Fall 2011

MthaeRinantagiening

Fall 2011 Conservation Through Ranching

Governor Matt Tour of Hat 2 Ranch - Meeteetse

Mead joined the tour of the Hat 2 Ranch Conservation Easement during the 2011 Roundup Barbecue.

For Want of A Nail
by Pamela Dewell, Executive Director
In This Issue
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
A Changing Landscape 3
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.

For want of a horse the rider was lost.

From the Field 4 For want of a rider the battle was lost.

For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.

Mowry Ranch 6 And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Conservation Easement My grandfather used to recite this to me in his endless efforts to make me a more prac-
Conference Spotlight 8 tical Yankee. He abhorred anything out of place, wasted materials, time or effort or
moving anything more than once. He encouraged me to always think several moves ahead,

2011 Roundup Barbecue 10 whether we were playing cards or doing chores.

This practicality has served me well over the years. As much as I preferred shortcuts as a

child, becoming an adult has been to learn that riding a wider circle is often the fastest way

to get the job done. I have also learned how it is often the small things that can really take

you down or hold up progress.

As the average age of a Wyoming rancher continues its trend skyward, the Stock Growers

Ag Land Trust receives increasingly more interest from families planning their generational

transfer, or, in some cases, just looking to retire. Conservation easements are indeed a tool

that can help reduce tax liability and purchased easements can also help raise some capital

without liquidating acreage or livestock. NAIL continued on page 2

NAIL continued from page 1 Wyoming

Wyoming has unprecedented funding for conservation Stock Growers

due in large part to a bird that many of you have running LAgarnidcuTltruursatl

around your place – the sage grouse. In fact, Wyoming has Board of Directors
Chairman
most of these birds and, unfortunately, also the most to lose Jody Bagley – Auburn
Vice Chairman
should they become listed. Alan Barnett – Meeteetse
Secretary
The fragmentation of its habitat is regarded by many wild- Jim Magagna – Cheyenne
Treasurer
life experts as the largest threat to this bird’s existence. Roads, Alvin Wiederspahn – Cheyenne
Mark Eisele – Cheyenne
cars, houses and dogs do not bode well for the sage grouse and I Rob Hendry – Lysite
Dianne Kirkbride – Cheyenne
Pamela Dewell am intrigued by the controversy over the presence, distribution Randall Luthi – Washington, DC
and control of wind towers, coyotes, raptors and water tanks. Ed Prosser – Cheyenne
Steve Schalk – Saratoga
But since the sage grouse seem to have settled in along with the cattle, anything we can Nels Smith – Sundance
Dennis Sun – Casper
do to keep large tracts of private land open and productive seems to me to be a no-brainer. Tracy Swanson – Big Horn
Emeritus
If there are funds available that contribute to that effort while also keeping the land in agri- Dr. John Lunt – Wilson

cultural production – without onerous demands on the operator – great! Trustees
Chairman
With this surplus of funds comes a challenge: raising cash match. Farm and Ranch Ray Hunkins – Wheatland/Cheyenne
Liz Brimmer – Jackson
Lands Protection Program (FRPP) dollars will fund up to 50 percent of the Fair Market Wayland Cato – Sheridan
Story Clark – Jackson
Value as determined by a qualified appraisal – but must be matched with at least 50 cents Sara Flitner – Jackson
Charles Greenhawt – Idaho
in cash to every federal dollar. A landowner may contribute up to 25 percent of the value Donald Kendall – Cora
Clarene Law – Jackson
by reducing the actual purchase price. With that, our land trust can complete our projects David Leuschen – Cody
Michael Martin Murphey – NM
every year; the Stock Growers Ag Land Trust closed 11 conservation easements in the past Art Nicholas – Douglas
Shane Schulz – Cheyenne
year. However, cash match is increasingly more difficult to find. Jane Sullivan – Casper

