BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Wood River Land Trust has acquired Old Cutters Preserve, making sure that that beloved corner of northeast Hailey abutting the foothills will be permanently protected and forever open to the public.

The conservation-minded owner of the 2.5-acre undeveloped parcel approached the Wood River Land Trust earlier this year 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.

It is the Land Trust’s 18th public preserve, joining other such preserves as Draper Preserve in Hailey, Warm Springs Preserve in Ketchum and Howard Preserve in Bellevue. It protects access to an area enjoyed informally by the community for years, including Old Cutters Park, Hangman Gulch and surrounding BLM lands.

Elk frequent the area in winter, prompting neighbors to keep their binoculars handy.

The preserve is just north of CD Olena Drive in an area that has seen a flurry of residential construction in the past few years. Despite the encroachment of people, it is used by elk, migratory birds and other wildlife.

“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 and public lands,” said the donor. “We trust the Land Trust to care for it in perpetuity, ensuring its beauty and resources are protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Contributions from local supporters and a matching challenge secured the necessary funds to do restoration work on the preserve.

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

Want to know more? Contact Meg Pulliam, director of Advancement at the Wood River Land Trust at meg@woodriverlandtrust.org.