Conservancy takes first steps to protect Bar J Ranch
Copyright 2000 Associated Press
December 23, 2000
SALT LAKE CITY - The Nature Conservancy of Utah is taking the first steps toward protecting a 5,700-acre family ranch near Salina, in what ranch owner Dan Jorgensen calls "a Christmas wish come true."
The Bar J Ranch in Sevier County is surrounded by Fish Lake National Forest and has diverse habitat for numerous birds, fish and game, including the Bonneville cutthroat trout, which is on Utah's list of sensitive species.
It has been operated by the Jorgensen family for four generations.
"I would hate to see this property, which has meant so much to me and my family, have to be sold and developed," Jorgensen told the Deseret News. "Today our Christmas wish has come true. The Bar J Ranch will remain intact forever."
The conservancy has acquired a conservation easement for the property through collaboration with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands; the Utah Quality Growth Commission; the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Legacy Program and the ranch owners.
"At the Bar J Ranch, we're protecting wildlife and a way of life at the same time," said Dave Livermore, state director for the Nature Conservancy.
The easement allows the Jorgensen family to continue ranching on the land while preserving "one of Utah's natural treasures," Livermore said.
Two years ago, economic uncertainty and the threat that estate taxes could prevent the ranch from being passed on, Jorgensen began talks with the conservancy about protecting his property.
The easement allows protection of the natural values and resources on the ranch while traditional farming and ranching practices continue.
"This is a win-win for Sevier County, and a lasting legacy for Utah's future," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah. "As Utah grows, we must act to conserve our critical natural lands like the Bar J Ranch before it's too late."
Dan and Elaine Jorgensen agreed to sell the easement for $3.2 million, considerably less than the $4.2 million at which the property has been appraised.
Now the conservancy is looking to a number of sources for funding. The Utah Quality Growth Commission, through the LeRay McAllister Fund, has committed $700,000 in matching funds.
The Forest Legacy Program will provide $1.2 million in 2001 and $710,000 in 2002, and the Nature Conservancy of Utah will come up with $590,000.
The conservancy's money is coming through a loan from the George S. and Delores Dore Eccles Foundation, but the money must be repaid through private fund-raising.
In addition, the money from the Forest Legacy Program for 2002 is dependent on upcoming federal appropriations, meaning the project could still be derailed and fund-raising will continue.
The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to protecting the habitat that plants, animals and natural communities depend on for survival
In Utah, the conservancy has 8,500 members and has completed 100 conservation projects, protecting nearly 800,000 acres of public and private land.