"Historically, sage grouse are not even a tenth of what they used to be," Thacker said. "They are on the state 'sensitive species' list, they are one we really want to watch so they don't become a threatened or endangered species. We have had radio-collared birds we have documented who come to Allan's property to spend the winter — the open space is really important."

An appraisal of the property to assess its value with and without development determines what the federal government will pay the landowner, Prevedel said. The Smith family received about one-third of the value of the land had it been sold to real estate developers. The easement does make the property eligible for a tax break.

Smith said he was taught throughout his life about the importance of preserving the land for future generations.

"For my father and grandfather both ... being environmentally correct was their main thing. They were very adamant about taking care of the land," Smith said. "Leave the land better than you received it, that's probably the general philosophy."

Seven years ago, Smith offered 10,000 acres for conservation easements to the federal government but continual bureaucratic red tape put a crimp in that proposal. At one time, an easement agreement of any size appeared to be off the table.

In 2005, when it looked like government bureaucracy would stall progress yet again, Smith said his siblings and children, weary of the years of delays, began to consider selling their property to the highest bidder.

"The subdividers offered much more — we had signed agreements in hand," Smith said. "A year ago in December the subdividers came out of the woodwork and they offered my siblings three times more money than what the easements would do, that's when my family was saying, 'Hey, what's it going to be?"'

Stephen Hansen, land and water assets coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, has nothing but praise and appreciation for the forbearance shown by Smith and his family members.

"The parties are tremendously grateful to the Smith family for their patience in this process," Hansen said.

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