Our Land Our Water Our Future

COLORADO OPEN L ANDSCAPES

A NEWSLETTER OF COLORADO OPEN LANDS

The Southern Sangres contain layer upon layer of conservation values in their rich history, outstanding natural habitat, and unforgettable scenic views.

The Southern Sangre de Cristo Landscape What’s Inside

—Developing a Community Vision of Conservation President’s Letter At Uptop Ghost Town, you will not only get a sense of Colorado in the late Page 3 1800s and early 1900s, but on a clear day you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Spanish Peaks and you may even spot a Bald Eagle flying overhead or a bobcat foraging in Stewardship Corner the woods. If you’re really lucky, you may also get to meet two of the most energetic Page 5 Two landowners and historians/conservationists in Southern Colorado. their management teams receive Sisters Deborah Lathrop and Dianne (Sam) Lathrop Law moved to Colorado in awards for managing their ranches 2001 and fell in love with the ghost town and forest lands located on Old La Veta Pass sustainably. in Huerfano County. The sisters bought the property, named the ghost town ‘Uptop’, and set about restoring and uncovering the history of the 1877 train depot and the Board Spotlight 1920s chapel, dance hall/tavern, school house, lumber mill and outbuildings. Ruth Wright Their greatest concern was that one day someone might purchase the property Page 6 Board member Ruth who would be more interested in its potential for large summer homes or an RV park— Wright shares her enthusiasm for the fate of many of the neighboring lands. In 2010, Deb and Sam generously donated protecting the best of Colorado.

OPEN LANDS a conservation easement on their property to Colorado Open Lands, fulfilling their goal of “saving a small piece of paradise for others to enjoy in the future.” Celebrating the The Lathrop property, which they lovingly refer to as the Moon Mountain Ranch, Peterson Ranch is a perfect symbol of Colorado Open Lands’ Southern Sangre de Cristo Community Conservation Area (CCA)—which contains layer upon layer of conservation values in Page 7 Donating a conservation easement and reinvesting in its rich history, outstanding natural habitat, and unforgettable scenic views. the ranch infrastructure builds a In 2008, the Colorado Conservation Partnership designated the Southern Sangre stronger ranch! de Cristo landscape as a priority area for conservation in Colorado. Colorado Open Lands (COL) became the lead organization in the partnership, developing a long-term vision of conservation in this large landscape, which encompasses parts of Costilla, Huerfano and Las Animas counties.

COLORADO To invest in the kind of on-the-ground partnerships that lead to long-term conservation success, COL applied for a Conservation Excellence grant from Great Spring 2012 Continued on pg.2 Volume 12, Number 1 Developing a Community’s Vision of Conservation Continued

Located in the center of the Sangre de Cristo Range, Blanca Peak (14,345 ft) marks the common boundary of Huerfano, Costilla and Alamosa counties.

Outdoors Colorado to devote a full-time staff member to near San Luis. Colorado Open Lands is excited to help work in the Southern Sangre de Cristo CCA. With GOCO’s unveil the draft this coming May in a series of community support and with a substantial commitment from the feedback sessions. Trinchera and Tercio Foundation, COL has been able to We are even more excited to begin implementing the bring conservation capacity and expertise to a traditionally priority projects identified in the plan, knowing that these underserved part of our state. projects are truly a reflection of local values. In fact, we are Our capacity has made a particularly notable contribution currently working on three conservation easements that, if in Costilla County. Costilla County contains Colorado’s oldest successful, will protect just under 4,000 acres of land along town and oldest water right. It also has one of two commons with critical senior water rights. These three projects will left in the United States. Unlike the Boston Commons, La conserve agricultural viability, scenic views, a portion of the Vega is still used for cattle grazing. Old Spanish National Historic Trail, and important habitat The County is part of the Congressionally-designated for elk and Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout. Stay tuned! q Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area because of its contribution to the story of the American West. Uniquely, its rich heritage is more than a collection of sites, it is a living What is an Acequia? The original settlers of Southern history. Centuries-old traditions including art, agricultural Colorado brought with them their irrigation practices practices, and religion still flourish in Costilla County and based on a community ditch called an acequia. This some residents still speak a version of 17th Century Spanish. system, which traces back to the Spanish Moors, treats However, the County also faces significant challenges. It water as a community resource to be allocated based is the second-poorest county in Colorado and it is not only upon equity and need rather than priority of appropriation 99% privately-owned, but is the most densely subdivided (as with Western US water law). Acequias are primarily county in the state. Additionally, there is no local land trust gravity-fed ditches that irrigate long lots, which run or County Open Space Program to serve county residents. perpendicular to the stream to maximize the number of Consequently, COL initiated discussions with the County landowners that can directly access the water. Commissioners and Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust They are operated on a one landowner—one vote about a conservation vision centered on land and water system and require that maintenance is performed by preservation and that linked conservation to preservation all of the irrigators (typically during the annual limpia de of heritage, recreation opportunities, and economic acequias). Today, acequias are only found in Southern development. Costilla County had the drive, but lacked the Colorado and Northern New Mexico. In Costilla capacity to pursue these ideas. County, 73 acequias irrigate approximately 14,000 In 2010, Colorado Open Lands successfully assisted acres of farmland and support 270 families. the County in securing funding and technical assistance Colorado Open Lands is partnering with the Sangre for an inclusive county-wide Trails, Recreation, and Open de Cristo Acequia Association to organize the first Space Planning Process facilitated by the National Park Congreso de Acequias—a meeting of all acequia Service. This planning process has been characterized by a farmers in the state. Highest on the agenda will be how diverse working group that includes conservation interests, to protect these special water rights and how to ensure county and town leaders, agricultural interests, cultural that a new generation of acequia farmers keeps these organizations, health and human services officials, and farming traditions alive. The Congreso will be held local youth. October 19-21st in San Luis. If you are interested in The draft Trails, Recreation, and Open Space Plan was attending, please contact Sarah (McDonald) Parmar or informed by community open houses, a mail-in survey and go to www.sangreacequias.org. a delicious community event christened “Get Outdoors Costilla County!” that was held on a county-owned property

