Lower Pahsimeroi Conservation

In December, 2012, Lemhi Regional Land Trust (LRLT) closed a conservation easement on the 133 acre Trout Creek Ranch located in the Pahsimeroi Valley. This conservation easement ensures the water quality and quantity in the Pahsimeroi River will be maintained while protecting habitat for both native and anadromous fish. Additionally, this conservation easement protects the functioning riparian and wetland ecosystems and open space that provide habitat for native wildlife. The conservation easement encompasses two miles of the Pahsimeroi River and .4 miles of Trout Creek.

Prior to the completion of the conservation easement, LRLT completed a Phase I Environmental Hazards Assessment, minerals remoteness opinion, baseline documentation report and appraisal. Since completing the conservation easement, LRLT has annually monitored the property to ensure the terms of the conservation easement are being met. The entire property is monitored annually using the pre-determined photopoints in the baseline documentation report to ascertain if any violations of the terms of the conservation easement have occurred. To date, no violations have occurred.

Securing a conservation easement on the Trout Creek Ranch will benefit anadromous species and resident fish, but will also benefit the ecological health of the Pahsimeroi watershed. The expected benefits of securing this conservation easement include: future conservation actions on the property, provide open space and permanent protection of important fish and wildlife habitat, and ensure that the Trout Creek Ranch is not parceled and develop in perpetuity.