EBS STAFF
The Gallatin Valley Land Trust announced a new conservation easement on April 21, permanently protecting 437 acres in the Paradise Valley’s Mill Creek drainage.
The agreement comes in partnership with the Nickelson family, whose “strong agricultural and open space values” led them to establish a conservation easement through GVLT’s Northern Yellowstone Open Lands program, according to a GVLT press release. The project required a “generous donation of property value,” as well as funding from numerous foundations and an anonymous donor.
“We are grateful for the Nickelsons’ commitment to maintaining the legacy of agricultural lands in the Paradise Valley,” Cole Herdman, Northern Yellowstone Open Lands program manager, stated in the release. “The opportunity to conserve lands that are adjacent to each other and nearby to public lands is a win-win for working lands, wildlife, and our community as a whole.”
Mill Creek is the largest tributary to the Upper Yellowstone River. The Nickelson Ranch borders the recently conserved Warfield Ranch, adjacent to U.S. Forest Service land—the Nickelsons’ decision will help protect habitat for wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The Nickelson family did not want to see the property subdivided, which may have been likely due to its flat, scenic and accessible terrain, according to the release. They also wanted to ensure its purpose would remain agricultural.
“Our dad always said, ‘You can’t make more land,’” stated Jennifer Nickelson Triplett, who grew up on the ranch with her parents and two siblings. “When it’s gone, it’s gone. You take care of what you have. It’s not just for today. It’s for future generations.”
The project received support from the Park County Planning Board. Chairman Zachary Park stated, “It is encouraging to see active efforts in protecting and preserving Park County’s natural beauty and wildlife for the enjoyment of all.”