2 Spring 2012 | ColoradoOpenLands.org On Being Coloradan President’s Letter

People can come up with statistics to prove anything. Forty percent of all people know that. —Homer Simpson

Good news has been hard to come by lately. However, the February 19th Denver Post carried an upbeat editorial entitled “Coloradans’ support for conservation remains strong.” The editorial was based on a January Colorado College survey which reported that 67% of Coloradans identify themselves as conservationists—a number that holds up across ethnic, political, and urban/rural lines. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget forecasts continued high unemployment (7.5+%) in Colorado at least through 2013, with the underemployment number—which includes part-time workers seeking full-time work—at over 15%. The Colorado College survey then would seem to defy the conventional wisdom that says in hard times people care about the economy, and in good times they care about quality of life. But I think Coloradans see beyond the cliché. While conservation’s role in establishing a Gquality of life is obvious to most, people recognize it also plays an important economic role. Conservation’s economic impact on tourism, agriculture, recreation and attracting business to Colorado is significant, and Coloradans “even with state get that. A whopping 78% of survey respondents said we can protect budget problems, land and water and have a strong economy at the same time. This shouldn’t come as a surprise really. Conservation has always we should still find been high on Coloradans’ agenda. It’s been a hundred years since money to protect the City of Denver acquired its first mountain park (Genesee). It’s been 75 years since the legislature created the State Parks Board. It’s and maintain been forty years since Jefferson County created one of the country’s Colorado’s land, first local government open space programs. The list goes on:the dedication of statewide lottery funds; aggressive conservation tax water and wildlife.” benefits; numerous local government open space programs anda vibrant land trust community have all expressed Coloradans’ commitment to conservation. The economic downturn has created well-documented budget crises at all levels of government. This has brought with it several attempts at the legislature to reduce, eliminate, or divert conservation funding. In 2010, the legislature capped the conservation easement tax credit, a program that had protected nearly $4 of land for every $1 of public expenditure. More recently, assaults on Great Outdoors Colorado funding have been proposed. But legislators need to be aware that 86% of respondents to the Colorado College survey say that “even with state budget problems, we should still find money to protect and maintain Colorado’s land, water and wildlife.” 76% prefer the current use of Lottery funds. So while conservation plays an essential role in our quality of life, perhaps it is even more significant than that. Whether it be the Palisades peach orchards, the short grass prairie at Pawnee Buttes, the headwaters of the Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park, or Red Rocks amphitheater, perhaps these places in part define who we are. We could do worse.