The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust is a valuable source for some of Staff
Pamela Dewell – Executive Director
these funds, but the demand for money always exceeds what they can fund. Sportsmen’s Shari Baird – Administrative Assistant
Leah Burgess – SE Field Representative
groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, our governor’s Big Game License Coali- Vera Lightfoot – Bookkeeper
Graham McGaffin – Conservation
tion and the Mule Deer Foundation are helpful partners (especially when landowners are
Coordinator
willing to provide hunting or fishing access) as are many private foundations with an interest
MthaeRinantagiening
in maintaining wildlife populations, rural communities or scenic landscapes. Some even
Editor: Liz Lauck
help cover the cost of getting these deals done.
A newsletter of the Wyoming Stock
To date, we have been unable to raise dollars based solely on the cultural or historical Growers Agricultural Land Trust, a non-
profit organization dedicated to conserving
resources our working ranchlands contribute to the public good and, apart from the FRPP Wyoming’s working family ranches and farms
and the wide-open spaces, natural habitats
dollars which come to us through the Natural Resources Conservation Service thanks to
and rural communities they support.
the Farm Bill, there are no funds expressly designed to keep lands in agriculture. Some-
Front page top photo by Stephan3ie Russell -
times, the last five percent needed to complete a project is the hardest money to raise. www.cowgirlgraphics.net

The Fish and Wildlife Service has said Wyoming’s proactive work to conserve sage

grouse habitat is helping to keep the bird’s ESA listing at bay. Stepping up our efforts to

provide working ranchers with incentives to keep sage grouse core areas free from subdivi-

sion could be the proverbial horseshoe nail.

If we can help to keep the sage grouse from being listed and help ranchers plan the

future of lands which have produced food and fiber for generations of working families and

maintain the wide-open spaces that are the defining feature of the Cowboy State….well, it

seems like a small price to pay. Especially when you consider the alternative. d

Joe Kiesecker Photo

2 – Fall 2011

A Changing Landscape
by Jody Bagley, Board of Directors Chairman

In the last week of July, I was trucked to the forest instead of trailed on horseback. There
still cutting first-crop, dry-farm is still a lot of hay with much going to the Game and Fish
alfalfa. The round bales perched for their winter elk feeding.

on the flat spots and more level Years ago we rented the place across the river from us.
While driving up a small canyon one day with my grandfa-
places on the hills were waiting ther, we stopped by an old, hand-dug well where a homestead
cabin on skids had once been. My granddad said I would see
to be hauled and stacked. the day when this little canyon would be full of houses. His
prophecy hasn’t come true yet, but many of the farms and
Things are always changing. We homesteads are platted and full of houses or small acreages
with a couple horses, a shop, house and barn.
might try to start haying the 5th
I wonder what the valley would look like if there had
of July each year, but it is always been conservation easements made on some of the farms
and ranches 50 to 60 years ago, as horse drawn equipment
Jody Bagley changing depending on when was being replaced with tractors and more and bigger equip-
Mr. Bagley has served the Stock the snow has gone off and how ment. The milk cow would probably still be gone, and with
Growers Ag Land Trust since long the spring rains last. them less grain grown. But there would probably still be
2007. He ranches in Lincoln some pasture with animals and hay ground still run by the
County with his wife, Suellen. In late spring, the first bare family, rented to a neighbor or managed by a new owner.
They have two living children, ground in the meadows is on
Tenny & Rex. He is the Vice the winter feed ground where A conservation easement is not an easy choice. It takes
President of the Star Valley the hay was scattered for the time and much thought to put development limits on a piece
Cattlemen’s Grazing Assn., on cows and sheep. There used to of property. Some are concerned about losing rights and
the Lincoln County Predator be hundreds of Sandhill Cranes choices under a conservation easement, but others see the
Board and past Wyoming Stock that would land for a few days value in land staying in agriculture and being handed down
Growers Assn. Region IV Vice and put on a show – dancing, to the next generation. I believe an easement, when written
President. the right way, can leave room for the changes we don’t see
in our crystal ball. Covenants in a subdivision and/or home
hopping and swinging with their wings spread. Now in the owners association with rules governing roof material, flag
poles, animals or even what vehicles can be parked, are often
spring only a few land and dance. Why? We think it is the much more restrictive than a conservation easement.

house perched on top of the knoll above the meadow. Perpetuity is a long time, but a subdivision’s houses
will forever eliminate pastures for grazing and fields for
I hear the stories of when my mother was young. The planting. We don’t have control over many changes, but
conservation easements help ensure the one thing never
Indians would ride their horses into the valley in the spring, to change is the presence and availability of open, working
landscapes. d
set up camp and catch and cook the ground squirrels. They

would trade bead and leather work with the homesteaders.

Then they would move higher into the forest to fish and

pick berries for the rest of summer before returning to the

reservation for winter. The Indians don’t come anymore.

