In January 2025, Oregon Desert Land Trust (ODLT) successfully added 40 acres to its 16,645-acre Trout Creek Ranch effort. This addition will help consolidate the organization’s ownership of nearly 3,000 acres of wet meadows that provide critical habitat for numerous migratory birds. The 40-acre Cottonwood Ranch property also provides habitat for pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and a variety of other wildlife. Located at the lower reaches of Trout Creek, this acquisition provides important connectivity to other public lands.
ODLT’s Trout Creek Ranch effort has been bolstered by numerous partnerships with neighboring landowners, Tribes, land managers, and other organizations. They continue to host Tribal gatherings in partnership with Northern Paiute tribal members from the Fort McDermitt Reservation, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, and Burns-Paiute Reservation, and have had over 63 Tribal members participate in local events.