The nonprofit land-conservation group is trying to raise $1.2 million to purchase - and then preserve - 100 acres of agricultural land adjacent to the northern edge of American West Heritage Center.

Its problem: the group has to come up with the cash by next May, or the land goes on the open market and the price is expected to escalate.

With frontage on U.S. 89/91 and access to the Little Bear River, state TTPL director Shauna Kerr says the land represents a "beautiful" corridor vista at the south entrance to Cache Valley. In addition, she said the preserved farmland would help prevent increased traffic congestion caused by potential residential or commercial development.

It's land, said the Wellsville native, that will "give long after we've gone."

" 'This is the place' to really leave one's footprints and fingerprints in Cache Valley," said Kerr, appropriating a phrase made famous by Mormon pioneer leader Brigham Young upon entering the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

Steve DeLong, executive director of the Heritage Center, said the additional acreage will greatly benefit his organization - giving the bison more room to roam.

He added that it also would help maintain, in perpetuity, the views and beauty of the Wellsville Mountains that more than 50,000 visitors enjoy annually.

The May deadline is only five months away. "Time is of the essence," Kerr said.

abrunson@sltrib.com

Helping out the Trust for Public Lands

* Donors can get information about ways to contribute or about how to purchase quality prints, can call the Trust for Public Land at 801-333-8526.

* The trust is selling replicas of the 1846 map of the states used by Brigham Young to lead the Mormons to Utah, as well as Audubon prints of a variety of birds. Ten percent of gross sales of these items will be donated to the trust. The historic map is on display at the American West Heritage Center.