Just over a dozen years ago my husband and I put down roots in Star Valley Ranch. Neither of us are natives of the Cowboy State, however, after visiting numerous times beginning in the mid-1990s we knew it was only a matter of time before we would call Wyoming home.
I grew up primarily on the east coast and although I’ve always considered myself an outdoorsy and resourceful kind of girl, I sure have learned a lot since living here. For example, why do all the deer-resistant things I try to plant on my property just seem to attract more deer? Why, during the winter, do I need to remember to look up before heading out the man-door on the side of the garage? (An awning over that door sure would be nice.) I’ve also learned that before the septic tank can be pumped, the septic truck must be able to access the tank. Such fun to locate and unearth a septic tank lid buried 4-feet underground 30 years ago. Quite the archeological dig! I’ve also learned that leg gaiters are some of the best things ever invented.
The trials of small-property ownership aside, after relocating to Star Valley an interesting thing started to happen. Almost every time I would mention to someone around the area that I lived in Star Valley Ranch, I’d be met with rolling eyes or a comment to the tune of “Wow, I’d never live there”. After encountering this reaction on multiple occasions, I began to experience some inklings of buyer’s remorse. What on earth was the genesis of these negative reactions about my newly adopted home? I loved my house and my property – the view, the proximity to the National Forest, the peace and quiet. I was baffled.
It was around this same time that I began to dig in to find out more about the history of the town I now called home. In hindsight, this sort of research should have been something my husband and I undertook before taking on a 30-year mortgage. But we bought first and started asking questions later. What I ultimately discovered was intriguing but, perhaps not quite as ominous as I feared it might be.
Star Valley Ranch (or simply the “Ranch” as locals refer to it) became Wyoming’s newest municipality in December 2005. Prior to its debut as Wyoming’s 99th town, Star Valley Ranch was essentially a resort and retirement community. I’m certain that those of you who have spent your entire lives here are more than familiar with the story. The one where the Stewart family (who were in the contracting business in Las Vegas) came to Star Valley on vacation in the early 1960s and fell in love with the area. They first bought a small ranch southwest of Afton along Crow Creek and in 1970 went on to purchase the more than 3,600 acres that would become Star Valley Ranch. This large acreage purchase is where the Stewart family envisioned building a resort nestled along the Salt River Range frontage of Prater, Green and Cedar Creek canyons. The abundant water rights attached to the property enabled their plans to become a reality over the next two decades with the construction of two golf courses, a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and ultimately more than 2,000 residential lots. The Star Valley Ranch Association (SVRA) was also incorporated in 1970 to maintain and operate the resort.
Over time and with continued population growth on the Ranch, infrastructure woes (such as road repair and the culinary water supply) were beyond the means of the SVRA to address. This ultimately led to the town’s formation in 2005, albeit not without controversy. In a state where independence and autonomy run deep, voting in “more government” and the potential for “more tax-payer expense” certainly wasn’t popular with everyone. The latter, seem to be the drivers of lingering negative perceptions. Thus, since incorporation, the Town of Star Valley Ranch has had its fair share of ups and downs.
So, there you have it. My husband and I are living in a town, a municipality that comes with rules and regulations some of which are unpopular. Sure, our arrival as residents came after the angst felt by some due to the Town’s incorporation. Perhaps we just don’t have the perspective. Accepting of that, I can still say unquestionably that living here today is as close to an earthly Elysium as I might imagine. Certainly, the Town of Star Valley Ranch is growing as is our entire valley; and, with growth comes inevitable change. In the brief time I’ve called this place home there are more people, more traffic, and more problems. I can only try to envision what those of you who have called Star Valley “home” your entire lives must be thinking (and feeling).
Despite the changes manifesting themselves (particularly these past couple of years) Star Valley, and yes, Star Valley Ranch is still that place time and progress has largely left alone. I would wager there’s more than a few of us who think that’s just fine.
This column was originally published in the Star Valley Independent on 4 May 2022.
Ruzena Rok writes about Star Valley Ranch. You can reach her by email her at: Close2Home307@gmail.com