The valley in which I have grown up has changed before

my time and through my life. There used to be hundreds of

dairy farms and a few creameries. Now there are only about

a dozen dairy farms. The beef herds are farther and few,

the farm flocks of sheep are almost totally gone, less barley

is grown and most of that is to rotate the alfalfa. There

are more summer-grass cattle and the cows and sheep are

Hoffman Ranch - Lincoln County

- Fall 2011 – 3

From the Field: Lat

Conservation Continues to Climb in North Platte Valley
As the weather grows colder, the Wyoming Stock Growers with funding from the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource
Agricultural Land Trust reflects on another monumental Trust (WWNRT). Seven entities presented their work, along
year of conservation and outreach in the North Platte Valley. with WWNRT Executive Director Bob Budd.

The land trust again partnered with other conservation It was also announced that the Stock Growers Land

groups to present the Voices of the Valley Community Conver- Trust and the Colorado Cattlemen’s Ag Land Trust were

sation Series this spring, with outcomes including a grassroots jointly awarded $1.8 million from the Gates Family Founda-

community garden organization, landowner/agency meetings tion and Gates Frontiers Fund for conservation of private

to address area-specific resource and wildlife management con- lands in the upper North Platte Valley in Wyoming and

cerns, and the submission of a grant to the Orton Family Foun- North Park in Colorado.

dation to support local conservation and planning efforts. The following day, the WWNRT board and interested

The Stock Growers Land Trust’s Carbon County Chapter members of the public toured the Mowry Ranch conservation

has reinvigorated itself and elected new officers; Chairwoman easement, which closed in September 2011. Perfect weather and

Dulcie Schalk, Vice Chairman Bill Ellis, Secretary Leah Burgess an amazing view of the property’s extensive meadows and ripar-

and Treasurer Kristen Barkhurst. The chapter assisted with ian corridors, with Kenneday Peak in the background, made for

planning and funding a Celebration of Conservation Aug. 16 a memorable visit. The Mowry Family has been working with

in Saratoga. There, local conservation organizations and govern- the Stock Growers Land Trust since 2009 to protect their fifth–

ment agencies presented conservation projects accomplished generation working ranch. See related story on page 6. d

Mowry Ranch - Carbon County

The Gates Family Foundation and Gates Frontiers Fund has awarded funding to the Wyoming Stock Growers Ag Land Trust and sister organization, the
Colorado Cattlemen’s Ag Land Trust. The three-year grant supports projects in the North Platte Valley and across the border in North Park.

In Memory - Malcolm Wallop
Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural
He was a third-generation Wyomingite.

Land Trust Trustee and former U.S. He graduated from Yale in 1954 and served in

Senator Malcolm Wallop passed away at his the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957, before re-

ranch home near Big Horn, Wyo. on Sept. 14. turning to Wyoming to ranch. He served two

He was 78. terms in the Wyoming House and one term in

Senator Wallop represented Wyoming in the state senate. His wisdom and guidance will

the U.S. Senate from 1977-1995. During his be missed. d

tenure in D.C., he was the ranking Republican Source: “Former three-term Wyoming U.S. Sen.

Malcolm Wallop on the Energy and Natural Resources and Armed Wallop dies,” Casper Star-Tribune, Sept. 15, 2011.
4 – Fall 2011
Services committees. Photo: Tessa Dalton/American Heritage Center website

atest News & Events

Prosser Appointed to Board of Directors

The Wyoming Stock Growers longtime member of the Wyoming Stock Growers Associa-
Agricultural Land Trust wel- tion and is past chairman of the WSGA Ag Finance & Tax
comes Ed Prosser, a rancher from committee. He operated a feed business for many years and
Cheyenne, Wyo. to the Board of was active in the Wyoming Agricultural Business Association
Directors. (originally the Wyoming Grain, Feed and Seed Dealers Associa-
Prosser replaces Barbara Dilts as tion) for 27 years. Prosser served for eight years on the Joint
a Wyoming Stock Growers Associa- Laramie County Regional Planning Commission and was
tion appointee. chairman for two years.
Prosser is a fourth-generation
rancher in Laramie County where Conservation of ranchlands and proper planning of
he and his wife, Nancy, run a sum- development are important to Prosser.
Ed Prosser mer yearling-steer operation.
“Where I live we’ve gone from completely undisturbed
The Prossers have been involved in the Land Trust ranchland to folks trying to subdivide all around us. Ranch-
for a number of years. Ed is a former Trustee of the Stock land conservation is important because development can hap-
Growers Ag Land Trust and he and Nancy hosted the pen anywhere and forever change the landscape,” Prosser said
2010 Annual Roundup Barbecue at their ranch outside in the Fall/Winter 2010 issue of Maintaining the Range.
of Cheyenne.
Prosser is a former member of the Wyoming House of Ed and Nancy have two grown children, Brent of Grand
Representatives, in which he served for two years. He is a Junction, Colo. and Jackie of Athens, Ga. They have five
grandchildren. Ed restores antique cars in the winter and is
an avid team roper (heeler). d

