Located just east of Hailey, Quigley Farms is an easily accessible network of trails managed by our partner, Blaine County Recreation District. It’s a great place for walking your dog, biking, running, hiking, cross country skiing, and taking in the scenic views.
Thanks to the public access easement we hold, trails will be open to the public in perpetuity.
2023 Quigley Canyon Update:
Wood River Land Trust holds a conservation easement on 1,278 acres of private property out Quigley Canyon, which includes the land proposed for development.
The landowner donated the conservation easement to Wood River Land Trust in 2017 while they were applying for the portion of the property to be annexed into the City of Hailey. The conservation easement protects the vast majority of the property outside the City while allowing for limited development to be located close to the mouth of the canyon and near existing infrastructure and other residential development.
The easement does allow for up to 24 lots within 73 acres of the property, which is what is currently proposed. When compared to previous development plans that included subdivision of 379 lots on 1,109 acres of land in the entire canyon, we felt that the amount of development allowed in the conservation easement is a significant improvement and protects resources important to our community and wildlife.
Initially, the developers proposed a design that was nearly identical to what had previously been contemplated in the conservation easement. Through various hearings and mediation, the developers have adjusted the design off the hillside, and reduced the lot size and the distance between the pods -- these changes are all an increase in conservation value compared to what had previously been approved in the Conservation Easement, and compared to what would otherwise be allowable under current County zoning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Wood River Land Trust building homes in Quigley Canyon?
No, the developer who donated the conservation easement to Wood River Land Trust retained the right to build up to 24 lots within 73 acres of the property.
Why are homes being built in Quigley Canyon?
This development was contemplated as part of the annexation agreement with the City of Hailey and included in the terms of the conservation easement that granted Wood River Land Trust the ability to protect Quigley Canyon and keep it open for recreation in perpetuity.
Will the development impair my access to Quigley Canyon for recreation?
When Wood River Land Trust received the conservation easement for Quigley Canyon, it was with the agreement that this development would take place but public access to Quigley Canyon would be protected. The development will change the configuration of BCRD trails as they currently exist, but public access for recreation will remain.
What is Wood River Land Trust’s role in the development?
Wood River Land Trust’s involvement in the development is limited to working with the City, County, landowner, and the Blaine County Recreation District to ensure that the proposal for the 24 lots either remains consistent with what was approved in the conservation easement, or that any revisions to that plan result in higher levels of conservation.
How has Wood River Land Trust impacted the development plans in Quigley Canyon?
Initial conversations with the developer were successful in shifting the lots so they did not affect the BCRD trail on the north side of the road. Through various hearings and the mediation, the developers have removed the lots completely from the hillside, and reduced the lot size and the distance between the pods -- these changes are all an increase in conservation value compared to what had previously been approved in the Conservation Easement.
Does this development conflict with conservation values in the Wood River Valley and the mission of Wood River Land Trust?
The Wood River Land Trust has been a leading advocate for smart growth, and understands that the future will contain some development. We advocate for reimagining how we grow, in order to preserve habitat, open space, and the Big Wood river and its tributaries. With over 2 ⁄ 3 of the canyon being preserved for habitat and community enjoyment, the Quigley development is an example of what we can accomplish when our community can come together to envision a future for all residents of the Valley - human and wild.
For more context on Wood River Land Trust’s commitment to smart growth:
