Wood River Land Trust Staff Report
Date:
To:
From:
Regarding:
April 1, 2015
Board of Directors
Staff, Keri York
Camas Creek Ranch
Action Item
Action Item:
The Land Trust has the opportunity to acquire up to 160 acres along Camas Creek, in conjunction
with the sale of an additional 160 acres to neighboring landowner. The Land Trust would lease the
160 acres per a grazing management plan that protects creek and riparian habitat.
Project Description:
Steve Bryant, son of the original Barbara Farm I conservation easement holder, approached the Land
Trust regarding a property his family’s trust owns in the Camas Prairie. The Bryant’s property
consists of 320 acres along one miles of Camas Creek adjacent to Hwy 20 east of Fairfield. It has
historically been used for cattle grazing, in conjunction with neighboring properties. Camas Creek
has been used as the primary stockwater resource, although there is a groundwater well on the
property. There is perimeter and some internal fencing. There are no residential or agricultural
structures on the property.
The Bryant family trust owns the property. Mr. Bryant wishes to continue his father’s interest in
conservation if the property can be sold soon. A neighbor has offered to buy the entire property for
cattle grazing, but he is not interested in engaging in a conservation easement at this time. The
neighbor is also only interested in purchasing any portion of the property if he can continue to use the
riparian habitat for managed grazing and stockwater.
Protecting lands along Camas Creek offers multiple benefits to the Land Trust. The Camas Prairie
provides habitat for pronghorn, elk, moose, mule deer, and sage-grouse, and is considered an
important flyway for waterfowl by Ducks Unlimited and IDFG. The property is within a scenic
viewshed and is near the Kelly Reservoir conservation easement. Camas Creek flows into Magic
Reservoir, and this project offers the potential to implement water conservation transactions with the
Big Wood Canal Company.
The Land Trust has proposed to purchase up to 160 acres encompassing Camas Creek and its riparian
habitat, in conjunction with the sale of the additional 160 acres to the neighbor. We would work with
Mr. Bryant to subdivide the property for this acquisition. The Land Trust would lease its 160 acres to
the neighbor for managed grazing. We would develop a management plan following guidelines of
the Natural Resources Conservation Service, with assistance from The Nature Conservancy and other
consultants. There are currently few other opportunities to work on water conservation transactions
along Camas Creek. This acquisition would put the Land Trust in a position to take advantage of
future projects.
Estimated value is $1,000/acre based on the appraisal completed for the Kelly Reservoir Conservation
Easement, for a total of $160,000. The Land Trust would enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement
for appraised value, contingent upon due diligence. Funding would come from the Land Trust’s
Open Space Fund. Appraisal cost is estimated to be $10,000 and legal expenses are expected to be
under $2,000. The stewardship contribution is estimated at $13,833.
Benefits for Wood River Land Trust:
 Protection of significant fish and wildlife habitat. This acquisition would protect habitat for
waterfowl, fish and aquatic invertebrates, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, sage-grouse, raptors,
migratory birds, and other upland game birds.
 Protection of working rangeland. This project would allow for continued agricultural
practices on the upland portions of the property and may create opportunities for future
conservation projects with the lessee.
 Connectivity with other protected lands. This property is near the Kelly Reservoir
conservation easement and BLM lands. This project will protect important migration
corridors for waterfowl, big game and sage-grouse.
 Creates opportunities for water conservation. Camas Creek is a tributary to Magic Reservoir,
and owning land along Camas Creek may present opportunities to work with the Big Wood
Canal Company on water transaction projects.
 Continuing and building new landowner relationships. This project would continue the
relationship with the Bryant family and build a new relationship with the lessee, who owns
other agricultural lands in Camas County.
Staff Recommendations:
 Staff recommends entering into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Bryant Family
Trust, contingent upon due diligence and an appraisal for the purchase of up to 160 acres
along Camas Creek for approximately $1,000/acre. Staff recommends approving up to
$10,000 for an appraisal and $2,000 for legal expenses, and $13,833 in contribution to the
stewardship fund.
Relevant excerpts from Wood River Land Trust’s Strategic Plan (2015-2017):
Goal 1 – The land of greatest conservation value in central Idaho is protected forever with a focus on
the Wood River Valley.
