"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, mountain bike, hike, bird watch, bug collect and enjoy the beautiful views of our valley. As residents of Old Cutters, we use this area on a weekly basis and would enjoy its thoughtful upkeep and preservation."
- THE COX FAMILY
Thank You for Helping Create
Old Cutters Preserve!
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.
PRESERVATION BENEFITS TO OUR COMMUNITY
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.
Restore
Nature
Transform the land, currently currently covered with weeds, into
a meadow featuring flowers, native grasses, and a pond.
Safeguard Public Access & Recreation
Protect habitat utilized by species experiencing rapid habitat loss,
such as elk, mule deer, and
migratory birds.
Protect
Wildlife Habitat
Protect 2.5 acres of open space adjacent to Old Cutters Park, enhancing the gateway to Hangman Gulch and the BLM lands
beyond, and securing permanent public access to the pond.
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.
AMY TRUJILLO
Executive Director
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.