Fall 2015

FALL 2015

IN THIS ISSUE... The Ranching Culture .......... 7
Annual Roundup BBQ........... 9
Trail Boss.................................. 2 15 Years of Conservation...... 15
From the Field......................... 3
Preserving a Legacy ............... 6

TRAIL BOSS Board of Directors

DEAR FRIENDS Chairman
Mantha Phillips – Casper
Aftersevenyearswiththe Wyoming Stock Growers
Land Trust, I am returning to my native New Vice-Chairman
England and so write to say farewell. I am excited Keith Geis – Wheatland
to continue a career devoted to the conservation of
working lands and wildlife habitat and know that Treasurer
my time with the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Ryan Ford – Casper
Trust will provide a clear lens through which to see
the importance of the working lands of mid-coast Secretary
Maine – farms, forests, clam flats and the fisheries Jim Magagna – Rock Springs
nourished by the Georges River.
Jody Bagley – Auburn
I am very proud of the work that we have accomplished since I joined the Land Jack Berger – Saratoga
Trust in August of 2008 and its ever-evolving position among the 1,700 land trusts Rob Hendry – Lysite
throughout the United States. With your help and support, the Stock Growers Land Madeleine Murdock – Pinedale
Trust has conserved 223,000 acres through partnerships with 64 families through 80 Nels Smith – Sundance
permanent conservation easements. What this means is that these lands will remain Dennis Sun – Casper
intact for the rest of our lives and those of our children and their children and their Tracy Swanson – Sheridan
children. Kevin Voyles – Thayne
Annaliese Wiederspahn – Cheyenne
Working with the landowners that have entrusted their family legacies to the
Stock Growers Land Trust in perpetuity has been a humbling experience and many Emeritus
conversations with those with whom we have worked echo in my memory. My John Lunt – Wilson
favorite remains, “My grandfather spent his entire life putting this ranch together. We
want to keep it that way to honor him.” trustees

Land ownership is indeed a legacy and an opportunity for a profound relationship Budd Betts – President
with the land and all that it provides to us. I salute those who view the stewardship of Carole Baker
those values well past their own lifetime – landowners, funders, colleagues, decision- Barbara Dilts
makers, and opinion leaders. Thank you for enabling this work. Sara Flitner
Steve Laird
I look forward to new opportunities to explore the inextricable relationship of humans
to the land they love and hope that you will too! With you, I look forward to continued David Leuschen
support of the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust as it continues along its path of Ron Rhyne
growth and evolution.
A newsletter of the Wyoming Stock
Sincerely, Growers Land Trust, a non-profit

Pamela Dewell organization dedicated to conserving
Wyoming’s working family farms
On the cover: Photo Credit Chanda Snook and ranches and the wide-open
spaces, natural habitats and rural
2 communities they support.

FROM THE FIELD

BUCK RANCH CLOSING Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust was brought to my
attention and after a lot of consideration I decided they were
The agricultural and wildlife values of the Buck Ranch in what I needed. Both sets of my grandparents homesteaded
Lincoln County will be protected in perpetuity, thanks to a here in the early 1900’s and raised their families. I spent most
conservation easement agreement between landowner Karen of my summer months growing up helping my grandmother
Buck and the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust completed on the ranch that is now under Lake Viva Naughton. As
last month. With its stunning mountain views and abundant a tribute to my late husband Chester, grandparents, parents,
fishing, more than 2,000 acres of productive ag land in a Sage aunts and uncles I wanted the land to be left in agriculture
Grouse Core Area would have otherwise been at high risk of and ranching and undeveloped as close as it was originally
subdivision which would have harmed a variety of habitats, when they settled. Thanks to the Wyoming Stock Growers
including the riparian corridor straddling the Hams Fork Land Trust I am able to do this.”
River watershed.
Funding for the project was provided by the Natural
At closing Karen Buck said, “I have looked around at the Resources Conservation Service, the Wyoming Wildlife and
dams, powerlines and subdivisions that have surrounded my Natural Resource Trust, and the Wyoming Sage Grouse
ranch in the last years and realized that if I didn’t want the Campaign, a partnership between The Conservation Fund
same for my property I had better do something soon. The and the Knobloch Family Foundation. “The Conservation
Fund is thrilled to be able to assist this terrific partnership by
contributing matching funds toward permanently maintaining
the Buck Ranch—an incredibly important wildlife and
agricultural property,” said Gates Watson, Northwest Director
for The Conservation Fund. “The outcome here makes
great economic sense and protects critical private lands for
sage grouse and other key wildlife species that help define

Wyoming’s working ranchlands.”