Daniel E. Pike, President

Colorado Open Lands | 303.988.2373 3 Sightings on the Landscape

If you think the recession has hurt the public’s interest in preserving Tom Gougeon, the head of the Gates Family Foundation, had always open space again, think again. Despite the defeat of nearly every had an eye for talent and capacity. He proved it once again when tax initiative in Arapahoe County last fall, county residents approved he brought in an old friend of land conservation, Beth Conover, as the Water, Wildlife, Trails, and Neighborhood Park Measure by a the Foundation’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. Among other past 62-38% margin. The residents of Greenwood Village also used the responsibilities, Beth was a founding director of former Mayor John ballot box to demonstrate their commitment to open space by Hickenlooper’s Greenprint Denver. Not only has Beth been good at passing an open space measure by 70.5%. whatever she does, she is really nice to work with. She can be It’s hard to imagine land conservation in Colorado without reached at [email protected]. Katharine (Kathy) Roser who just retired as founder and executive The Colorado Mountain Club’s loss was the Land Trust Alliance’s director of the La Plata Open Space Conservancy. For over 25 years, gain when Bryan Martin became LTA’s first Land Trust Board Kathy helped 200 families conserve close to 24,000 acres. And as Services Manager. His portfolio? Strengthening the knowledge if that wasn’t enough, Kathy was the first executive director of the and understanding of non-profit management and land Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts! What now? “I plan to spend more conservation by the board members of the over 1,700 land trusts time with family, ski more, grow a better garden, and enjoy our open across these United States. Most recently Bryan et al. have set Ispaces before it’s too late!” up a series of 90 minute webinars on a variety of riveting and The LPOSC board chose a great replacement for their new important topics! What a deal! Stay home. Learn good stuff. Executive Director, Scott Perez. 20 years as a cowboy and guide, Check out www.lta.org/onlinetraining. Bryan can be contacted Scott earned a degree in Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis at [email protected]. College, focusing on range management and environmental Colorado certainly seems to lead the nation when it comes to policy. He is currently completing a doctoral program in Natural producing national leaders in the land trust movement. Following in Resources at Cornell University. Welcome, Scott! He can be Will Shafroth’s footsteps is Michael Dowling, the new chair of the Land reached at [email protected] or 970-259-3415. Trust Alliance. Colorado Open Lands was definitely prescient when we If you missed CCLT’s March 12-13 conference titled “Conservation awarded Michael the 2010 George E. Cranmer award. Excellence 2012,” you missed a fabulous event. Over 40 panels. Some of us remember when Jamie Williams was just a friendly Over 210 people. Over 60 speakers. If you missed it, you can go guy doing great stuff for The Nature Conservancy up in Yampa Valley. to www.cclt.org to see photos and to download session handouts. While there, he was TNC’s representative on the Colorado Coalition Bet Chris West is glad that Erik Glenn is back at the Colorado of Land Trust’s board of directors. After a stint with TNC in Montana, Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust as Deputy Director. Eric knows Jamie came back to Colorado as TNC’s Director of Landscape CCALT pretty well, having previously served as their Director of Conservation for North America. But not for long. Jamie is now the Conservation Transactions and Public Policy when he facilitated new President of the Wilderness Society! Jamie, we will miss you, more than 30 conservation easement transactions and secured but we take comfort knowing that you bring your great vision and more than $5M in grants! You reach Erik at [email protected]. cheerful nature to this outstanding 77-year old organization. Last summer, Stewardship Director Olivia Bartlett was managing News from Colorado Open Lands: Our very own Land Protection the Black Canyon Land Trust’s activities when the previous Acting Specialist, Sarah McDonald, married PJ Parmar on February 25 Director moved along. A lot has happened since then. The BCLT at Red Rocks. She is now officially Sarah Parmar and can be office moved from Delta to smack dab in the middle of downtown reached at [email protected]. Little known fact Ridgway (160 Liddell Drive, 90432 in case you want to know). about Sarah: she learned to ride at age 4 and got her first chaps Next, they found a terrific new executive director, Sue McIntosh. at 6! Happy trails, m’dear! With her JD from the University of Denver, Sue has practiced Our wonderful 2011 Stewardship Interns have gone on to natural resource law everywhere from Washington, DC to west some interesting work! Joel Nystrom just finished his Masters of Texas and Cornerstone, CO. You can reach Sue at (970) 626-9761 Environmental Management at Duke University and now has a or [email protected]. (paid!) internship with The Nature Conservancy (CO) this summer. Given the excitement that is often generated when the Colorado You can reach Joel at [email protected]. Satkirtan (Sati) General Assembly is in session, no wonder the Colorado Coalition of Carruth will graduate from the Vermont Law School this May Land Trusts was glad that Brandon Rattiner joined John Swartout and and will return to Colorado to sit for the Colorado Bar this July. Greg Yankee for the next six months as a policy fellow. Brandon She recently finished a Semester in Practice with the EPA Region came to CCLT after a year and a half as an El Pomar Foundation 8 Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice in fellow. We fully expect him to earn his chops during the next six Denver and can be reached at [email protected]. Jennifer months with Greg and John watching over him. His email address Fitts landed a temporary position with the Water Quality Control is [email protected]. Division, CO Dept of Public Health and Environment at their office The Colorado Conservation Trust has been busy! Edalin Koziol, is in Cherry Creek which, alas, didn’t morph into a full time one. the new CCT fellow at the Colorado Water Trust. Edalin is a graduate She’s good so you might email her to see if she fits an available of the Vermont Law School, a mediator, and has always been position in your organization. You can reach Jennifer at Jennifer. passionate about rivers and streams. You can reach her at ekoziol@ [email protected]. Greg Lake, Legal Intern and recent cum laude coloradowatertrust.org. Meanwhile, CCT fellow Jon Leibowitz graduate of Loyola University New Orleans School of Law School and joined Montezuma Land Conservancy as Land Protection Fellow. Jon newly admitted to practice law in Colorado, volunteered time is another graduate from the Vermont Law School. He can be to COL between passing the bar exam and starting his legal reached at [email protected]. Bethany Gravell is CCT’s new employment. Development Director. She must know where the money is since Our 2012 interns are doing fabulous stuff for us. Bonnie she raised funds for a successful ballot issue which brought public Kelnberger is not only a great GIS intern, but is also working for funding dedicated to cultural families, parks, open space and SAIC Inc. doing work with mid-Atlantic naval installations. She public safety in Denver. Also joining CCT as Program Director is can be reached at [email protected]. Alison Hamm is getting Jordan Vana. Jordan comes to CCT after eight years as the Director us ready for accreditation renewal. Alison can be reached at of Conservation for the Wyoming Land Trust. [email protected].

Colorado Open Lands | 303.988.2373 | 4 Colorado Open Lands Goes To Washington D.C.

