Land placed in trust for future

Preserving land in its natural state is a challenge in Central Oregon, where property values are skyrocketing. But it can be done by landowners who care about the future of their land and the fish and wildlife that depend on it. Gayle and Bob Baker, owners of the Rimrock Ranch near Sisters, are just such owners.

Six years ago, when the Bakers bought the 1,120-acre ranch, it had already been subdivided and was eyed as a prime opportunity for a destination resort. But the Bakers had a different destiny in mind.

“We knew that we were never going to develop the property and felt that as Central Oregon grows and more people move here, open space should be preserved,” said Bob Baker.

Rimrock Ranch in fast-growing Central Oregon, which includes 1,120 acres of scenery and two miles of Wychus Creek, will be protected in perpetuity for fish and wildlife, thanks to conservation-minded owners.

Partnering with the Deschutes Basin Land Trust, a Bend-based land conservation organization, the couple worked out a land preservation agreement, called a “conservation easement,” which places the nonprofit trust in charge of managing the property. No additional homes can be built, and access is secured for educational activities and habitat restoration. The agreement is permanent and binds any future owners of the property as well.

The agreement was valued at about $3.6 million. The Bakers generously agreed to donate half that amount, $1.8 million, and the land trust raised the remainder through donations and grants. A grant of $23,500 from PGE’s Habitat Support customers helped put the purchase over the top. Habitat Support funds are administered by The Nature Conservancy.

Fish and wildlife experts are thrilled with the deal. The diversity of habitats on the ranch includes two miles of Whychus Creek, a clear, cold stream that will be ready for  Chinook salmon and steelhead as these fish are reintroduced into the upper Deschutes River basin in the next several years. Volunteer groups have already completed stream restoration projects and more are planned for the future.

“What’s so great is that the Bakers want to restore the property and have groups visit to learn about it,” says Sarah Mowry, who, as the land trust’s outreach coordinator, leads public educational trips to the ranch.

With the land preservation agreement in place, Rimrock Ranch will be a destination for fish, birds and other wildlife for generations to come.

Every PGE renewable power customer can add Habitat Support to their renewable option for only $2.50 per month.