SIMON CLOSING

In collaboration with the Simon Farm and Land Company, the Stock Growers Land Trust completed a conservation easement
on the Arrowhead Ranch in Natrona County in late August.

According to Bo Alley, Conservation Director for the Land Trust, “This easement will help protect key sage grouse habitat,

BY THE NUMBERS

64 Families
80 CE’s

223,000 acres
16 counties

continued on page 4 3

FROM THE FIELD and will limit development on
approximately 10,000 acres.”
continued from page 3
The conservation easement was fully
Dear Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust, donated but a portion of the third-party
The Simon family would like to take this opportunity to thank you for transaction costs were paid for with
your assistance in preserving the Arrowhead Ranch. This beautiful ranch the help of a grant from the Wyoming
in Power River WY is so special to us. It lies within the sage grouse core Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust.
area and contains three leks. Mule deer and pronghorn are also plentiful
here. Placing it in a perpetual easement with the Stock Growers Land The Arrowhead Ranch easement is the
Trust will allow our great grandchildren to see it exactly as it is today. third easement the Land Trust holds in
Natrona County.
Sincerely,
Sylvia, Tim, Emma, and Pete Simon

IN MEMORY OF TWO
SPECIAL FRIENDS...

Our good friend and partner Luke Lynch was killed in an avalanche From left: Luke Lunch; Scott Talbott, Director, Wyoming Game and
while backcountry skiing on Mt. Moran last May after the last Fish Department; Annie and Brian Espenscheid and their children;
issue of our newsletter went to press. As State Director for the Chad and Gudrid Espenscheid and their children; Paul Shelton,
Conservation Fund, Luke was instrumental in the completion of WY State Conservationist Astrid Martinez and former Chief Dave
many projects since 2005, One of the projects he was most proud White of the NRCS, Land Trust Executive Director Pam Dewell
of was the acquisition of permanent conservation easements on and Jennifer Hayward, also of the NRCS.
the 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.

WELCOME ERIC

Eric Schacht joined the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust crew in September as its
new Stewardship Coordinator. Eric was born in Logan, Utah but was raised in Nebraska
after spending his early years in Brazil, southern Africa (Lesotho), and Texas. Agriculture
and conservation, specifically rangeland management, has played a large role in Eric’s
upbringing, education, and professional career. His father is professor of rangeland ecology
and management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Eric received his B.S. in
Fisheries and Wildlife Management from UNL and recently received his M.S. in Natural
Resources Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Prior to joining the
Land Trust, he worked for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the University
of Alaska Fairbanks as a research assistant and interpretive ranger. In addition, Eric’s GIS
skills, his former position as a Range Technical Service Provider with the NRCS, and his
ranch management experience on a large ranching operation near Gordon, NE will help
our Land Trust continue to be a leader in Wyoming Ag conservation, grow new programs
4 and navigate the future conservation landscape.

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 Jackie Griffith
RETIREMENT PLANS would specify that a dollar amount Dr. John and Susie Lunt
or percentage of your estate be left to Fred and Catherine Kusel
Many financial advisors suggest using the Stocker Growers Land Trust. The
these funds to make charitable gifts donation is exempt from federal estate Pamela Dewell
to reduce the tax burden on heirs tax and allows the donor use and control Georgene Lebar Charitable Trust
by reporting the amount withdrawn of the assets during his or her lifetime.
combined with an offsetting charitable Wood Ranch
donation. Marcia Gladstone

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

5

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

Luthi & Voyles, LLC Nickerson, Thorpe Platte Valley Bank Furman, Jim and Susan
Ellis Public Affairs Swanson, Tracy and Liz ANB Bank Luhti, Luana