In December, Colorado Open Lands’ Director of Michael Bennet. In all cases, Dieter, John and Greg were Conservation, Dieter Erdmann, traveled to Washington D.C. warmly welcomed and found our congressional delegation with Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts’ Executive Director to be both well-informed and supportive of maintaining or John Swartout and Policy Director Greg Yankee. The purpose increasing incentives for land conservation. of the trip was to ensure that key members of Colorado’s Since those meetings, six of Colorado’s seven House congressional delegation support federal funding of members and both Senators have co-sponsored legislation to conservation. In particular, meetings focused on the need for make the enhanced easement incentive permanent. Also, both increased funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Senators supported an amendment to a recent Transportation the protection of important agricultural-related conservation Bill that reauthorized the Land and Water Trust Fund and programs within the Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides dedicated funding of $700 million for two years. and the permanence of the enhanced easement incentive. It was a very successful trip and one that reminded Over the course of two days, the group met with John, Greg, and Dieter of the strong voices Colorado has Congressman Scott Tipton from Colorado’s 3rd District, in Washington, D.C. on conservation issues. It is clear that ICongressman Cory Gardner of Colorado’s 4th District, Colorado’s congressional delegation stands ready to fight and staff for Congressman Mike Coffman of Colorado’s on behalf of our state’s reputation as a leader in agriculture, 6th District, along with Senator Mark Udall and Senator recreation, and conservation.

Board Spotlight Ruth Wright

Although she has lived and When we called Ruth in 2002 to see if she’d like to join worked around the world, Ruth our Board of Directors, she thought ‘ooh—that sounds Wright has called Boulder, Colorado interesting.’ “It’s hard to resist things like that. I learned to home since the late 1950s. Soon love the land as a child growing up in Wisconsin, a state filled after moving here, it became obvious with lakes and forests. Getting involved again with a group that Boulder’s 7% annual growth that is directly connected to protecting the things I love most rate (doubling the population in 10 about Colorado is exciting to me.” years) would demolish the beautiful The energy in Ruth’s voice goes up a notch: “My favorite back drop, valleys and views – the Board meetings are the project meetings. It’s where we get very reasons she and her husband to see what we’re actually accomplishing. It’s different than Ruth Wright Ken chose to move here. GOCO because here we’re actually holding conservation It didn’t take Ruth long to start doing something about easements. We have a very direct connection with the land. the pace of development. She first got involved with the I’m learning a lot! It’s fun.” ABoulder County Parks and Open Space Board, and then as And as for the future? “It’s up to the landowners. They are chair of PLAN-Boulder to pass the first open space tax in much more knowledgeable about conservation easements the country. From there, she was the idea and force behind a now, and the connections we’ve made with them are huge. successful ballot initiative to limit building heights in Boulder, Colorado is such a magnificent treasure. Protecting land is and served as Commissioner for the Colorado Water Quality good economics. If our streams are dried up and our ranches Control Commission. are in subdivisions instead of cattle grazing with a beautiful Always reaching higher, Ruth was elected to Colorado’s mountain back drop, Colorado isn’t going to be the attraction House of Representatives and served from 1980-1994, with it used to be.” six years as Minority Leader, quickly followed by six years Our state has been forever enriched, and our Board of service on the original Board of Great Outdoors Colorado deepened, thanks to Ruth’s energy and passion for the Trust Fund. In between public service, Ruth authored the natural and cultural fabric that makes our state so unique. leading guidebook on Machu Picchu. Thank you for ALL that you do, Ruth.

Colorado Open Landscapes | Spring 2012 | 5 Stewardship Corner Landowners Know Best!

Colorado Open Lands protects properties, but we prescribed burns, and keeping ongoing records that include believe that landowners know best how to manage their GPS mapping, archived records, and photo points. The properties. We are excited to announce that the ownership ranch will focus future efforts in the forestry-woodland zone and management team of two of our conserved properties and plans to rehabilitate riparian forest buffers and enhance were recognized for their outstanding stewardship! existing wetlands. Congratulations to Louis Bacon and the Just over a year ago, the Trinchera Ranch was recognized Trinchera Ranch management team! for its outstanding commitment to conservation by the Pine Cliff Ranch, located in west central Douglas County Colorado Association of Conservation Districts. The ranch and owned by the David Merage family, received the 2011 was recognized in the corporate division as the Ranch Outstanding District Conservationists Award by The Douglas Conservationist of the Year. The Trinchera Ranch mission County Conservation District. The Ranch consists of 3,440 statement is to “Practice sound stewardship to sustain and acres of native rangeland, flood irrigated hayland and a enhance the diverse natural resources of the Trinchera Ranch riparian corridor including the confluence of Roberts and West for recreational use and enjoyment, the overall health of the Plum Creeks. C The Merages and their management team have collaborated with the Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the past 10 years, implementing changes to improve and maintain sound conservation practices. Some of the improvements they have incorporated include cross fencing, a prescribed rotational grazing plan, weed management, and excluding the riparian area from grazing. In addition, they installed a solar system, pipelines, and a tire tank to provide off- channel watering to their cattle. Of the Ranch’s accomplishments, Mr. Merage stresses, “It has been successful because of the team that is in place.” Ranch managers Sheryl and Justin Walker have been Ranch managers Sheryl and Justin Walker (far right) have been instrumental in making and maintaining sound resource management practices according to instrumental in making and maintaining sound resource landowner David Merage. management practices. When asked what has made their ecosystem, and economic benefit, while preserving the natural success possible, they state, “We sincerely appreciate the beauty of the ranch for future generations.” help from Colorado Open Lands, the staff at the NRCS office Under the supervision of ranch manager Ty Ryland, this in Franktown and the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.” mission has been put into practice through maintaining If you are interested in purchasing the ranch’s grass-finished access roads for minimal erosion, collaborating with the beef you can visit their website www.pinecliffranch.org. Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife to install a fish barrier Colorado Open Lands is proud to work with such on Placer creek to save native cutthroat from whirling disease, caring landowners! “I believe it is my role to be the custodian of this land. For as long as I own this property, I consider it my job to preserve and enhance the beauty and magnificence of this land.” —David Merage

