Mission & Key Programs
Payette Land Trust is dedicated to conserving the rural landscapes of West Central Idaho to benefit our communities; protecting the scenic, agricultural, recreational, historic, and wildlife character of the region.
Service Area
West Central Idaho: Adams, Idaho, Valley and Washington Counties. PLT’s service area encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems from lakes and rivers to agricultural fields, forested mountains, and open prairies.
Unique in the Transboundary Rocky Mountains
Payette Land Trust’s service area is an important part of the Heart of the Rockies region because of its wildlife, open spaces, and connection to other protected lands. It sits between two major wilderness areas: the Frank Church River of No Return to the east and Hells Canyon to the west, making it a key migration route for animals like elk, deer, and wolverines. The area’s rivers, including the Payette, Weiser, Salmon and Little Salmon, provide clean water and habitat for fish and other wildlife. Farms, ranches, and forests also play a big role, supporting local communities while keeping the landscape healthy. As development in Idaho grows, protecting this land helps conserve its wildlife, natural beauty, and rural way of life.
Project Highlight
Payette Land Trust recently worked with the Uhlorn Family to conserve a 560-acre Century Farm in Idaho County. The Uhlorn Family Farm offers spectacular views of the Camas prairie and surrounding mountains, making it an attractive location for subdivisions and building sites. However, through this conservation effort, the property will remain open and available for farming for generations to come.
The easement ensures the land will remain in agricultural use while promoting regenerative and sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, support local food production, and enhance wildlife habitat.
Learn more: https://payettelandtrust.org/payette-land-trust-protects-a-family-farm-in-idaho-county/
Storytelling
A 44 acre stretch along the North Fork Payette River was saved from development and conserved forever. What was once destined to become a housing subdivision is now protected natural space thanks to the power of community conservation!
In this short video, see how the Payette Riverwalk Alliance and Payette Land Trust joined forces to protect this precious land, and hear from Judy Secrist, a founding board member of the Payette Riverwalk Alliance, whose leadership was key to making it happen.