Barker, Richard Berger Ranches Baker III, Burke and Carole Stoddard, Jim and Kathy
IXL Ranch Sommers, Susan Laramie GM Auto Center Enzi, Mike and Diana
Gordon, Mark and Jennie Ellis, Frank and Jackie
L. Patton Kline Axiom Consulting Partners Horse Creek Cattle Co
Family Foundation Hocker, Phil and Jean Indian Springs Ranch Lewis, Craig and Mary Kay
Berger, Jack and Diana Thomson, William and Toni Edwards, Bill and Beth
Lunt, Lawrence First Interstate Bank Roosevelt, Theodore
and Beatrice Geis, Keith and Marie
Friess, Lynnette E
Read, Mary Boice Masters, John E.
Taylor, Bob and Suzanne

6

THE RANCHING CULTURE

by Alvin Wiederspahn

It is a privilege for me to serve on the Board of the Wyoming Cultural landscapes have been defined as “geographical
Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust. While much of terrains which exhibit characteristics, or which represent the
WSGALT’s work focuses on the conservation of ranch lands, values, of a society as a result of human interaction with the
it is perhaps less recognized that by preserving agricultural uses environment” or as lands which “represent the combined
on those lands, WSGALT also furthers the protection of a works of nature and man…” or, more philosophically, as “a set
culture; the culture of ranching. of ideas and practices embedded in a place [which] captures
the relationship of [its] tangible and intangible qualities.”
Culture has been described as the total way of life that The value of such cultural landscapes is coming to be
characterizes a group of people. By any measure or definition, increasingly recognized and appreciated. A noted geographer,
ranching embodies a singular culture. The ranch culture is Pierce Lewis, has stated, “The attempt to derive meaning
comprised of a distinctive set of cultural components, which from landscapes possesses overwhelming virtue. It keeps us
include animal husbandry, architecture, courtship, cuisine, constantly alert to the world around us, demanding that we pay
dance, dress, etiquette, free enterprise, gestures, individual attention not just to some of the things around us but to all of
freedom, language, music, values and work ethic. It is primarily them – the whole visible world in all of its rich, glorious, messy,
through the agency of their culture that people interact with confusing, ugly and beautiful complexity.” Ranchers have
and modify their environment. Ranch culture affects certain always been attuned to this complexity and to the productive,
attributes of the land, reflecting the way of life of the people cultural, aesthetic and, yes, theological meaning derived from
who live and work on it. The ranch culture’s relationships with the landscape.
the physical environment create a unique “cultural ecology.”
By protecting ranchlands and ranch life, the Wyoming Stock
The stewardship exercised through these relationships Growers Agricultural Land Trust works to preserve ranch
has preserved sustainable environments that are culture, ranch landscapes and this important cultural ecology
largely unchanged by human behavior. Many of of Wyoming – and well it should. After all, “culture” is our
Wyoming’s prodigious landscapes are inextricably tied to
production agriculture. -middle name.

Our State’s defining physical features – climates, landforms
and natural vegetation – are particularly well suited to
stockraising. Ranching’s human activity, with all its attributes
and works, has preserved open space, protected habitat
for wildlife and provided food and fiber for a nation. The
ranch culture is in alignment with resource conservation
because ranchers’ lives and livelihoods depend on the good
stewardship of those places entrusted to their care. That is
why one of WSGALT’s premiere objectives is to facilitate
ranch families’ personal decisions concerning their private
property, allowing the creation of conditions that will protect
ranches for future generations and preserve both a landscape
and a way of life. Through the creation of a properly crafted
conservation easement, WSGALT provides a means to
preserve the “cultural landscape” of ranching.

