Community Land Trust reports preservation easement closing, virtual‑fencing pilot and trail work

Brad Bauer, executive director of the Sheridan Community Land Trust, provided a quarterly update on preservation, conservation and recreation projects. He said the trust closed on a preservation easement for the Gable House (also called Peter's House) after coordination with the historic preservation commission and a required survey, and that volunteers plus a history program manager are developing a railroad-district tour for residents and visitors.

On conservation, Bauer said the trust is pursuing stream restoration on South Dry Fork with funding partners including Pheasants Forever and the National Wild Turkey Federation and is working on five conservation easements scattered around the county. He described a virtual-fencing pilot and a private-funding approach to aggregate small producers (the technology vendors typically require 50-head minimum), which would allow participation by producers with as few as 10 head. Bauer also said the trust will prioritize maintenance of the Red River trail system and assist county partners with trail work during road closures.

"We are developing a railroad district tour," Bauer said, noting volunteer support and an educational focus. Commissioners thanked Bauer for the update and acknowledged the trust’s role in complementary conservation and recreation efforts.