Peachy the Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 49

INSPIRATION The Jackson Hole Land Trust is a private, non-profit organization established in 1980 to preserve this open space and the critical wildlife habitat, scenic vistas and historic ranching heritage of Western Wyoming. Privately owned land in Teton County supports “room-to-roam” for wildlife species including elk, deer and bison while also supporting a growing human landscape. By working cooperatively with the owners of the area’s privately owned open lands, the Jackson Hole Land Trust is ensuring the permanent protection of more than 55,000 acres. The Land Trust’s conservation “balanc- ing act” maintains that preservation of scenic, ranching and wildlife elements has equal value. Jenny Wolfrom, Direc- tor of Development and Communica- tions, says, “It’s hard to find a property in Jackson or Northwestern Wyoming that doesn’t have at least two of these three conservation elements. Our land and open spaces are connected; therefore each property can have a significant impact on the agricultural, wildlife and scenic values of the sur- rounding land.” Formed 35 years ago, the Land Trust has succeeded because of community leadership, involvement and action. Continuing to evolve with the land- scape has also helped the Land Trust stay relevant as they plan for the future. FALL 2017 47