437-Acre Ranch in Paradise Valley’s Mill Creek Drainage Permanently Conserved

A vital 437-acre piece of the Paradise Valley landscape has been permanently protected through a voluntary conservation easement established by the Nickelson family in partnership with Northern Yellowstone Open Lands, a regional initiative of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust.

Located along Mill Creek—the largest tributary to the Upper Yellowstone River—the Nickelson Ranch primarily consists of pasture and rangeland, which currently supports hay production and grazing. Bordering the recently conserved Warfield Ranch that in turn connects to U.S. Forest Service land, this site also offers unique habitat for species iconic to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

With multi-generational roots in the valley and strong agricultural and open space values, the Nickelson family did not want to see the property subdivided.

“Our dad always said, ‘You can’t make more land,’” said Jennifer Nickelson Triplett, who grew up on the ranch with her parents and two siblings. “When it’s gone, it’s gone. You take care of what you have. It’s not just for today. It’s for future generations.”

The Nickelsons chose to establish a conservation easement to ensure the property remains intact and can continue to support and maintain agricultural production into the future.

“Agricultural America is under fire and has been for so long,” continued Triplett. “If you can preserve the ability to have a piece of agricultural ground stay in agriculture—what a blessing!”

The property’s flat, scenic, and accessible terrain made it particularly vulnerable to fragmentation and development.

“We are grateful for the Nickelsons’ commitment to maintaining the legacy of agricultural lands in the Paradise Valley,” said Cole Herdman, Northern Yellowstone Open Lands program manager. “The opportunity to conserve lands that are adjacent to each other and nearby to public lands is a win-win for working lands, wildlife, and our community as a whole.”

In a letter of support for the project, Park County Planning Board Chairman Zachary Park wrote, “It is encouraging to see active efforts in protecting and preserving Park County’s natural beauty and wildlife for the enjoyment of all.”

The project was made possible by the Nickelson family’s commitment to open space and agriculture, and their generous donation of property value to create the conservation easement. The project was also made possible, in part, by funding from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Atira Conservation Foundation, Cross Charitable Foundation, Heart of the Rockies Initiative's Keep It Connected Program, Park County Community Foundation, GVLT’s Penelope S. Pierce Quick Strike Opportunity Fund, and a generous contribution from an anonymous donor.

Since 1995, GVLT has partnered with 22 families to conserve over 22,000 acres of working farms and ranches, critical wildlife habitat, and scenic open space in Park County. Its Northern Yellowstone Open Lands initiative brings an increased, place-based focus to conservation throughout the county.