Leaving a Legacy to Land Conservation

My family and I wanted to make a statement about our support of land conservation efforts here in Colorado. We chose to do so by naming Colorado Open Lands as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. There are many different ways you can make a statement too! It is as easy as including Colorado Open Lands in your will or living trust, naming Colorado Open Lands as a beneficiary of your IRA-qualified retirement plan, or adding a codicil to your current will that names Colorado Open Lands. Lifetime gifts like this will make a lasting impact on land conservation in Colorado! I invite you to join us in supporting COL “in perpetuity.” M Cheryl Fox, Director of Development, 303.988.2373 ext. 218 The Fox Family leaves a legacy.

Our Land, Our Water, Our Future | Colorado Open Lands | 6 Creating Opportunities for the Future through Conservation Easements

Razor Creek Ranch landowner Greg Peterson. Greg Peterson has been ranching his whole life. Raised manage cattle, repairing aging agricultural structures, and on the Gunnison ranch his parents bought in the early managing the distribution of water on the land. This involves 1960s, today Greg and his wife Kathleen Curry continue his installing head gates, and the most important thing: cleaning parent’s tradition of using conservation easements as a tool silt out of the ditches yearly to keep the irrigation flowing and to enlarge, steward, and plan for the land his family has loved the crops growing. for over 50 years. The improvements Razor Creek Ranch has made in part Razor Creek Ranch, located in both Gunnison and with the money they have received for their conservation Saguache Counties, is comprised of multiple parcels of land easements have significantly increased both the efficiency that total approximately 3,000 acres. For the last several of their systems and the production of their crops. Such years, the Petersons have protected every single acre of their enhancements to the property have permitted them to raise ranch with conservation easements. more hay and pasture, and better manage grazing with new Greg’s parents, Pete and Mae Peterson, started the and improved fences. As a result, the Petersons have been Gtradition of protecting their property with conservation able to expand their business and increase their herd. They easements in the late 1990s. Having both come from now manage 250 mother cows, raise mountain grass hay, ranching families themselves, the Petersons thought hard on and keep horses to run the cattle. how to grow their business, and decided to use conservation Between the many federal and Colorado state funding easements as a strategy to acquire funding to reinvest in sources and tax incentives offered to landowners who want their ranch. to conserve their significant resources, the Peterson family The family’s goal was never to use the easement money has been able to make their vision of reinvesting in their for operations, but rather to reinvest it in infrastructure, to ranch through conservation easements a reality. buy more land, and to pay off debt. This strategy has indeed Greg’s experience with and enthusiasm for conservation helped the family make the most of the easement money in easements has made him a valuable voice in inspiring the long term, as they have been able to increase the size others to protect their land with conservation easements and efficiency of the ranch. in Gunnison County. In 1999, Greg joined the Board of By acquiring additional land, the family has reduced their the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy. GRCL reliance on leasing public lands from the Bureau of Land is a non-profit organization that helps ranchers partner Management. They still maintain permits with BLM, and Greg up with established land trusts to protect their lands with is a staunch supporter of using public lands for ranching, as conservation easements. he feels it’s a “win-win” situation for all involved. But public Believing in what the GRCL does, Greg feels GRCL is land permits requires adherence to strict regulations. BLM important to the ranching community in Gunnison because controls the location and number of cattle that may be run, it works with willing landowners to achieve goals, facilitate which months during the year, and the duration of how long agriculture, and keep ranching as a viable and productive a ranch may use the land. profession for the future as well as today. By acquiring additional private lands with the money they “Easements create opportunity for the future. In 25, received from conservation easements, the family has extra 50, 100 years from now, there will still be land available for flexibility and freedom in how they decide to run their cattle agriculture.” To Greg, protection for open space and wildlife while upholding high land management practices. habitat is important, but it is only secondary to keeping land Keeping up a large ranch also requires a lot of annual open for agriculture. “Protecting productive agricultural land maintenance, including building and repairing fences to help for perpetuity is the most critical thing.”

Spring 2012 | ColoradoOpenLands.org | 7 Completed Projects 2011 Colorado Open Lands worked with landowners to complete 14 conservation projects in 2011! As always, we greatly appreciate the opportunity to help landowners achieve their dreams for their land. Please join us in congratulating all the landowners who took a big step forward in helping to protect Colorado’s unique heritage this year!

