Wyoming Stock Growers, Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch partner to protect 17,757 acres

CHEYENNE (WNE) — A conservation easement to permanently protect 17,757 acres in Carbon County was finalized on Oct. 29 by the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust and Ryan Lance, president and manager of the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch.

According to the press release, this move will safeguard productive agricultural land, vital wildlife habitats, and historic open spaces.

“The conservation of the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch builds on generations of stewardship that define Wyoming’s history,” said Executive Director Christine Adams. “Through our wonderful partnership with the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch, we’re ensuring that this working landscape continues to support agriculture, wildlife habitat, and open space for generations to come. Together, we honor the legacy of those who came before us while conserving the Wyoming we love for the future.”

Located near the historic Sweetwater and North Platte Rivers, the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch is rich in both agricultural and cultural heritage. The property sits at the heart of one of Wyoming’s most historically significant landscapes — where the Oregon, Mormon, Pioneer, and California Trails, collectively known as the Emigrant Trail, cross its northern boundary. 

These routes once guided nearly half a million travelers heading west from the early 1800s through the 1860s, leaving a lasting imprint on the land and Wyoming’s history.

Just 10 miles west of the property lies Independence Rock, a famed waypoint along the Oregon Trail where more than 5,000 emigrants carved or painted their names into the granite outcrop, marking their passage through the frontier.

Nearby landmarks such as Devil’s Gate and Martin’s Cove — both recognized for their importance to the Mormon handcart pioneers — further underscore the area’s deep historical and cultural significance.

This story was published on Nov. 12, 2025.