The Diamond Bar Ranch is located in Crook County, Wyoming, approximately two miles east of Devils Tower National Monument, six miles west of the Black Hills National Forest, and 20 miles northeast of Sundance. This northeastern region of Wyoming is experiencing significant rural and residential development pressure that is literally changing the landscape. Demand for rural land in this area is driven by proximity to larger cities and the recreational opportunities provided by the Black Hills National Forest. Rural-residential subdivisions have become an even larger threat to agricultural landowners, who are also facing drought, unpredictable commodity markets, and impending generational transfer.

The Diamond Bar Ranch Conservation Easement was established through support from many land protection partners, including Atira Conservation.

 The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust holds the new easement that now expands the foothold of conservation and protects agricultural values in the Black Hills region, one of the most productive and habitat-rich areas in Wyoming.

Alfalfa hay production, native rangelands, and conifer forests define the habitat on Diamond Bar Ranch. The varied lands, as well as the Ranch’s broad topography of deep canyons and exposed grassland hilltops, provide ungulate grazing as well as forage for other species including mountain lions, eagles, and falcons.  

The entire property is within state-designated elk, antelope, and mule deer seasonal ranges. The majority of the ranch is within Aquatic Crucial Habitat, incorporating a series of clear, orange ribbon, and green ribbon trout streams. Additionally, Diamond Bar Ranch provides habitat for numerous Wyoming Species of Greatest Conservation Need such as the red-headed woodpecker, dickcissel, Lewis’s woodpecker, American kestrel, golden eagle, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon.

The landowners have been ranching in the immediate and surrounding areas, including the Diamond Bar Ranch, since the 1910s. Historically, sheep and bison were part of their ranching operation; however, today, agricultural operations include beef cattle and hay production. The family aims to preserve their working lands tradition, while also supporting regional wildlife for generations to come.

• Total Transaction Cost: $4,380,000
• Atira Conservation Support: $36,000