COL s Northern Front Range Our Wish List! Denver Metro Area Ironically, it is the counties with the richest agricultural soils that As a community-based nonprofit, we are committed to operating as efficiently as possible and making the best use of any projare experiencing the greatest growth pressures. To date, we ectscontributions we receive. Colorado Open Lands has saved thousands of conservation dollars through the donation of items Gunnison Basin have protected 2,924 acres through 19 projects in this rapidly on our Wish List by our generous donors. developing part of Colorado. Your support, whether financial or with the donation of the actual item, helps us keep our budget focused onour Northern Front Range conservation projects. s Peak to Prairie Please contact us if you would like to help us acquire any of the following: North Fork Valley The vision of the Peak to Prairie project is to achieve landscape- Field GPS Unit. We are in need of a new Trimble Juno SB GPS unit (a compact, lightweight, fully-integrated field Peak to Prairie scale conservation by knitting together a series of public and computer) for our stewardship team’s use in mapping conservation easement sites, riparian areas, and other important private protected lands to preserve one of the last remaining aspects of a property being preserved. The unit comes bundled with software both for the unit and the desktop South Park Basin stretches of undeveloped prairie along Colorado’s Front Range. interface. Estimated cost is about $1,299. This regional effort will benefit the local economy, preserve South Platte River Corridor working ranches and critical habitats, and provide a critical link in Small digital camera. A digital camera (e.g. Canon Power Shot) is essential to monitoring our conservation the Colorado Front Range Trail. To date, we have protected 5,860 easements. We are blessed to have enough volunteers monitoring that we need another camera! Estimated cost: $300 acres through 21 projects. Southern Sangre de Cristo 40 plastic legal size containers. Our archive materials are currently stored in cardboard boxes and we need s South Park Basin something more sturdy and durable. Estimated cost: $15 each. Wet Mountain Open Space South Park is a 1,000-square mile grassland basin in the geographic Two roadside safety kits. Our monitoring staff travel long distances, to remote corners of the state. Roadside Individual Landowners center of Colorado that contains over 200 miles of stream and safety kits will help immensely in the event they run into problems. Kits need to contain at least safety cones, flashlight, riparian habitat and a globally rare grassland community. Colorado jumper cables and air compressor (or insta-flat). Estimated cost: $60 each. Open Lands has protected a total of 27,488 acres, including nearly “As oil and gas development in this part of the state booms, parcels like this become ever more valuable as refuge for wildlife. We have great habitat and plenty of animals from birds to big game, and we want to see the land stay largely as it is today.” 30 miles of riparian stream corridor, through 49 projects to date in Roger Cesario, Principal of Bar K Ranch, Inc. Ceiling Projector Screen. We have a small office conference room that barely has room for the 8-12 bodies we this landscape of state and national significance. typically host. A ceiling projector screen would free up floor space and allow people to concentrate on our message,

