Some developers are ardent hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. Some ardent conservationists are also shrewd investors and successful land developers. Some landowners are all of the above. The story of the Maclay Ranch illustrates how business acumen and the profit motive, combined with a love of hunting, ranching, farming and the outdoors, can benefit wildlife.

“In many locations and situations, including places experiencing rapid growth and skyrocketing real estate values, land can be developed in such a way that wildlife will still flourish and open spaces remain open,” says Bruce Bugbee, the Maclay family’s agent in the sale of their ranch. “Money can be made without sacrificing significant natural-amenity values on a piece of property. Ranchers can sell their land for good money without sacrificing their own conservation ethics, or seeing good ag and grazing lands disappear after several lifetimes of careful stewardship.”

Ron Marcoux, the Elk Foundation’s go-to man in intricate lands transactions, says, “Many people would like to see our open countrysides remain entirely undeveloped, but that isn’t likely to happen. I believe that as we strive to protect elk country in the future we will see more of this Maclay Ranch type of approach—allowing limited development while still protecting the most critical conservation values.”

Bugbee agrees. “The demonstrated vision and leadership of the Elk Foundation, the Maclay family and the new owners will help other landowners and prospective buyers understand their choices,” he says. “As a conservation ethic matures in individuals all across the country, we should see conservation values receiving greater consideration.”