An enormous conservation easement has just been created just north of Teton County in Fremont County, Idaho. The easement was completed by the Teton Regional Land Trust and the Fosdick family. Covering an area of about 183 acres on Bitch Creek, this easement borders another conservation easement made by the Fosdick’s in 2005 providing significant protection for both the water and wildlife corridors in the area.
Preserves both sides of Bitch Creek
“Since coming to Teton Valley in 1988 we knew that this was a place that we wanted to be a part of and preserve,” said Debbie Fosdick. “To have a conservation easement in place to protect the property, waters, and wildlife corridors gives us the assurance that this protection is in place. With the possibility of increasing development, David and I knew that putting the additional acreage located in Fremont County was important. To have both sides of that part of the Bitch Creek corridor in a conservation easement would help ensure preservation of what we both value. Hopefully, other landowners might join us.”
Bitch Creek is home to wildlife
The land has several elements that make it critical for wildlife in Idaho. It has both forests of conifers and juniper and fields of sagebrush bitterbrush and Aspen stringers. This vegetation is essential for animals like moose and deer. Mule deer migrating west over the Teton Mountains into Idaho specifically rely on this area along Bitch Creek for migration and wintering habitat. Bats and eagles benefit from the steep canyon walls of this now conserved area.