Conference Takes In-Depth Look at Easements
Adiverse group of tax, law and land professionals were in
attendance at the 2011 Wyoming Conservation Easement
Conference June 2 in Laramie, Wyo. The conference was hosted

by the University of Wyoming College of Law Rural Law Center,

in partnership with the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural

Land Trust and the Jackson Hole Land Trust.

A total of 139 people attended, with 12 additional partici-

pants accessing through a live webcast.

The conference was organized to provide critical conser-

vation easement information to financial, legal and real estate

professionals that consult with landowners in regard to their

land use objectives.

The full-day conference included 11 conservation ease-

ment experts and a panel of land trust representatives.

Topics included income tax benefits and requirements,

attitudes in Wyoming toward conservation easements,

mineral rights and conservation easements, bargain sale

conservation easements, easement basics, and legal ethics

and conservation easements.

Continuing education credits were available through the

American Institute of Certified Planners, the Wyoming Bar

Association and the Wyoming Real Estate Commission.

The event was sponsored by Ruckelshaus Institute of Envi-

ronment & Natural Resources; Heart of the Rockies Initiative;

Davis & Cannon LLP; McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP; Rocky

Mountain Appraisals; and Western United Realty LLC.

See our feature on two of the Wyoming Conservation Attorney Bob Berger opens the 2011 Wyoming Conservation Easement
Easement Conference speakers on pages 8 & 9. d
Conference with a presentation on the basics of conservation easements.

Fall 2011 – 5

conservation through ranching conservation through ranching conservation through r

Mowry Ranch

100+ Years, 5 Generations & A Wide-Open Future

Dick, Suzanne, Shane, Lacy & Kale Mowry

X
6 – Fall 2011

h ranching conservation through ranching conservation through ranching conservation

Multigenerational ranching family conserves open spaces

In order to sustain the open vistas of their historic ranch, a mul- easement based on several key agricultural and wildlife values.
tigenerational North Platte Valley family has entered 2,035 “The Mowry Ranch is a wonderful example of a highly-pro-

acres of working ranchland into a conservation easement. The ductive working ranch that supports a multigenerational family

land supports a thriving cattle operation, sage grouse habitat and and provides incredible wildlife habitat,” Stock Growers Land

more than 100 years of family history. Trust Field Representative Leah Burgess said.

The Mowry Ranch is a traditional cow/calf operation located The Mowry Ranch lies within a Sage Grouse Core Area,

in the heart of the North Platte Valley nestled against the Sierra and embraces migration routes of antelope, mule deer and elk.

Madre Mountains southwest of Saratoga. Located in a Sage Grouse The ranch encompasses several miles of streams, and provides

corridor, and providing habitat for many important wildlife spe- high quality habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including 26

cies, the Mowry Ranch plays a key role in maintaining continuity species of greatest conservation need according to the Wyoming

of habitat and open space between public and private lands. Game and Fish Department.

“I enjoy the openness of our ranch and the sense of freedom More than 75 percent of the ranch is irrigated meadow

I have,” Suzanne Mowry said. “It’s important to us, as well as and riparian corridor; this extensive irritated ground is notably

our children, to keep the land forever in unique in this high-mountain valley.

agriculture.” “IT’S IMPORTANT TO US, AS The historic Cherokee Trail bisects
The ranch has been in the Mowry WELL AS OUR CHILDREN, TO the property and Native American arti-
KEEP THE LAND FOREVER IN facts can be found across the property. A
family for more than 100 years and is unique horse barn circa 1890 graces the
now run by multiple generations. Dick AGRICULTURE.” headquarters area and was featured in a
and Suzanne and their son Shane and
Suzanne Mowry, Mowry Ranch

daughter-in-law Lacy run the operation past Carbon County Historic Barn Tour.

together. Shane and Lacy’s children are From the property’s west border,

the fifth generation of Mowrys stewarding the land and carrying BLM and Forest Service land run contiguously to the Conti-

on the history of the ranch and the area. nental Divide Trail and beyond. Adjacent to the southern border

“Family lore has it that my grandmother’s father, John Brewer, of the ranch is Indian Rocks Ranch, which is already protected

was the first white man to winter in the North Platte Valley,” through a conservation easement.

