The 113-acre Belfield property lies in an extensive riparian area with Plum Creek running within its border and several ponds dispersed throughout the land. The property has areas of Gambel oak, mixed grass prairie, and ponderosa pines providing ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including elk, mule deer, white tailed deer, coyote, black bear, and mountain lion, as well as many species of songbirds and raptors.   

The landowners of Belfield recognized the ecological value of this land and wanted to place the property in a conservation easement to retain this value in perpetuity. Like all contributors of a conservation easement, the landowners were willing donors; however the transaction fees related to placing an easement on the land was a hindrance to them. The landowners worked with the Douglas Land Conservancy, who then approached Douglas County regarding these costs. After a through environmental assessment of the parcel, the County decided to pay the transaction fees in order to help preserve this critical wildlife open space area. 

There is no public access permitted on this property.  It remains in private ownership.

Year protected:	2004
Acres:	113
Land Category:	Preserve/Wildlife Habitat
Conservation Tool:	Conservation Easement
Cost:	$28,000 Douglas County; property owners donated easement
Partners:	Douglas Land Conservancy (Easement holder) and  Douglas County
Location:	West of Highway 85 in Sedalia