Little Jack Creek

Originally published in the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust Fall 2023 Newsletter

Down a rural, dirt county road and three right turns along the way lead you into a valley of crisp autumn colors that house Joe Kaspar’s place in Carbon County. The property is home to deer, elk, antelope, and cattle at various times throughout the year. The vast views show no neighboring houses and even allow for a glimpse of Elk Mountain.

Kaspar purchased this property 10 years ago after eyeing it for some time. He grew up in Rawlins, attended the University of Wyoming and returned home to his father’s petroleum business. The business started as Philips 66 and a couple of service stations and when his father turned the business over to him, he opened a couple of convenience stores, a truck stop, and fuel delivery business.

“That’s how I found this place,” said Kaspar. “I drove down the hill delivering gas, saw the place, and thought, ‘wow, I like this, I’d like to have it sometime.’”

The ranch offers a place of solitude, beauty, water, and wildlife. There are a few groves of trees, natural springs and creeks of water, the remnants of corrals from an old sheep operation, two small bunk houses, a cabin and garage; things to make for a relaxing get away. 

While Kaspar traveled a lot over the years, including completing a foreign exchange program in Sweden during his time in high school, Wyoming is the place he calls home.

“I traveled a lot, but I like the open spaces that Wyoming has to offer,” he shared. “I like being outdoors and in the country.”

The 1,019 acres of property owned by Kaspar was placed in an easement with the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust less than a year ago.

“I never really intended to do an easement but as time goes on and you go around the state and start seeing more and more subdivisions you have to do something,” said Kaspar.

Kaspar talked to his attorney who mentioned a few different groups that do easements, but the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust stood out to him. He wanted to ensure it would still be usable as a ranch going forward. He wasn’t sure the other options would allow the land to be utilized for agriculture or worried they would have stricter limitations regarding the agriculture component.

“Agriculture is critical, and wildlife can and should co-exist,” said Kaspar.

He appreciates the work the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust did to make this easement happen and shared that he is glad he doesn’t have to worry too much about the ranch.

“I want to keep this place the way it has been for the last 100 years and maybe for the next 100 years,” Kaspar shared.