Two significant ranch properties in Paradise Valley, totaling 2,453 acres, are slated for perpetual conservation. The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) has entered into agreements to hold conservation easements on these parcels, a legal mechanism that will restrict future development.

One of the properties encompasses 1,569 acres situated near the southern extent of Paradise Valley, adjacent to Mill Creek. Documentation submitted by GVLT to the Park County Planning Department identifies this as an operational cattle ranch supporting a cow-calf operation, productive hay ground, and timberland recognized under the American Tree Farm System as a "Certified Family Forest." Bordered by Mill Creek to the northeast and National Forest to the south, the property provides valuable wildlife habitat for a diverse array of species. The combination of restricted development and responsible land management offers substantial public benefit through the preservation of the region's natural resources and scenic integrity. The conservation values of this parcel include open-space lands crucial for agricultural and livestock production, natural habitat for wildlife, wetlands and riparian corridors, scenic open space, and historically significant working lands. The proposed perpetual conservation easement will confine development to a pre-determined area, and any future sale or transfer of the ranch will require it to be conveyed as a single property, with subdivision expressly prohibited by the terms of the easement.

The second property proposed for conservation is the L/A Ranch, an 884-acre multi-generational family operation owned and managed by Robert and Valerie Anderson. Located southwest of Livingston on Trail Creek Road and West Pine Road, it directly abuts existing protected private land and U.S. Forest Service public lands. Correspondence from GVLT to the planning board highlights the diverse habitat mosaic on the property, which supports a wide range of resident and migratory wildlife species, including elk, sandhill cranes, bears, pronghorn, and numerous avian species attracted to the 1.5 miles of Trail Creek traversing the property. The significant soils and native rangeland contribute to grass hay and cattle production. The conservation easement for this property will limit development to a designated building area surrounding existing structures, and subdivision of the land will be prohibited. GVLT asserts that the permanent conservation of the L/A Ranch will be instrumental in ensuring the long-term protection of vital natural resources and locally significant agricultural lands.

GVLT has a 30-year history of collaboration with landowners in Park County and currently holds 19 conservation easements throughout the county, underscoring its ongoing commitment to land preservation.