LDS Church Seeks Ownership of Martin’s Cove in Land Trade

A nonprofit organization is working to facilitate a land trade that would give the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ownership of the 933-acre Martin’s Cove in Wyoming, a site sacred to members of the church. Martin’s Cove is where a rescue party aided hundreds of Mormon pioneers in 1856 during a blizzard. The proposal involves the church exchanging the land for 358 acres near Independence Rock and 575 acres in the Granite Mountains, both currently owned by the LDS church.

The land trade aims to address past controversies surrounding the church’s management of the site, which is currently leased from the Bureau of Land Management. Previous attempts to acquire the land outright faced resistance, including a lawsuit alleging proselytization of non-LDS visitors. Supporters of the trade, including three former Wyoming governors, believe it will benefit both the public and the church by ensuring preservation and access to historic areas.

The proposal is still in its early stages, with advocates aiming to introduce draft legislation to Congress this summer. Concerns about access to the exchanged land are being addressed, and stakeholders are seeking input from affected tribes.