Dick said. Funding for the Mowry Ranch conservation easement came

While celebrating the past, the Mowry family also looks to from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Farm and

the future. In 2009, the family approached the Wyoming Stock Ranch Lands Protection Program, the Wyoming Wildlife and

Growers Agricultural Land Trust about protecting their ranch Natural Resource Trust and the Gates Frontiers Fund. The Mowry

through a conservation easement. As with most of today’s ranch family also contributed more than 25 percent of the value of the

families, the Mowrys were faced with the dilemma of how to pass conservation easement.

the place on to the next generation without a huge tax liability. The Stock Growers Land Trust’s purchase of the easement

The family found their solution by selling a conservation ease- will help the Mowry Family retire their debt and provide dollars

ment on their property. for further investment in the operation.

“We want to keep the land from being subdivided and to “This conservation easement will help us salvage the future

preserve the wide-open spaces of the area,” Dick said. of the ranch,” Suzanne Mowry said. “I hope more people will

The Stock Growers Land Trust chose to purchase the conserve their property. I think it’s really important.” d

Fall 2011 – 7

Spotlight on the 2011 Wyoming Co

The Basics of Conservation Easements
by Robert G. Berger, Attorney

Landowners across Wyoming Wyoming case law recognizes the increasing importance

have created conservation and use of easements in our modern-day society. A 2007

easements over the past 30 years Wyoming Supreme Court decision, Hicks v. Dowd, followed

as a means for conserving open by a related 2010 court-approved settlement, in the case

space and protecting land with sig- Salzburg v. Dowd, recognized some of the key elements of

nificant conservation values. Con- conservation easement law in Wyoming. The ultimate result

servation easements can provide of this complex case is, despite efforts to terminate a conserva-

many benefits to landowners and tion easement, the easement remains in effect and enforceable

more are recorded every year in under Wyoming law.

Bob Berger Wyoming. Legal cases from many Wyoming law allows for conservation easements to be held

courts show the restrictions of the by governmental bodies, as well as private charitable entities, if

easements will be enforced. Thus, a primary purpose of the charity includes protecting the nat-

conservation easements have become an important part of ural, scenic or open space values of real property, protecting

Wyoming property law and land use. natural resources, or similar purposes more precisely outlined

Conservation easements are voluntary agreements that in the Wyoming statutes. Several land trusts and conservation

protect resources by limiting development of the land. organizations are available in Wyoming to hold easements for

Consider the precise definition used in Wyoming law: various purposes and in differing land use situations.

“‘Conservation easement’ means a nonpossessory interest Recognizing that a landowner is giving up certain property

of a holder in real property imposing limitations or affir- rights when entering into an easement, there can be major

mative obligations the purposes of which include retaining benefits to the landowner, justifying this business transaction.

or protecting natural, scenic, or open-space values of real The land can be protected in its natural state, with open spaces

property, assuring its availability for agricultural, forest, maintained, while the landowner retains the freedom to pursue

recreational, or open-space use, protecting natural traditional land uses such as ranching. Landowners may see

resources, maintaining or enhancing air or water quality, significant income tax deductions when they donate easements

or preserving the historical, architectural, archeological (or part of the value) to qualified organizations for conservation

or cultural aspects of real property.” purposes. In addition, landowners can realize major estate tax

The definition illustrates the broad brush of conservation savings, both by lowering the appraised value of the land for

easements and their potential use for a variety of landowners. tax purposes and from an additional deduction after the ap-

A conservation easement is typically created in a contract praised value is lowered. More commonly in recent years, land

or deed between landowner and land trust. A landowner gives trusts are buying conservation easements, if funds are available,

up certain rights in the land to an easement holder, who has providing needed funds for ongoing ranching operations and

the right to perpetually enforce restrictions on land use, in other cash needs of the landowners.