7

KURT BUCHHOLZ CONSERVATION AWARD

Laura Bucholz, Alan Barnett and Kurt and Laura’s daughter, Bessie. The Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award
is named for the late Dr. Kurt Bucholz
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Alan and his neighbors have also worked DVM, one of the Stock Growers
Trust awarded Alan Barnett the eighth with the Wyoming Game and Fish Land Trust’s early supporters who,
annual Kurt Bucholz Conservation Department and the local Conservation along with his wife Laura, ranched in
Award at the Annual Roundup. Districts on removal of invasive Russian Carbon County. For many years Dr.
olive and salt cedar, and on stream bank Bucholz devoted countless hours to his
Many Wyoming producers know Alan restoration. Alan also worked with county and state. He demonstrated a
through his work with Farm Credit Wyoming Game and Fish on conserving keen understanding of state and local
Services but in addition to his career as Sage grouse habitat, well before it water issues, and was adamant about
an ag lender, Alan and his family bought became the hot topic of today. protecting the upper North Platte
a ranch on Gooseberry Creek on the Valley’s vital and historic water rights.
western edge of the Big Horn Basin. A Alan Barnett spent the first 12 years A rare cancer claimed Kurt’s life in
conservation easement on that ranch of his life on the Padlock Ranch near December 2006. The Stock Growers
was completed in 2005 and led the way Sheridan, where his father was the Land Trust and Laura Bucholz created
for three neighboring ranches to sell manager, and has been immersed the Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award
agricultural conservation easements on in cows, horses, and the business of in 2008 to be presented annually to
their lands. Thus began the process of ranching ever since. A close associate an individual who exemplifies Kurt’s
protecting an entire watershed. Since of Buck Branneman’s, Alan has helped conservation values, particularly those
then, much of the upper reaches of to organize training clinics around that center on protecting and nourishing
Gooseberry and its tributaries have been the west. Alan’s long experience with Wyoming’s working ranches.
protected. Upon receiving the award, Farm Credit Services and agricultural
Alan told attendees, “I am humbled and banking have been a great addition The Bucholz award honoree receives
honored to have been given this award to the Land Trust’s activities, and a bronze statue sculpted by Wyoming
and glad to work on projects that further made him an invaluable member of its artist Jerry Palen that depicts the Stock
Wyoming’s natural resource heritage.” Board of Directors for which he served Growers Land Trust horse and rider
as Vice Chairman prior to stepping logo. Past recipients are Bobbie Frank,
down last year. Mike Healy, Bob Budd, Jim Chant, Joe

-Glode, Dr. John Lunt and Dennis Sun.

The Bucholz award honoree receives a bronze
statue sculpted by Wyoming artist Jerry Palen
that depicts the Stock Growers Land Trust horse
and rider logo. Past recipients of the Bucholz
Award are Mike Healy, Bob Budd, Jim Chant,
Joe Glode, Dr. John Lunt and Dennis Sun.

8

ANNUAL ROUNDUP BARBEQUE

– a founding member of The Wyoming
Stock Growers Land Trust.

Thanks to the generosity of our
supporters, the Conservation Acres
Paddle Raiser was a huge success. We
raised a record $19,650 – and 19 people
went home with a keepsake – a bag of
range land seed donated by Wind River
Seeds!

THANK YOU TO THE SAMUELSON FAMILY! Then the bidding wars began! Our Live
Auction this year was filled with surprises
Another beautiful August afternoon in raised over $8,500 during this year’s as the Name in a C.J. Box novel was
Wyoming, another stunning setting for Silent Auction. Thank you to all that being vied over by two parties. Finally,
this year’s Annual Roundup BBQ! The participated! C.J. – in attendance - offered the prize
Warren Livestock Company, owners to both competitors – thank you, C.J. –
Doug and Susan Samuelson, Carol During the delicious steak dinner, we your support! Randall Luthi and Rory
McMurry and Pat Spieles were hosts to celebrated the many successes of The Cross will soon be appearing in a C.J.
over 300 supporters of Wyoming Stock Land Trust. Rob Hendry (Conservation Box novel. The final win of the night
Growers Land Trust, many learning Chair) and Bo Alley (Conservation went to Rob Hendry who is walking (or
about what we do for the first time. Director) recognized Reid Rosenthal, riding) away with the beautiful vintage
recent Easement land owner, with carriage, donated by John and Susie
The day began with a tour of the Land a Land Trust Buckle. The Bucholz Lunt.
Trust’s largest easement – over 30,000 Award was presented to Alan Barnett
acres! In a parade of trucks, almost 100 and a special presentation made to The evening ended with great music
people took advantage of this once-in-a- Annaliese Wiederspahn and Cynthia from Wyoming’s own Brand 307
lifetime opportunity to see this historic Lummis in memory of Al Wiederspahn and we danced into the night. What
ranch the way you can’t see from the
road. Hearing from Doug about the -an evening!
history of the Ranch, taking them all
the way to today’s operations, people
learned first-hand how the conservation
easement program can help Wyoming’s
ranches and ranching families.

