CAREY, Idaho (AP) — Idaho land management officials have secured a conservation land use easement on the Cenarrusa Ranch ensuring the land in that area is not developed.
The Bureau of Land Management and The Nature Conservancy in Idaho finalized the easement in the Pioneer Mountain foothills near Carey after years of discussion, The Times-News reported Monday.
The easement ensures protection of about 13 square miles (32 square kilometers) of land including sage grouse habitat and migration corridors for wildlife, officials said.
One of the longest pronghorn migrations in the west, a 160-mile (258-kilometer) journey crosses the ranch and includes grouse breeding grounds, land officials said.
The easement is also expected to bring new recreation opportunities including more than 3 miles (about 5 kilometers) of access routes, officials said.
“It’s the kind of place that makes Idaho Idaho,” Nature Conservancy Conservation Manager Tess O’Sullivan said. “We are thankful to keep this area intact and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make (this conservation easement) happen.”
