For three decades, Dallen and Karen Spendlove and their four children have been excellent stewards for their 2,400-acre ranch in southern Utah. It’s a slice of extraordinary landscape on the Colorado River Plateau, nestled on Smith Mesa adjacent to Zion National Park.

The Spendloves’ working ranch offers unparalleled views of the park’s renowned Kolob Peak and the spectacular natural rock finger canyons in the Kolob Canyon section.

Like many other landowners in rapidly growing areas of the West, the Spendloves were under tremendous pressure to sell their land for development. But despite their strong commitment to conservation — and to their land — they lacked the resources to place a conservation easement on their property.

Our Role

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, The Conservation Fund was able to assist the family in preserving both a working landscape and open space in Washington County. Working with the Spendlove family, the donor, the Virgin River Land Preservation Association and Washington County officials, we purchased a conservation easement from the Spendloves, thus protecting the ranch in perpetuity — to the benefit of the owners, the local community and the public.

Why This Project Matters

The Spendloves’ traditional ranching values are now secure, and the remarkable view into Zion National Park from their land remains unimpeded.