Then came a wonderful chance for
our guests to mingle with the Board of
Directors, Trustees, Landowners and
staff! While enjoying the cocktail hour,
the silent auction – over 100 items! –
were battled over. The Land Trust

continued on page 10 9

ANNUAL ROUNDUP BARBAQUE

continued from page 9

10

THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF OUR

2015 ANNUAL ROUNDUP BARBEQUE & FUNDRAISER

Graciously hosted by Doug and Susan Samuelson at Pole Creek Ranch, Cheyenne, WY

Diamond

Gretchen Swanson Family Foundation • Warren Livestock Co.

Platinum

Platte Valley Bank • The Robert and Emilie Betts Foundation

Gold

Bart & Liz Rea • Bear Lodge Cattle Co. - Driskill Family • BNSF • Bruce & Beth White
J Bar 9 Ranch • Luthi & Voyles, LLC • The Historic Plains Hotel

Western United Realty/First Interstate BancSystem Foundation • Wyoming Downs, LLC

Silver

Anonymous • Bob & Patti Haigh • Brush Creek Ranch • Burns Insurance • Carole & Burke Baker III
C.H. Brown Co. • Clear Creek Cattle Co. • Rob and Leslie Hendry • Cornerstone Realty • Cynthia Lummis
Dr. & Mrs. Chuck Chidsey • Dr. John & Susie Lunt • Ed & Nancy Prosser • Farm Credit Services of America

Grindstone Cattle Co • IXL Ranch • Livewater Properties - Terry Fiesler Mantha Phillips - Merris Group
McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLC • Midas Auto Service and Tires of Cheyenne • Mirr Ranch Group LLC

Producers Livestock Marketing Association • Purdy Family Foundation • Sundance Ranch - Nels & Jeanette Smith
The Conservation Fund • Wayland & Marion Cato - Soldier Creek Ranch • Wyoming Bank and Trust

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Wyoming Stock Growers Association

Copper

#1 Properties • Admiral Beverage Corporation • Alan Barnett • Anonymous • Barbara Dilts
Bob & Betty Schrader • Cheyenne Beverage • Cottonwood Capitol Corp.

Cowboy Saloon and Dance Hall/Buckhorn Bar • Davis & Cannon, LLP • Devon Energy
Halladay Motors Auto Group • Hall and Hall, Inc • Hotel Wolf • Janet Marschner • Jerry T. Webb

John & Kathleen McKinley • Jonah Bank • Keith & Marie Geis • Kevin Voyles
King Ranch – Mark & Trudy Eisele • Mader, Tschacher and Peterson, CPA

Murdock Cattle Company • Neiman Enterprises • New Frontier Ranches • Pamela Dewell
Peterson Appraisal Company • Shively Hardware • Sommers Herefords, LLC • Sundance State Bank
Torrington Livestock Markets/Cattle Country Video • Tracy & Liz Swanson • Warren Federal Credit Union

Wyoming Aero Photo • Wyoming Game & Fish • Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation

11

PRIVATE LANDS AT DEVILS TOWER CONSERVED IN PERPETUITY

An agricultural conservation easement on almost 5,000 Significant funding for the project was received from the
acres south and west of Devils Tower was completed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), through
Driskill family and the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program. Kim Berns,
in early October with the primary purpose of protecting the Director for Easement Programs for the NRCS, thanked the
agricultural values of the property; additionally, the easement Driskill family for their commitment to voluntary conservation.
will conserve the wildlife habitat and open spaces enjoyed “Keeping large landscapes intact across a mosaic of ownership
by hundreds of thousands of annual visitors to the nation’s – federal, state and private – can only be achieved through
first national monument, designated by President Theodore voluntary conservation efforts. NRCS, in concert with our
Roosevelt on September 24, 1906. partners, the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust, thank the
Driskill family for their commitment to the conservation of
working land.”