order to protect conservation values, such as wildlife habitat, The tax consequences and the planning details of ease-

open space and scenic views. In most cases, landowners do ment donations and purchases are complex, requiring careful

not open their lands to public access when creating conserva- consideration. A great deal of information is available to those

tion easements. interested in the easement process, and there are professionals

The current Wyoming law of conservation easements was around our state able and willing to help with the process.

adopted in 2005. Most states neighboring Wyoming adopted Having personally witnessed the success of landowners

laws allowing for conservation easements decades earlier. Sim- who have donated or sold easements across Wyoming,

ilar legislation has been adopted in almost all states. Thus, with substantial benefits flowing to those landowners, I

there is a wealth of prior experience with easements across the am pleased to be involved in this process. This may explain

country, enabling us to learn how they have been used (and why we see conservation easements used by more land-

sometimes abused) by others. owners all the time. d

8 – Fall 2011

Conservation Easement Conference

Current Tax Incentives for Donated Conservation Easements
by C. Timothy Lindstrom, Attorney
There are two federal tax incentives for the donation of a to 30 percent of the donor’s income with a 5-year carry for-
conservation easement: a federal income tax deduction ward and the 100 percent write-off will be eliminated.
and federal estate tax reductions. As currently written, these ESTATE TAX

tax benefits can be very generous for farm and ranching fami- Current estate tax law allows a decedent’s estate a $5 million

lies allowing, in some cases, a complete write-off of income tax exclusion from the estate tax and imposes a 35 percent tax on

liability over a number of years as well as dramatic reductions assets in excess of $5 million. This law is set to expire at the end

in, or elimination of, estate taxes. However, the tax law is set of 2012. Unless Congress acts, the exclusion drops to $1 million

to automatically change with respect to easement deductions and the top estate tax rate jumps to 55 percent in 2013.

and the estate tax beginning in 2012 for income tax benefits A conservation easement directly reduces the value

and 2013 for the estate tax. of land subject to estate tax and it also allows the exclusion of

INCOME TAX 40 percent (up to a maximum exclusion of $500,000) of the

The charitable contribution of a conservation easement remaining value of that land. For example, suppose that an

generates a federal income tax deduction equal to the value otherwise taxable estate includes $3 million in ranchland. A

of the easement. The value of the easement is the difference conservation easement on that land reducing its value to $1

in the value of land before and after the contribution. Sup- million would save (assuming 2011 estate tax rates) $840,000

pose a rancher contributes a conservation easement on land in estate taxes. This is because the value of the easement ($2

worth $3 million before the easement and $1.25 million after million) is removed from the taxable estate and an additional

the easement. The easement is worth $1.75 million ($3 mil- $400,000 (40 percent x $1 million) is excluded from taxation

lion - $1.25 million). The $1.75 million is deductible from the as well. This assumes an estate value of at least $8 million

rancher’s income. Assuming the $1.75 million was taxed at (because the first $5 million is excluded from tax under cur-

the top federal rate of 35 percent the contribution could save rent rules).

the rancher up to $612,500 in income tax. Federal tax law also allows a decedent’s family to direct the

The income tax deduction is also available for landowners executor to contribute a conservation easement. Provided the

who sell a conservation easement for less than its appraised tax rules are followed and that no one claims an income tax de-

value: the difference between the payment received and the duction for such a contribution, this “post-mortem easement”

appraised value is treated as a charitable contribution. Such provides the same estate-tax benefits as easements contributed

sales are called “bargain sales.” before the landowner’s death.

Current law allows an easement donor to use an ease- Conservation easements also make it easier to make lifetime

ment deduction against 50 percent of adjusted gross income. gifts of ranches to the next generation. For example, reducing the

Deduction amounts that cannot be used in the year of the value of a ranch with a conservation easement before starting an

donation may be carried forward for up to 15 years – or until annual gifting program allows the gifting of much more acreage

the deduction is completely used, whichever occurs first. For annually than if the land is being transferred at full value.

an easement donor more than 50 percent of whose income is There are many factors that can affect conservation easement

from farming or ranching the tax law allows the deduction to tax benefits, including whether land is owned by an individual, a

be used against 100 percent of income with a 15-year carry-for- corporation, a limited liability company, a partnership or a trust.

ward. So long as more than 50 percent of the donor’s income It is important to consult with persons knowledgeable about

is from the business of farming or ranching in the year of the conservation easements to determine exactly how a conservation

contribution, it does not matter what the donor’s source of easement may benefit you and your family financially.

