A Wildlife Conservation and Recreation Enterprise

The Birch Creek Ranch is an 8,700 acre property located 15 miles west of Woodruff,Utah. Comprised of rolling terrain bisected by Birch Creek and containing the 40-acre Birch Creek Reservoir, this ranch represents some of Utah's prime remaining wildlife habitat, especially valuable for its important role in wintering mule deer.

This project will be governed by an overarching philosophy of positive human interactions with nature, including a specific vision, mission and guiding principles.

Birch Creek Ranch will be a high-quality working ranch that creates premium wildlife conservation and recreational opportunities.

MISSION.
Our mission is to manage this property to provide pride of ownership and build wealth for members using sound livestock practices and science-based management principles to enhance wildlife habitat while operating in a profitable manner.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES.
The operation of Birch Creek Ranch will be influenced by the following guiding principles: 1) Environmental Stewardship, 2) Professional Management, 3) Positive Cash Flow, and 4) Personal Fulfillment.

Environmental Stewardship.
Birch Creek Ranch will be a positive conservation example. We will be sensitive to ecological processes and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between human use, wildlife,and natural functioning systems. To meet this goal we will develop resource management plans based on the best information available. We will regularly monitor ecological health and will use this information to better inform future management.

Professional Management.
We will use a professional, science-based team approach. The inherent complexity in natural systems challenges individuals and organizations attempting to simultaneously manage for multiple values. Our approach is characterized by transparency, accountability, and an attitude of openness to constructive input. In other words, we envision applying the principles of sound ranch management that have been successful at the Flying D, Deseret Land & Livestock, and Beaver Creek ranches. In the process, we will use livestock as a land management tool to generate revenue, maintain legitimate agricultural Greenbelt status and ensure healthy habitat for fish and wildlife.

Positive Cash Flow.
We will generate annual revenues adequate to cover management, maintenance and monitoring costs. Financial self-sustainability is a key component of long-term conservation. Once a property like Birch Creek is acquired, we expect to create sufficient income from the sustainable enterprises it supports to off-set management costs and ongoing ownership expenses, such as property taxes,weed control, and basic depreciation.

Personal Fulfillment.
The success of this project cannot be complete without the satisfaction of owners. Our partners will realize tangible personal, social, and financial benefits through the achievement of the property's mission and vision. Using sound science and ethical sportsmanship, we will maintain well managed wildlife populations and provide quality recreational opportunities for our partners and clients. This includes recognition of superior environmental stewardship, personal responsibility for collective outcomes, and a sound, fluid investment.

Figure 2. The four guiding principles of Birch Creek Ranch.

BIRCH CREEK PHOTOS
Photos, Carrus Summer Tour 2009