Teton Regional Land Trust partners with landowners to conserve 140-acre property on the Teton River

Teton Regional Land Trust and an anonymous family recently completed a 140-acre conservation easement on the east side of the Teton River near the Nickerson river access site in the central part of Teton Basin. The Dick Creek property lies within a vast complex of private lands protected with conservation easements held by the Land Trust, adding to a mosaic of conserved lands near the Teton River, benefiting wildlife and recreationists.  

“We love Teton Valley and thought that a conservation easement would be a great way to preserve the land in perpetuity,” explained the landowner. “Habitat loss due to development is a real thing; our wildlife needs undisturbed space in order to thrive. Because this property is between other conservation easements, it made sense to protect it.” 

This property’s proximity to other protected lands means that wildlife will remain able to move freely between the fields and the Teton River. The open space also provides scenic value for the public, especially recreationists on the river. It contains Teton River frontage, spring creeks, and abundant wetlands. The west side of the property is bordered by the Teton River, while Dick Creek flows through the land from the east, then empties into the Teton River at the western boundary. The landowners have engaged in extensive wetland restoration activities on the land. According to the landowner, “Since purchasing the property, we have planted more than 1,968 willows and aspens along the creek and river. We hope to continue working on the habitat in the future.” 

The conservation and restoration of this property will benefit numerous species, including Sandhill Cranes and Trumpeter Swans, two species of particular interest to Teton Regional Land Trust and species that are designated as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) according to the State Wildlife Action Plan adopted by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in 2024. Other SGCN that can be found on the property include Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse, Long-billed Curlew, and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, among many others. Various waterfowl, raptors, and moose also use the property. 

“I am grateful to the landowners that have recently protected their land. As a Teton Valley resident, I enjoy spending time on the Teton River. It is almost entirely bordered by private land yet remains largely undeveloped due to the work and vision of many private landowners who have conserved land along the river. I appreciate their efforts to conserve this unique landscape,” said Land Protection Director Renee Hiebert. 

Conservation of the Dick Creek property builds on the protection of already conserved habitat and working lands that benefit both people and wildlife. For 35 years, the Land Trust has worked with partner organizations and willing landowners to protect over 42,000 acres in eastern Idaho through conservation easements and other voluntary conservation options.