income is in later years. Tim Lindstrom specializes in conservation easements and related

These provisions expire at the end of 2011. Unless these tax law. His book, A Tax Guide to Conservation Easements, is

provisions are renewed, easement deductions will be limited available from www.amazon.com. d

Fall 2011 – 9

2011 Roundup BBQ celebrates conservation

(Above) Kasey & Ondi Friends, neighbors and supporters of the Wyoming
Shepperson admire their Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust gathered to cel-
host gift with Wyo. ebrate another year of protecting working ranches at the
Governor Matt Mead. Annual Roundup Barbecue Aug. 27 at the Hat 2 Ranch
The Sheppersons hosted the near Meeteetse, Wyo.
2011 Roundup BBQ at
their Hat 2 Ranch. (Right) Hosted by Hat 2 Ranch owners Kasey & Ondi Shepperson,
Former Stock Growers Land the Roundup Barbecue highlighted the value of ranchland
Trust Board Member, U.S. conservation with a tour of their conserved property. The
Representative Cynthia Shepperson Family completed an easement in 2010 on near-
Lummis, remarks on the ly 14,000 acres to protect their cattle ranch for their children
importance of ranchland Shawn, Lauran & Shanan and future generations.
conservation. (Below)
Archie, Tom & Patti The Roundup Barbecue included a steak dinner by
Chant accept the Bucholz High Country Catering, dessert donated by the Meeteetse
Conservation Award in Chocolatier and dance music by Dave & Ian Munsick. Our
honor of their late father guests heard remarks on the critical need for conservation
and husband, Baggs rancher of Wyoming’s working ranchlands and open spaces by U.S.
Jim Chant. Representative Cynthia Lummis and Governor Matt Mead.
We were also joined by State Auditor Cynthia Cloud and
many state legislators.

As in years past, the highlight of the evening was the
announcement of the 2011 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award
recipient, a closely held secret each year. This year’s award was
presented to the family of the late Jim Chant, a rancher from the
Little Snake River Valley who passed away in March 2011. Jim
was a well educated man who took pleasure in spending time
with his family, showing his cattle dogs, ranching on Wyoming’s
open ranges and serving his community.

A surprise award was also presented to long-time land trust
supporter and the late Kurt Bucholz’s beloved wife, Laura. Dr.
John Lunt presented a bas-relief plaque of the Bucholz Con-
servation Award in recognition of Laura’s dedication to ranch-
land conservation.

The Shepperson Family was also presented with belt
buckles, which the Stock Growers Land Trust awards to land-
owners who complete a conservation easement, and a lovely
photograph taken by renowned photographer and local legend
Charles Belden.

The mission of the Stock Growers Land Trust was also
generously supported through bidders in the silent auction,
live auction with auctioneer Joe Thomas, and Conservation
Acres pledges. The unrestricted revenue raised will strengthen
our effectiveness as a statewide organization and dramatically
increase our ability to promote land conservation throughout
the coming year.

This successful event was made possible by Annual
Roundup Barbecue Committee members Dianne & Jon
Kirkbride, Alan & Gayle Barnett, Shari & Patrick Baird,
Trudy Eisele, Nancy Prosser, Echo Renner and Lili Turnell.
Thank you to our many generous sponsors and donors and
to the Meeteetse community for your tremendous support
and hospitality. d

