January 4, 2023 |
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust set aside another 1,000 acres against future development.
Joe Kaspar, owner of the Little Jack Creek Ranch, west of Saratoga, has donated 1,019 acres of his land to the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust. WSGLT Executive Director Jessica Crowder explained why her organization was interested in preserving the property.
The WSGLT works with ranchers to prevent their land from being split apart and sold to developers. They do this by having the Land Trust hold the deed to the property through conservation easements. The WSGLT has an “agricultural conservation easement” on the Little Jack Creek Ranch. Crowder said this specific type of agreement limits the land to ranching and farming.
Crowder said her organization is interested in preserving the natural beauty of the state. The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust executive director said setting aside the Little Jack Creek Ranch benefits more than just agriculture.
Landowners may also receive monetary incentives when donating their property to the Stock Growers Land Trust. The WSGLT will pay the owner up to 75 percent of the value of the land. Tax credits are available. Speaking to Bigfoot 99 during their August 2022 Annual Roundup BBQ and Fundraiser, Crowder explained how the land must be given to the Trust forever in order for the owner to legally apply for any credits.
The Little Jack Creek Ranch adds another 1,000 plus acres of land under the protection of the WSGLT. According to its website, the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust has set aside nearly 300,000 acres of property using 117 easements.
Crowder said the process for each easement differs, but landowners can except to wait about a year before the WSGLT takes possession of the land. The executive director said the Land Trust doesn’t actively petition ranchers to donate their land. Property owners approach the organization themselves.
Bigfoot 99 was unable to contact Joe Kaspar for a statement.