The conservation easement was made possible by the Wyoming’s Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust contributed
generosity of the Bear Lodge Cattle Co. and Ogden and match dollars to the project in recognition of its special
Zannie Driskill who contributed a significant portion of the significance according to Bob Budd, “The viewshed around
value of the conservation easement. No stranger to supporting Devils Tower is iconic for all of us. Most of us learned
conservation, Ogden stepped off the Board of Directors of about our first National Monument in the fourth grade, and
the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust prior to making there is something incredibly spiritual about this place. This
application for the project. More recently, he served on the easement maintains those values, and along with them, the
Board of Directors of the Land Trust Alliance, the national rich agricultural and wildlife heritage of Crook County and the
organization of more than 1,600 land trusts throughout Black Hills.”
the United States. Ogden also served as Chairman of the
Partnership of Rangeland Trusts until 2014 and continues Contributions were received from individuals
service on its Board. across the state and from the Stock Growers

“I can’t think of a better legacy to leave for Land Trust’s Cultural Landscape Fund in
future generations than to keep a ranch memory of Alvin Wiederspahn, former
in production forever. In an era where Land Trust chairman and an enthusiastic

nothing is permanent, it gives me great pride champion of the project.
in knowing that the ranch will continue
providing clean water, wildlife habitat and The capstone contribution to the project was supplied by The
food and fiber for generations to come.” Conservation Fund, which made a grant available through
– Ogden Driskill its Northern Great Plains Conservation Initiative. “Native
grasslands are disappearing at an alarming rate, and innovative
12 conservation efforts like this can both protect important
ecological resources and maintain the economic value of
ranches,” said Gates Watson, Northwest Director with The
Conservation Fund. The Stock Growers Land Trust stated
that the project could not have happened without this final
critical funding component and the support of each of the
project partners.

The conservation easement is on land which is part of a larger
livestock operation known as the Campstool Ranch, one of the
oldest ranches in northeast Wyoming. The first of the Driskill
family to settle in Wyoming was William Walter “Tobe” Driskill
who first came to the region with his brother Bud when they
trailed cattle from Texas to northeast Wyoming in 1879.

“Conservation easements can be effective Indians was recorded in first-person narratives. Called Matho
and appropriate when landowners, Thipila, or “Bear Lodge,” by the Lakota, the Tower rises almost
conservationists and others work 1,300 feet above the surrounding terrain. Most of the stories
talk about how the Tower was created and feature a climbing
cooperatively for and agree on the benefit. bear using its claws to score the Tower’s sides.
They can help to preserve our agriculture
Devils Tower also has a devoted niche of climbers who ascend
heritage, protect natural resources and it each year according to schedules that protect important
contribute to the open spaces that attract tribal ceremonies and the nesting season of peregrine falcons.
There are numerous stories of early attempts to reach the top
visitors to our state.” of the Tower using ladders, ropes and even a parachute. In
October 1941, George Hopkins was stranded on top of Devils
– Governor Matt Mead. Tower after dropping from an airplane on a $50 bet. Six cold
days and nights later, a team of climbers summoned from the
The Campstool Ranch was purchased by Jesse Driskill in 1910 Tetons, Denver and New England brought him down.
at a sheriff’s auction. Since that time, the Driskill family has
added numerous former homesteads to the operation, some For most Americans, Close Encounters of the Third Kind
of which were the earliest homesteads in Crook County, introduced them to the spectacular formation of Devils Tower.
Wyoming. The Driskill family honors these early settlers The 1977 movie, starring Richard Dreyfuss, was Steven
by naming ranch pastures after them, including Anderson, Spielberg’s first critical and financial success.
Shields, Gordon, Currycomb and Walsh.
This historic ranch provides important yearlong, seasonal,

The Driskill family is known to have had the first grazing
permit on forest land in the United States on a large portion
of the Black Hills Forest Reserve which is speculated to have
been issued in the early 1900’s.

“Link” Driskill was part of the contingent of “Rough Riders”
organized by famed Deadwood Sheriff Seth Bullock that were
the hit of President Roosevelt’s inaugural parade.