10 – Fall 2011

2011 Roundup Barbecue Sponsors Live & Silent Auction Donors

Platinum Level Jody & Suellen Bagley • Patrick & Shari Baird • Gayle Barnett
Donald M. Kendall • Joel H. Bernstein • Blair Hotels • Chuck Box • Buckstitch
Canvas Saddles & Tack • Bob Budd • Buffalo Bill Historical
Gretchen Swanson Family Foundation Center • Canyon Sporting Goods • Cheyenne Frontier Days
Gold Level Museum • Cheyenne Heritage Quilts • Churchill Downs •
Bob Coronato • Cynthia Cloud • The Cody • Pamela Dewell
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. • Brush Creek Ranch • Ogden Driskill • Durham Ranches, Inc. • Gould Veterinary
First Interstate BancSystem • Luthi and Voyles, LLC Clinic • Hat 2 Ranch • Rebecca Hazelwood • Christie Kemp
Bart & Liz Rea • Western United Realty - James Rinehart • King's Saddlery, Inc. • Jon & Dianne Kirkbride • Las Vegas
Events • Lil' Merc • Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters • Dr. John
Silver Level & Susie Lunt • MC Land and Cattle • Outlaw Café/Cowboy
Brimmer Communications • Buck Brannaman Clinics, Inc. Bar • The Prairie Pantry • Prosser Ranch • Nancy Prosser
• Proud Cut Saloon • Saratoga Resort Spa • Tangle Ridge
Clear Creek Cattle Co. - Rob & Leslie Hendry Furniture • Thermopolis Hardware • The Thistle • Trader
Cottonwood Ranch • Farm Credit Services of America Barb’s • Jack & Lili Turnell • Whispering Elk Creations •
Grindstone Cattle Co. • Dr. John & Mrs. Susie Lunt White Horse Country Store • Wild West Emporium at the
One Bar Eleven Ranch • The Overland Trail Cattle Co. Irma Hotel • Wilderness Knife & Forge • Wood River Writ-
Prosser Ranch • V Ranch • Wyoming Stock Growers Assn. ing Co. LLC • The Wrangler/Boot Barn • Wyoming Home •
Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Wyoming Rib & Chop House
Copper • Wyoming Stock Growers Association • Wyoming Whiskey
Alan & Gayle Barnett • Mr. & Mrs. Wayland H. Cato, Jr.
Live & Silent Auction Buyers
Devon Energy Corp. • Pamela Dewell & Stan Schaper
Mark & Trudy Eisele • Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Suellen Bagley • Patrick & Shari Baird • Lenox Baker •
Ray & Debby Hunkins • Jon & Dianne Kirkbride Alan Barnett • Bob & Rosie Berger • Jack Berger • Patti
Chant • Savannah Chant • Braxton Crofts • Ogden &
John & Kathleen McKinley • Pfister Land Company, LLC Zannie Driskill • Mark & Trudy Eisele • Julie Evans • Joe
Quin Blair Enterprises, Inc. • Shane & Kate Schulz Glode • Martha Halverson • Lois Herbst • Cathy Hessel-
Sommers Ranch Partnership • Mike & Jane Sullivan bacher • Garrett Horton • Joshua Kelleher • Jarren Kuipers
Wolf Hotel • Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Sherry Long • Randall Luthi • Luke Lynch • Bill Mason
Landowner Recognition Support • Kelli Mercer • Ed Prosser • Joni Reyes • James Rinehart
Natural Resources Conservation Service • Jennie Schaefer • Steve Schalk • Nels Smith • Leanne
Roundup Supporters Stevenson • Tracy Swanson • Tracy Thomas • Terry Wilson
• Mary Young • Mike Young
Admiral Beverage Corp. • First National Bank of Cheyenne
Charles & Cheryl Greenhawt • Hall and Hall, Inc. Conservation Acres Donors
Hickey & Evans, LLP - Kristi Radosevich• IXL Ranch
Alan Barnett • Jack & Diana Berger • Rosie Berger • Buck
Linton’s Big R-Powell & Riverton • Livewater Properties, LLC Brannaman • Burns Insurance • Leland Christiansen •
McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP • Meeteetse Chocolatier Ogden Driskill • Trudy Eisele • Dianne Kirkbride • Cynthia
Lummis • Randall Luthi • Dave Munsick • Ronald Pfister •
Meeteetse FFA & 4-H • Peterson Appraisal Co. • Ramblin M Ed Prosser • Danny & Debra Prow • Stan Schaper • Ondi
Ranch Morgan & Echo Renner • Shively Hardware Company Shepperson • Dennis Sun • Randy Teeuwen • Joe Thomas
• Kevin Voyles • Chris West • Annaleise Wiederspahn
Jack & Lili Turnell • Alvin Wiederspahn J.D., P.C.

Conservation Cattle Buyers

Ogden Driskill • Randall Luthi • Dennis Thaler • With
special thanks to Joe Thomas for our “foundation” heifer

Dr. John Lunt presents a surprise award to Laura Bucholz, a founder of the
Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award, in recognition of her outstanding support of
ranchland conservation.

Fall 2011 – 11

PO Box 206 – Cheyenne, WY 82003 non-profit org.
Ph: (307) 772-8751 – Fx: (307) 634-1210 u.s. postage
paid
[email protected] – www.wsgalt.org
cheyenne, wy
permit no. 47

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Completed Projects To Date

Total Acreage Under Easement: 150,738 — Total Easements: 58