The business of essential oils has been growing, as users find value in their properties. Young Living Essential Oils recently honored its founder with a conservation easement covering 11,597 acres in Utah. The easement went to The Nature Conservancy, which is calling the donation the largest in the history of the Utah chapter.

Located in the Uinta Mountain foothills, near Tabiona in Duchesne County, the land plays a key ecological role for native wildlife. The land serves as a migratory corridor that has been nicknamed by some the “Utah Serengeti,” with large herds of elk and deer moving through the area between their summer and winter ranges. The easement includes 7 miles of the Duchesne River, two mountain ranges and sagebrush habitat that provides an haven for greater sage grouse. The donation will also preserve ancient Native American petroglyphs carved by ancestors of the Ute tribes.

The land has been donated in recognition of Young Living Essential Oils founder D. Gary Young, who died in 2018. Jared Turner, president and chief operating officer of Young Living, says that the land held special significance to Young, who named it River Ranch.

Love of nature, wild places

Turner explains that Young grew up in the wilderness of Idaho, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends on mountain adventures. “Preserving this beautiful part of Utah is a legacy grounded in that passion,” Turner says. “Gary and I both shared a deep love of nature and wild places, which is why Young Living is committed to preserving and protecting vital habitat for wildlife.”

Turner commended The Nature Conservancy for working with the company to protect the land.

Adds David Livermore, The Nature Conservancy’s Utah state director: “This large easement will preserve key lands and contribute to the overall health and function of the watershed. We are thrilled to partner with Young Living Essential Oils to ensure that this land remains viable for wildlife and future generations.”

In Young’s honor, Young Living will dedicate the property as the D. Gary Young Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of several commitments Young Living has made to honor its founder’s legacy and its ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Source: Young Living Essential Oils, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.