BLM WY WLCI Partner Support - Sommers Ranch - Grindstone Cattle Co. Conservation Easement

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A. Project Background Information and Project Objectives: The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) works with partners (state, non-profits, counties and private entities) to implement a long-term science-based program to assess, conserve, and enhance the quality and quantity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats at a landscape scale in southwest Wyoming, while facilitating responsible energy and other developments. This project is of a multi-partner project for a comprehensive easement. The lands include: 1) the Sommers/Todd Place project, 2) the Scott Place project, and 3) the Duke Place project. All three projects combined encompass approximately 19,000 deeded acres in two critical locations along the Green River in northern Sublette County and provide an important corridor and buffer area between the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Green River. The easement will protect the area from surface development, preserve wildlife habitat for numerous species, and retain migration corridors. The project also includes public fishing access for foot and boat travel on approximately 4.5 miles of the Green River, and conveyance of mineral rights to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). The Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust will hold and administer the easement. The Sommers/Grindstone/Scott/Todd Place Project: This portion of the project encompasses over 7,658 deeded acres along the Green River in northern Sublette County, Wyoming. The ranches are located approximately 7 miles west of the Town of Pinedale; the northern boundary is about 4 miles south of the Cora Y (intersection of Highways 191 and 352). The properties are located along the west flank of the Pinedale Anticline natural gas field. The project includes a conservation ease

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