Long a popular destination for Wood River Valley recreationists, Colorado Gulch is also a hit with local wildlife.
Emptying into the Big Wood River about a mile south of Hailey, the drainage's forested riparian area provides crucial habitat for elk, mule deer and other species. During the warmer months, the gulch's near-town solitude attracts numerous local recreationists.
These values aren't lost on the Stevenses, a Hailey family that owns a large property where Colorado Gulch intersects with the Big Wood River in a tranquil setting dominated by tall cottonwood trees and other native plants.
On Friday, staff with the Hailey-based Wood River Land Trust announced that Grant, Sheri and Cat Stevens' desire to see their land protected has been transformed into the group's latest voluntary conservation easement. Protected by the easement are 103 acres in lower Colorado Gulch and three-quarters of a mile of riverfront on the Big Wood's west bank.
The land trust stated that the property, near Hailey's Heagle Park, is the largest stretch of protected land fronting the Big Wood in the mid-valley.
A Hailey doctor, Grant Stevens has been visiting the valley for more than 30 years. His family's love of outdoor activities compelled them to donate the easement that will allow public access to the protected land, a news release from the land trust states.
"We came to the valley as skiers in the late 70s thanks to the foresight and generosity of my mother, Donna Stevens," he said. "We now enjoy the beauty of the valley year round with our mother, our extended families and our friends."
According to the land trust, the Stevens intend to eventually "collapse" the conservation easement in favor of donating the property to the conservation organization at a later date. The Stevenses have named their property "The Preserve at Colorado Gulch."
Grant Stevens said they want to preserve the property for the benefit of the entire valley community—"to protect the animals, to remain undeveloped and to provide a place for fishing, hiking and reflecting."
The land trust's ongoing Healthy Waters Healthy Future project identified the area near Colorado Gulch, the river and its fish populations as being a high priority for protection, project coordinator Kathryn Goldman said. Protecting the area will preserve the natural functions of the floodplain by providing open areas around the river so water can overflow the banks during spring runoff to recharge the aquifer and pull wood needed for fish habitat back into the river as floodwaters recede, she said.
"This area is an important link in the future of the fishery," she said. "Protecting this area safeguards important habitat for moose, elk and other wildlife species that rely on the river."
Voluntary conservation agreements are legal agreements between a landowner and an organization like the Wood River Land Trust. When landowners enter into a conservation agreement, they voluntarily give up some of the development rights associated with owning land in order to protect the land's health. The easement also reduces property tax on the parcel.
These limitations are binding forever, and future owners are also bound by the agreement's terms.
The Hailey-based Wood River Land Trust has been given a conservation easement on a 103-acre property in lower Colorado Gulch south of Hailey. The property, which will be open to the public, includes an intact riparian plant community as well as three-quarters of a mile of Big Wood River frontage.Photo courtesy of Wood River Land Trust
