Orme Ranch Forever

This opportunity was made possible by the 2018 Department of Agriculture Farm Bill

This bill which will support 75% of the acquisition of an agricultural conservation easement on the ranch. The purpose of the easement will be to permanently maintain agricultural uses, protect the rich land and water resources, restrict subdivision and development, and provide for conservation measures to protect the abundant natural resources contained on the Orme Ranch in perpetuity. Moreover, the conservation easement recognizes that the Orme Ranch continues to be a leader among central Arizona ranches in holistic grazing management practices and the importance of preserving and continuing the Orme ranching legacy.

This agricultural conservation easement will protect the deeded lands (~900 acres) and ensure that they are used solely for ranching and farming in perpetuity, with annual oversight by the CALT. The conservation easement also guarantees that the water resources associated with Ash Creek, flowing through the ranch, are tied to the conservation easement. Thus, supporting the lush riparian resources of a major tributary to the Agua Fria River, making this conservation easement one of statewide significance.