Strategy A - Implement priority projects identified in conservation plans.
Strategy D - Develop collaborative partnerships for land and water conservation and engage
in conservation initiatives.
Bryant Property Context Map
±
Bryant Property (approx. 320 acres)
Kelly Reservoir Conservation Easement
Camas Creek
SOLDIER CREEK RD
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Idaho Dept. Lands
Idaho Dept. Fish & Game
US HWY 20
Fairfield
E
AT
ST
Y
HW
46
0
1.25
2.5 Miles
Sources: aerial: INSIDE Idaho; property boundaries: Camas County Parcel Data; Camas
Creek parcel: WRLT. Map prepared by WRLT on 6 Feb 2015 for display purposes only.
Bryant Property
±
Potential WRLT Acquisition
US HWY 20
Bryant Property (approx. 320 acres)
0
0.125
0.25 Miles
Sources: aerial: INSIDE Idaho; property boundaries: Camas County Parcel Data; Camas
Creek parcel: WRLT. Map prepared by WRLT on 6 Feb 2015 for display purposes only.
Wood River Land Trust
Worksheet for Initial Project Costs and Stewardship Fund Calculations for Fee Land Properties
A. Initial Project Costs
Camas Creek Ranch
Name of Property:
Date:
Ownership Objective (Preserve / Future Trade): Acquire and transfer to the SNRA
Bryant Family Tust
Landowner(s):
Camas
Acreage of Property: 120 acres
County:
Property Purchase Price:
25-Mar-15
$160,000
How was this determined (appraisal, 8283 form, other?)
Estimated
Was purchase price negotiated (bargain sale, other?)
Will WRLT hold a mortgage or loan?
If Yes, name financial institution, rate, and payment schedule:
No
Initial Improvement Needs:
$0
Summary of existing improvements: Fencing
Summary of proposed improvements:
Initial Restoration Needs:
$0
Summarize restoration plans (for a complete description see management plan):
Develop grazing lease and grazing management plan
Additional Acquisition Costs (survey, etc.):
$2,000
Describe additional costs: Shared costs for subdivision of property, legal, appraisal
Additional Property Encumbrances (Access Easements, etc.): Grazing lease and management plan
$0
Annual Maintenance or Legal Costs for Encumbrances:
Water Rights Appurtenant to Property :
None
Initial Costs for Water Rights Transfers, etc.
$0
Total Initial Project Costs
WRLT Contribution
Prepared by Wood River Land Trust
for Camas Creek Ranch Acquisition
Stewardship Fund Worksheet
3/27/2015
$162,000
$162,000
Page 1 of 2
B. Stewardship Fund Calculation
Part 1. Determine Annual Stewardship Expenses
In acquiring a fee land property, Wood River Land Trust assumes the legal obligation to steward, sell, or transfer the property.
If the property is sold or transferred, revenue will be used to further the mission of Wood River Land Trust. To fulfill this
obligation, the Land Trust will monitor and steward the Property at least annually. If the property is sold or transferred, the
status or transferrability of any stewardship contributions will be made at the time of the sale or transfer.
Activities
annual site visit, including travel and preparation
weed management
anticipated annual restoration or improvement costs
grazing lease preparation and monitoring
taxes and liability insurance
Billing
$45
$45
$45
$45
$45
Rate
Hours
Total Cost
/hr
2
$90
/hr (variable)
1
$45
/hr
1
$45
/hr
3
$135
/hr
0
$100
Annual Stewardship Expenses (ASE) =
$415
Part 2. Determine the Stewardship Fund needed to generate Annual Stewardship Expenses (ASE).
The Stewardship Fund must generate sufficient income to cover both the anticipated annual stewardship expenses associated
with a Fee Land Property and the projected inflation rate. The Rate of Return (income generated by the endowment) is 6% and
inflation rate is 3%, for a net of 3% return.
Stewardship Fund Calculation
Annual Stewardship Expenses (ASE)
Rate of Return - Inflation Rate
=
=
Prepared by Wood River Land Trust
for Camas Creek Ranch Acquisition
$415
0.03
$13,833
Stewardship Fund Worksheet
3/27/2015
Page 2 of 2