The multiple natural and intact prehistoric cultural resources on the Wilcox Ranch are unprecedented. For example, twelve miles of Range Creek (whose fish population ranks among the region's best) meanders through the ranch, and the riparian areas along the creek are considered critical habitat for a variety of species. In addition, the higher elevations of the ranch provide winter range for deer and year-long habitat for elk, and numerous upland species (from sage grouse to Rio Grande turkeys) inhabit this area as well. The ranch, however, is best known for the archeological treasures located on the property, including the intact granaries with their roofs still in place; the decorated arrowheads, beads, and remnants of stone-tools that litter the ground; and the petroglyphs and pictographs that cover the ranch's canyon walls, depicting the prehistoric Fremont culture that once thrived in this area.

In 2001, Waldo Wilcox, who has spent most of his life on the ranch, realized he could not protect this ranch on his own forever. Therefore, he invited the Trust for Public Land and state and federal agencies to help him establish a conservation easement on his ranch, preserving it in perpetuity. Using public and private funding, including dollars from Utah's LeRay McAllister Fund, an easement was purchased on the ranch for $2.5 million, which ensured the protection of the natural and cultural resources on this ranch forever. With its extensive natural and prehistoric archeological resources, the ranch remains one of Utah's most important archeological sites.

For more information on this project, click here.