None The Nature Conservancy in Utah Press Releases Search All Press Releases Larisa Barry Phone: 801-574-0599 E-mail: lbarry@tnc.org

Diverse Partnership Protects Unique Natural Area in St. George

Private/Public Protection Plan Will Create Nature Preserve to Save Rare Land, Plants & Wildlife

St. George, Utah — June 25, 2007 — Today The Nature Conservancy announced its purchase of 55 acres of rare habitat in St. George.  The purchase is the first step in an ambitious plan to create a new 800-acre preserve that may determine the fate of several globally rare and federally-listed plants in Washington County. Located in the fast-developing “South Block” in south St. George, the preserve will provide an oasis for plants, animals and people—with plans in the works for public nature trails and educational signage.

Working with a diverse range of partners, including the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the City of St. George, The Nature Conservancy has laid out plans for the creation of the “White Dome Nature Preserve,” which will protect habitat for several at-risk species, including the zebra-tailed lizard and loggerhead shrike, as well as extremely rare native wildflowers. The Preserve will harbor some of last remaining populations of the threatened Siler pincushion cactus, Pediocactus sileri, and the endangered dwarf bear poppy, Arctomecon humilis —which is found in Washington County and nowhere else on Earth. 

“This is an important achievement for the natural landscapes, plants and animals that make Washington County so unique,” said Elaine York, the Conservancy’s West Desert Regional Director. “The Conservancy is thrilled to be part of a collaboration to save these special places for future generations.”

Today’s 55-acre purchase for $167,100 was funded through private donations from Conservancy supporters and funding from FWS.  The purchase marks the first phase of acquisition in a plan that was initiated in 2005 when SITLA signed an agreement to make 800 acres in the South Block available for sale to the Conservancy and UDOT with the intention of establishing a nature preserve with public-access hiking trails. 

According to SITLA Director Kevin Carter, “SITLA is proud to be part of an effort to preserve some of Utah's most important natural areas and to develop the South Block in a way that helps St. George residents to appreciate the native wonders of the Mojave Desert.”

Additional land acquisitions in the South Block by the Conservancy and UDOT will take place this year and next year, with a goal of piecing together all 800 acres of the White Dome Nature Preserve in the next few years.  The Nature Conservancy is now seeking additional private funds from individuals and companies as well as potential federal grants for future acquisitions, habitat restoration and management.

The partners are also creating a long-term plan for Preserve management, including fencing, maintenance, rare plant and pollinator research and habitat restoration, as well as the creation of hiking trails and signage that educates visitors about the unique natural features of the preserve. 

“We are facing major growth opportunities and challenges in our communities,” said Dennis Drake, a Washington County Commissioner. “The White Dome Nature Preserve is a great example of public and private groups working together to ensure we protect and celebrate our natural heritage as we grow.”

Immediate next steps for the White Dome Nature Preserve include the Conservancy’s work, funded by FWS, to restore the 55-acre parcel and increase the viability of the rare species that rely on it.  Scientists will study the dwarf bear poppy’s life cycle and pollination processes to ensure long term viability.  The poppy has been reduced to 20% of its historic habitat by human impacts.  UDOT is also gearing up for its purchase of an additional 140 acres in 2007. 

“This effort is bigger than just 800 acres or several rare species,” said Elaine York. “This is about Utahns coming together to ensure Washington County's future will include places where people can value and enjoy the natural wonders in their own backyard.”

The Nature Conservancy has been active in the balanced preservation of important natural areas in Washington County—and has been a private landowner and taxpayer in the County—for nearly 20 years.  Key projects have included working with Brigham Young to establish the Lytle Ranch in Beaver Dam Wash, active participation in the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) process, which established the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and acquisition of part of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve north of St. George.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.