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Announcing the Land Trust’s 18th Public Preserve: Old Cutters Preserve

Hailey, Idaho – December 20, 2024 – A beloved corner of Northeast Hailey will be permanently protected and forever open to the public, thanks to the generosity of a conservation-minded landowner and the support of our community.


Earlier this year, the owner of a 2.5-acre undeveloped parcel in Northeast Hailey generously approached the Wood River Land Trust with a vision: to create Old Cutters Preserve – a serene upland meadow next to Old Cutters Park, with a pond that will be protected and open to the public forever.


This gift represents an opportunity to protect access to an area enjoyed informally by the community for years, create a continuous open space connecting the adjacent Old Cutters Park, Hangman Gulch, and the surrounding BLM lands, and preserve habitat used by elk, migratory birds, and other wildlife.


The landowner, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared their motivation for this gift:


“We chose to donate this land to the Wood River Land Trust to forever preserve the remaining open space between our growing subdivision and the city & public lands. We trust the Land Trust to care for it in perpetuity, ensuring its beauty and resources are protected for future generations to enjoy.”


The Cox Family, local residents, shared their motivation for supporting this project:


“Quick access to nature trails is one of the most beautiful things about living in the Wood River Valley. Old Cutters Preserve provides something for everyone in our family—a place to walk, hike, bike, birdwatch, and enjoy the valley’s beautiful views.”


Amy Trujillo, Executive Director of Wood River Land Trust, highlighted the power of our community in making this vision a reality:


“Progress so often begins with one person imagining what could be. But it’s the generosity of our community that transforms vision into action. This spring, our Lands Team will begin restoration work, working to address weeds and planting native wildflowers and grasses.”


As the Wood River Land Trust proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary, the creation of Old Cutters Preserve underscores a decades-long commitment to community-led conservation protecting the places that make the Wood River Valley extraordinary. Alongside the landowner’s generosity, contributions from local supporters and a matching challenge helped secure the necessary funds for restoration work and long-term stewardship of the preserve.


For more information, please contact Meg Pulliam, Director of Advancement, Wood River Land Trust: meg@woodriverlandtrust.org

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