Today, more than 400,000 visitors a year visit Crook County,
and Devils Tower is the main attraction. The Monument
is an important economic development generator for the
northeastern corner of the state, a favorite stop for bikers and
other travelers on their way to and from nearby Sturgis and
Mt. Rushmore. Visitors to Devils Tower National Monument
will continue to enjoy the scenic views of the Belle Fourche
River conserved by the easement. In addition, portions of
the property can be viewed from Wyoming State Highway 24
which passes east of Devils Tower.

Tim Reid, National Park Service Superintendent for Devils
Tower National Monument, said, “The world-class viewshed
surrounding Devils Tower is important to many people on
many levels. This conservation easement is a testimony to
family vision and collaborative partnerships coming together
in protecting the singular natural, agricultural, historic and
spiritual values that comprise this important landscape.”

In the 1930s the importance of Devils Tower to many Plains

continued on page 14 13

PRIVATE LANDSAT DEVILS TOWER CONSERVED IN PERPETUITY

continued from page 13

and transitional habitat for a variety of wildlife, including a communities of birds of prey and severely limit or eliminate
substantial number of avian species such as bald and golden habitat for the ground-dwelling birds in the area.
eagles, peregrine and prairie falcons, herons, grebes, osprey,
egrets, terns, hawks, sharp-tailed grouse and Mirriam’s turkey. The Bear Lodge Cattle Company conservation easement
The peregrine and prairie falcons that nest on Devils Tower project was featured in the Department of the Interior’s
find substantial hunting opportunities on the hay meadows “America’s Great Outdoors” initiative. Honored as a
and along the banks of the Belle Fourche River, or “beautiful Centennial Ranch by Wyoming’s State Historic Preservation
fork” as named by French explorers. Because it is situated Office, the Campstool Ranch has been owned and operated
so close to Devils Tower, the ranch is especially vulnerable by the Driskill family for more than 100 years. Conservation

to subdivision and development. Such development would -easements will help the family’s succession planning as the
eliminate the open spaces that are required for the local
6th generation assumes ranch management.

“I had climbed Devils Tower several years before dream became possible thanks to the Driskill
the inception of the Stock Growers Land Trust, family who donated a significant portion of the
and had appreciated its uniqueness and beauty necessary funds to complete the project, Pam
since that time. When I became involved with Dewell, Executive Director of the Stock Growers
the beginnings of the Land Trust 15 years ago, I Land Trust, Kim Berns of the NRCS, Bob
was delighted to learn that fellow founding Board Budd of the WWNRT, and Luke Lynch of The
member Ogden Driskill and his family owned Conservation Fund. Luke Lynch deserves special
and operated the historic and productive working mention as he committed the final funds from
ranch surrounding a good part of the Monument. the Conservation Fund necessary to complete the
Since that time we had dreamed and schemed project. We continue to mourn his loss last May
how to protect this lovely place that frames the in a freak avalanche on Mt. Moran.”
Tower, America’s first National Monument. This

– Dr. John Lunt, Founding Board Member

BIG THANKS TO FREMONT MOTORS!

We all know that Wyoming is a small town with a long main
street…. 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 a gift in kind. Last
month, we received a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 to pull our
trailer and our people all over the great state of Wyoming!

Our thanks goes 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.

