk has a corps of more than 200 volunteer pilots
commend all those who brought it to fruition.” who donate their time, expertise, aircraft, and all expenses
(including fuel) to help conservation organizations achieve
MONITORING SEASON 2014 their goals. LightHawk works with hundreds of non-profit
organizations each year to improve their conservation efforts.
Right now it is only April and the grass has just begun to The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust is fortunate to be
grow, and I am anxiously waiting the quickly approaching one of those organizations.
field season. This year, we hope to partner with LightHawk
on the most extensive mission yet which will include 13 Our relationship with LightHawk began in 2010 when a staff
conservation easements and cover more than 38,000 acres! member requested a flight to conduct annual monitoring
“What LightHawk has done and continues to do is quite of a conservation easement in a remote location north
simply amazing. They are able to coordinate entire flights of Cody, WY. Since then the relationship between the
from start to finish and always maintain contact between the two conservation organizations has blossomed. In 2012,
pilot and our staff. LightHawk and their generous pilots allow LightHawk coordinated a flight for annual monitoring of the
for quick and efficient annual monitoring of our conservation same easement that began our relationship. The following
easements on a large scale. I just can’t say enough good year, the Land Trust partnered with LightHawk to complete
things about LightHawk, and we here at the Wyoming Stock annual monitoring on 6 conservation easements spanning
Growers Land Trust extend a huge thank you to their entire
-over 8,500 acres!
organization.” — Lance Schutte, Stewardship Coordinator

10 Last month, land trust leaders from around the US stormed Capitol Hill
photo credit: Office of Senator John Barrasso for more than 200 meetings. Executive Director Pam Dewell met with
Senators Enzi and Barrasso and Rep. Lummis as well as US Department of
Agriculture officials to discuss rulemaking for the conservation title of the new
Farm Bill and renewing conservation tax incentives.

photo credit: Eric Nielsen, Green River Star, Lighthawk

ANNUAL ROUNDUP
BARBEQUE

Don’t forget, our Annual
Roundup Barbeque is coming up
soon. Remember to save the date,

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Visit wsgalt.org for
more information and to

purchase your tickets.

Also be sure to check out
the 2014 Roundup Barbeque

sponsorship opportunities.

11

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U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
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PERMIT NO. 47

P.O. Box 268
Cheyenne, WY 82003-0268

Phone: 307.772.8751
Email: [email protected]

www.wsgalt.org

Please contact us if you would like to be removed from our mailing list.

200,000 ONEacres of working of the largest regional
Landscape Conserved
Easement Holders in the US

Deaver Ranchester Little Missouri R.
Powell
Lovell Sheridan Hulett
Cody
Sheridan Clearmont Crook

Big Horn

Yellowstone L. Park Burlington Greybull Sundance
Basin
Jackson L. Buffalo
Gillette
Teton Manderson Moorcroft
Worland Campbell
Meeteetse Upton
Wright
Ten Sleep Powder R.

Hot Springs Kirby Washakie Johnson Weston Newcastle

Thermopolis Kaycee

Dubois

Jackson Edgerton

Pavillion ShoshoniW Y O M I N GBoysenRes. South Fork Powder R. Niobrara

Alpine Fremont Converse
Thayne
Afton Riverton

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

Van Tassell

Marbleton

Glendo

Green R. Pathfinder Res. Goshen

La Barge Bairoil Guernsey

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

Superior Chugwater

Wamsutter Elk Mountain Laramie R. La Grange

Granger Rock Springs Carbon Saratoga Laramie
Mountain View Green River

Uinta Albin

Evanston Laramie Lodgepole Creek

Riverside Burns Pine Bluffs
North Platte R.
Flaming Gorge Res. Cheyenne

Dixon