posted 09/01/10 05:00 PM | updated 09/01/10 04:48 PM
Featured Post! | Views: 659 | Comments : 0 | Non-Profits

Wood River Land Trust acquires critical wildlife habitat

The Wood River Land Trust closed on its largest land acquisition in the organization's history on August 13th. The 1,609-acre Timbered Dome Ranch was purchased in order to protect its critical wildlife habitat. The addition of this property equals an ever- growing total of 11,930 acres protected in and around the Wood River Valley by the Land Trust and its members. Timbered Dome Ranch is especially important for sagebrush-obligate species like pygmy rabbits and sage grouse.

The sage grouse is currently classified in Idaho as a species that warrants endangered species status and its habitat and population status are being reviewed annually by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Timbered Dome offers ideal sage grouse habitat and has active sage grouse leks on and near the property which needed protection.

The Pygmy rabbit is highly vulnerable to a loss in sagebrush-steppe habitat and Timbered Dome offers ideal habitat for its population of pygmy rabbits which are classified as a candidate for endangered species protection. Pygmy rabbits need soil suited for burrow excavation, as well as, healthy sage brush for nutrition and concealment from predators.

Timbered Dome provides year-round habitat for chukar, raptors, migratory songbirds, and other species of wildlife. The ranch is also a critical migratory corridor for elk, deer and antelope. Last winter approximately 250 elk and 500 mule deer made Timbered Dome their home during the winter.

Timbered Dome Ranch is located approximately 10 miles west of the town of Arco and just east of Craters of the Moon National Monument. Sagebrush and native grasses are the predominant vegetation on the property, except at the summit of Timbered Dome, where various species of pine grow - hence the property's name.

Scott Boettger, Executive Director, Wood River Land Trust stated, "Working with the neighboring landowners and through our continued partnership with the Pioneer Alliance the Wood River Land Trust hopes to leverage our ownership of this property into even greater area-wide agricultural and wildlife habitat conservation."

This purchase was made possible by generous donations from individuals and foundations to the Land Trust's Open Space Fund.

Wood River Land Trust protects and restores land, water, and wildlife habitat in the Wood River Valley and its surrounding areas. We work cooperatively with private landowners and local communities to ensure these areas are protected now and for future generations. To make a donation or to become a member visit www.woodriverlandtrust.org.

Tags:

SunValleyOnline Buzz Newsletter Sign-up - Don't miss a thing with our Daily newsletter

advertisement

Join the Conversation

Follow us on Twitter

Email us Breaking News information

 

Comments (Real Names Please. All or overuse of CAPS will be deleted)RSS Feed
Add Your Comment - Using your real name adds credibility. Fake name or anonymous comments are subject to moderation. Off topic and off color comments will be removed.
Name:
Email:
(will not be displayed)
Subject:
Comment: