PINEDALE, Wyo. — The Green River Valley Program of the Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) secured a new 280-acre conservation easement along Sublette County’s Jack Creek, northeast of Bondurant.
“Protected in perpetuity on Nov. 22, 2021, the unique topography and location of the Jack Creek easement support livestock grazing and a mosaic of diverse habitat types, including open grassland, riparian willow shrubland, wetland, sage-steppe, and stands of mixed aspen and conifer forest,” said JHLT in a press release announcing the easement.
The Mack family purchased the ranch in 1948. “I’ve spent my summers on this ranch since I was a teen and have always loved the balance between our cattle and the abundant wildlife that also needed this land,” said Jo Mack, rancher and wildlife artist. “Our family finds value in preserving part of the migration corridor for wildlife while allowing grazing for the domestic animals that are part of our ranching heritage.”
The property is surrounded by the Bridger-Teton National Forest and lies at the northern end
of the 150-mile Red Desert to Hoback mule deer migration corridor.
According to JHLT, the property supports mule deer, pronghorn and elk migrations and is a winter habitat for moose. A 1.25-mile portion of Jack Creek runs through the property, sustaining cutthroat trout and creating 60 acres of wetlands habitat for great blue herons, songbirds, sandhill cranes, waterfowl ad shorebirds.
“Jack Creek is incredibly important to our regional wildlife populations, and it is also an important part of the vibrant ranching community around Bondurant,” said Jackson Hole Land Trust’s Max Ludington. “We are thrilled to partner with the Mack family on this very important conservation easement. The Mack family has thoughtfully stewarded this property for over 70 years and this easement ensures the key conservation and agricultural values they have worked hard to preserve will be protected in perpetuity.”