rather than the elbow in their side. Estimated cost: $500. wishlist s Denver-Metro Area s North Fork Valley s South Platte River Corridor 4x4 Vehicle. A lot of the land we preserve is only accessible through rough terrain and backcountry roads. With over Protecting open space in a quickly growing urban area is Bisected by the North Fork of the Gunnison River, this Encompassing a six-county area in the northeast part of the 250 conservations easements to monitor a year, having our own 4x4 capable of going anywhere would save a lot of always a challenge. To date, we have protected 14,543 acres valley consists primarily of public land, with a mosaic of state, this area is comprised of a mosaic of cottonwood and money in vehicle rentals. If you are interested in helping us with this, please call or email our Stewardship Director, through 40 projects in Denver and the surrounding six counties. private lands in small scale agriculture. Watercourses from willow forests, irrigated and dryland agricultural areas, and short- Cheryl Cufre at [email protected]. high mesas cut through steep canyons and combine with grass prairie. This area also supports an amazing abundance of s Gunnison Basin numerous springs to provide lush vegetation and an unusually migratory bird species. We have protected 14,569 acres through diverse biota for the high-desert environment. To date, we 22 projects to date. This area contains some of Colorado’s quintessentially Individually we make a difference today… have protected 8,127 acres through 44 projects. beautiful mountain valleys, and Colorado Open Lands and its partners have proudly protected 14,039 acres of privately Together we make a difference for the future! Bar K Ranch A&R owned working ranches through 43 projects to date. Gunnison County, 280 acres (401 acres total) Partners: Bar-K Ranch, Inc, Conservation Assistance Program Conservation Values: Located in the West Muddy Creek drainage in western Gunnison County, the Bar K Ranch is a Did you know you can make a monthly series isolated inholdings surrounded by Gunnison National Forest. The property was acquired by Pasco Spadafora as Winners of the 2010 Southern CO Conservation Award, Reeves and Betsy Brown donation toward any of our wish list items? an addition to his 2,500-acre sheep ranch sometime in the protect another portion of the 3R Ranch. mid-1930s. Spadafora worked the ranch and surrounding Call or email Cheryl Fox at [email protected] to coordinate the details! National Forest grazing permits until his death in the late 1970’s. Encompassing a diversity of habitat types and nearly two miles of West Muddy Creek, the property provides habitat for game species such as elk, wild turkey, and cutthroat trout, as well non-game species including northern goshawk. Oil and natural gas production has crept onto public and private lands in valleys surrounding the Bar K Ranch over the last decade. Roger Cesario, a principal of Bar K Ranch, Inc., and a descendent of Pasco Spadafora, summarized the motivation behind partnering with Colorado Open Lands to preserve the property: “As oil and gas development in The third conservation easement on the East Fork Ranch completes the protection of the 2,769-acre property. this part of the state booms, parcels like this become ever The DPG Farms-Prewitt strategic location adjacent to Prewitt State Wildlife Area makes the property a haven for migratory waterbirds. Hanson Legacy, 2011 more valuable as refuge for wildlife. We have great habitat Pueblo County, 300 acres and plenty of animals from birds to big game, and we want Partners: The Hanson Family Lake San Cristobal and The Island, viewed from the Silver DPG Farms—Prewitt to see the land stay largely as it is today.” Conservation Values: A legacy is certainly what this conservation four miles of the East Fork of the San Juan River. The area is Thread Scenic Byway. Logan and Washington Counties, 589 acres easement is about. Inspired by their father, who has conserved extremely wild and rugged and provides ideal habitat for a Ron and Michelle Klaseen Ranch III Partners: DPG Farms, LLC, and Ducks Unlimited, with funding from The Island—Lake San Cristobal a total of 1,685 acres of the Owl Canyon Ranch, Dr. Charles variety of sensitive wildlife species, including Canada lynx. Montrose County, 350 acres, (970 acres total) the North American Wetlands Conservation Act Hinsdale, 10 acres Inspired by their father, Dr. Charles Hanson, his children put an Hanson’s children donated an easement on their own adjacent The East Fork Ranch also provides stunning scenic views Partners: Ron and Michelle Klaseen, Conservation Assistance Conservation Values: In December, Colorado Open Lands completed Partners: Rough Hollow Ranch Corporation easement on their property! property. The Hanson Legacy property hugs Highway 78, from several forest roads, and contains trailheads for two public Program our third conservation easement in partnership with DPG Farms, Conservation Values: The Island, really a small peninsula, is a creating an open viewshed to the north as one drives from trails. With its scenic beauty and remarkable natural amenities, Located in Crawford, this 350-acre donation LLC. The DPG Farms—Prewitt property is located adjacent to historic mining patent that extends into Lake San Cristobal, Conservation Values: s Wet Mountain Open Space Coalition Pueblo to Beulah. Thank you to the Hansons for leaving the ranch has been the target of several development scenarios by Ron and Michelle Klaseen was an amended and restated Prewitt Reservoir on the boundary of Washington and Logan Colorado’s second largest natural lake. Located just a few Through a landowner initiated effort, Colorado Open Lands has Coloradoans a wonderful legacy of protected land! over the last twenty-five years and has long been a high priority easement. This third phase property consists of 100 acres Counties. The property shares a common boundary with the miles from Lake City, Lake San Cristobal is a major tourist protected 15,884 acres through 43 conservation easements to date. for conservation. The 2011 transaction is the third and final of irrigated land, 250 acres of dry land, and provides a buffer Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area and is highly visible from The conservation easement on Windance Ranch protects significant water rights. attraction with the majority of the Lake and its shoreline s Individual Landowners phase of the East Fork Ranch protection project, which has between agricultural lands on Fruitland Mesa and wildlands Interstate 76. being owned by Hinsdale County and open to the public. 3R Ranch, 2011 been led by The Conservation Fund. Colorado Open Lands is along the North Rim of the Black Canyon. Water rights of The farm is comprised of a mix of uplands, wetlands, and In addition to our Community Conservation Areas, Colorado Once platted for up to eight home sites, the conservation Pueblo County, 1,080 acres pleased to hold the three conservation easements that ensure 2,500 shares of Fruitland Mesa Ditch Company were also tied cottonwood gallery forest that provides habitat for Bald Eagle Open Lands responds to more than 100 inquiries each year easement limits development on The Island to one carefully Reeves and Betsy Brown the permanent protection of this outstanding property. to the easement. The property provides habitat to a number of and an abundance of waterfowl and wading birds. Through Partners: from landowners seeking information on conservation options sited and tightly restricted home, preserving views from The 3R Ranch is one of a kind, particularly for its Need a good book to read? wildlife species, including Gunnison sage grouse, bald eagles, partnerships with Ducks Unlimited and the US Fish and Wildlife Conservation Values: for their land around Colorado. Working with 53 landowners, both the Silver Thread Scenic Byway and the Alpine Loop location on the eastern side of the Wet Mountains. It is by far the Author and former head of land acquisition for The Nature Conservancy, Dave deer, elk, bobcat and leopard frogs. It also boasts significant Service, wetland habitat improvements are in process that will conservation easements have been placed on 66,488 acres Windance Ranch Scenic Byway. While the small size of the project is fairly largest intact ranch in the area. In the late 1990s, Reeves and Betsy Morine shares some snappy, anecdotal and informative lessons in this new edition of a public benefit, as it is visible from Black Canyon Road, and make the property even more attractive to wildlife. With this across Colorado to date. Garfield County, 114 acres unique considering Colorado Open Lands portfolio of Brown, owners of the 3R Ranch, became increasingly concerned conservation classic, Good Dirt. According to the New York Times—“Morine shares his lies in the viewsheds of Highway 92, the West Elk Wilderness, closing, Colorado Open Lands has protected nearly 4,400 acres Partners: Shannon Burke and Rodney Marcy conservation easements, protection of the property is about encroaching residential development and its implications most difficult, embarrassing, hilarious and unpredictable moments as a shirt-and-tie deal and BLM lands to the north, west and southwest. This in the vicinity of Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area. East Fork Ranch Conservation Values: Conserving the 114-acre Windance Ranch critical to sustaining the unspoiled character of Lake San on the health of the landscape, and began working to conserve maker in the service of an untamed natural world.” project allows the Klaseens to keep the ranch intact for future Mineral, 893 acres provides a buffer to the White River National Forest. The Cristobal, ensuring that the area continues to draw visitors the ranch. Having already conserved nearly 2,000 acres of their generations, as they have been in the area for five generations. Partners: The Conservation Fund and the McCarthy Family with funding easement also protects a variety of habitats that comprise the Laurie Wagner Buyer, one of the driving forces behind COL’s conservation easement from around the world. s Southern Sangre de Cristo property, the Browns have generously donated a new easement The project is important to COL in part because it is adjacent from Great Outdoors Colorado and the Gates Family Foundation ranch, including Rocky Mountain aspen forest and woodland, on the DM Ranch in Park County, wrote a beautiful book, Spring’s Edge. The book is an This area provides critical winter range for elk and deer, as well as protecting an additional portion of the St. Charles River. This to other easements we hold in their priority area. We are Conservation Values: The East Fork Ranch is located in a secluded inter-mountain basins, montane sagebrush steppe, and Rocky understated yet compelling memoir of year-round life, work, and love on a Colorado cattle year-round habitat for black bear, mountain lion, wild turkey, and easement protects irrigated pasture and riparian habitat where thankful to the Klaseens for their generous partnerships in valley deep in the South San Juan National Forest east of Mountain subalpine-montane riparian shrubland. Significant ranch written from a poet-ranch woman’s perspective. other wildlife. Colorado Open Lands has protected 84,512 acres peregrine falcons are known to roost! We applaud the Browns for Pagosa Springs. Entirely surrounded by public lands, the water rights on the property that irrigate the open rangelands are protecting this beautiful and significant property! Visit www.coloradoopenlands.org to find out more about these books and how to order them. through 20 projects in the area. their community leadership and dedication to conservation! property is a large private in-holding containing more than also included in the conservation easement.

