Chelan Douglas Land Trust Enters Agreement to Protect Family Ranch, Greater Sage-Grouse

Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) and the Keane family have recently entered a conservation easement in order to protect a 6,723 acre Douglas County family ranch permanently. The agreement would support indefinite farming, provide habitat for imperiled greater sage-grouse and prevent development.

"There are so many benefits with this conservation easement agreement," said Curt Soper, executive director. "It helps ensure the Keane family, which is a really important part of our community, will continue to be able to farm and ranch this property, which they've done for five generations."

The Keane Ranch is operated by brothers Jeff and Dane Keane along with their families. There is no public access to the property.

"It also protects, permanently going forward, some great wildlife habitat. In particular, some very important grounds for the sage-grouse," said Soper.

The sage-grouse is a Western based bird that is almost permanently gone from the landscape, with over 90% of sage-grouses formerly in Washington state gone due to habitat loss.

"The last place really where they have a stronghold is right here in Douglas County," said Soper.