14 See you on the road!

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF CONSERVATION LEGACY

Fifteen years ago, Saratoga rancher Association in December of 2000 and The Berger family also continues its
Dr. John Lunt wanted to create determined a 501 [c] [3] charitable support of the Land Trust; Marian
an agricultural land trust to conserve organization several months later. It now makes the donations Jim sent
the productive working lands of the is that determination which allows each Christmas, Jack serves on our
North Platte Valley that he had grown contributing donors to utilize the tax Board and Bob has been instrumental
to love. He had learned about the benefits afforded by the contribution of in much of the conservation work we
success of the Colorado Cattlemen’s all or part of conservation easements. have accomplished in the Sheridan area
Land Trust (CCALT) from the Fetcher – including helping to grow the idea
family who were instrumental in its The Stock Growers Land Trust’s first of our ranchland Succession Program.
founding and started telling everyone Executive Director, Glenn Pauley, was Madeleine Murdock serves on the Land
who would listen about the importance hired and led a Board of Directors, Trust’s Board of Directors, a position
of keeping productive ranches in a majority of which continue to be held by her husband Stan prior to his
agriculture forever. A beloved family appointed by the WSGA, in creating passing.
physician, there were times when his the policies and practices, which laid a Every year, the Land Trust presents
audience may have been captive to his strong foundation for the organization’s the Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award
ministrations, but John’s enthusiasm work. This effort was supported in large to an individual who exemplifies the
inspired regular organizational meetings part by Denver attorneys Bill Silberstein core beliefs held by Dr. Bucholz during
of local ranchers Joe Glode, Jim Berger, and Larry Kueter and modeled after his productive lifetime of dedicated
Kurt Bucholz, Jerry Kraft, Donna Glode, those put into place by CCALT. public service and commitment to
Bill Ellis, Dave Schumacher, Kinta Cheyenne rancher Ed Prosser served as conservation. His wife, Laura, remains
Blumenthal and friends Ruth Shepard, executive director for a brief period after one of our staunchest supporters. Board
Kristin Barkhurst and Tom O’Leary who Glenn’s departure until I was recruited member Annaliese Wiederspahn and
supplied start-up seed money. in August of 2008. her mother, Cynthia Lummis who served
on our first Board of Directors, have
The Wyoming Stock Growers The very first conservation easement initiated the Cultural Landscape Fund
Association had also seen what its held by the Stock Gowers Land Trust in memory of Alvin Wiederspahn, past
neighboring livestock association was donated by the Glode family on Chairman of our Board and Treasurer at
had organized, and wanting to give Sheeprock Ranch and John and Susie the time of his untimely passing.
landowners an alternative to working Lunt soon donated an easement on the These individuals, and countless
with environmental organizations, Highline Ranch as did the Schumacher others along the way, have helped our
was considering the creation of a land family on Brush Creek Ranch and Tom land trust grow into one of the largest
trust with the mission of conserving O’Leary on his property just outside of regional land trusts in the country:
Wyoming’s ranchlands. As many of the town. The first purchased conservation thanks to partnerships with 59 Wyoming
Saratoga group were also members of the easement was acquired on the Barnett landowners, the Stock Growers Land
Wyoming Stock Growers Association, Ranch and Alan Barnett joined our Trust now holds conservation easements
Saratoga rancher Jim Berger called a Board of Directors soon afterwards. on 223,000 acres via 80 conservation
meeting of the two groups and the idea easements valued at more than $87
grew to the formation of a statewide Today, we are in the final stages million. 30 of these were purchased,
organization with a direct tie to and the of completing the acquisition of a utilizing $31 million in federal, state, and
sanction of the WSGA. conservation easement at the base of private funding sources – more than half
our nation’s first national monument, on of those dollars came from out of state
Thanks to the commitment of WSGA lands owned by past Chairman Ogden and all were injected into Wyoming’s ag
members Ogden Driskill and Mark Driskill and his family, now celebrating economy.
Eisele and the leadership of WSGA its 8th generation at Devils Tower. Our These past 15 years have launched an
President Rob Hendry and Executive founding Chairman and 2015 Leopold unparalleled conservation legacy here in
Vice President Jim Magagna, the Stewardship Award winner Mark Wyoming, one that is steeped in family
Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Eisele, went on to be the WSGA’s 51st history as well as promise for future
Land Trust was founded with a general President, and immediate past President
vote of the Wyoming Stock Growers Jim Wilson and his family recently -generations. Let’s just see what
completed an easement on a portion
of their ranch, illustrating the ties that the next 15 years will bring!
continue to bind the two organizations.

15

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P.O. Box 268
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Phone: 307.772.8751
Email: [email protected]

www.wsgalt.org

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223,000 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

Fremont Converse

Riverton

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

Marbleton Sublette Van Tassell

Glendo Goshen

Green R. Pathfinder Res.

La Barge Bairoil Guernsey

Cokeville Lincoln Albany Platte N. Lingle
Platte TRioverrrington
Kemmerer Rock River Wheatland

Sweetwater Seminoe Res. Hanna Medicine Bow Yoder
Rawlins Sinclair
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