Since 1981, Colorado Open Lands has been preserving some of Colorado’s most important farms, ranches, scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, and river We hope that you experience the personal satisfaction of knowing that you have each contributed directly to our efforts. Equally important, we can That’s why we want you to know that 97% of Colorado Open Lands’ 2011 revenue went to support our programs! In fact, we have protected over A Heartfelt “Thank You” to our many contributors… corridors. Your support has been a critical component of our success. confidently say that your gifts are being used wisely, efficiently & to sustain the work you believe in strongly enough to financially support. 251,000 acres in 40 counties of stunning Colorado landscapes. Thank you for your tremendous support of our efforts! COL 2011 Conservation 2011Grants $10,000+ $5,000 to $9,999 Dennis & Joanna Trescott $250 to $499 Joel & Christina Ohlsen Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Ciruli Ms. Cheryl Fox Mr. Jeffrey Kahn Mr. William Mosher Robert & Diane Weaver Mr. Robert Schulein In-Kind Gifts Community Shares & Easement Donors L.P. Brown Foundation - Special Fund Mrs. Susan Ayer Mr. Daniel Elsner Mr. William Vollbracht Anonymous Mr. John & Dr. Ann Prosser Mrs. Sheila Cleworth Ms. Patti Freudenburg Ms. Heather Karlson Trygve & Vicki Myhren Ms. Deborah Welles Dr. Charles W. Smedley Ms. Melinda Beck Work-place Giving Anonymous Caulkins Family Foundation Reeves & Betsy Brown Mr. Daniel Pike Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Wright Apollo Internal Medicine Ms. Nancy Roeder Mr. Dennis Coit Debra & David Freyer Mr. Milan Karspeck Mr. Peter Nichols Mr. Peter Welles Ms. Joy Wood Mr. Alan Beezley We would like to extend a ADC-PCR, LLC Colorado Conservation Trust Franklin & Ann Cornwell Mr. George Writer Mr. David Armstrong Steve & Laura Rossetter Ms. Anne Collins Mr. F. Charles Froelicher Mr. Robert Keith Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Norris Mr. Christopher West Faegre & Benson special “THANK YOU” to all who Ms. Luan August Community First Foundation Mr. Bradford Griffith $500 to $999 Mr. & Mrs. Louis Bansbach Rupp’s Drums Ms. Nancy Collins Ms. Ferris Frost Mr. Howard Kenison Mr. Carl Palmer Mr. Mark Weston Honorary Gifts Ms. Jessica Jay contributed through work-place William H. Donner Foundation Bar K Ranch, Inc. Dr. Charles Hanson $1,000 to $4,999 Various Anonymous Tom & Cathy Berg Dr. Gail Schoettler Edward & Hope Connors Mr. L. Cal Fulenwider Mrs. Peggy Kerns Mr. David Peterson Mr. & Mrs. Barney White In 2011, donations were made in Mr. Lee Johnson giving campaigns and through Ducks Unlimited Reeves & Betsy Brown Ms. Catherine Anderson Mr. Russell Caldwell Mr. & Mrs. David Schwenke Mrs. Elizabeth Conover Mr. J. Raymond Geis Mrs. Gail Klapper Mr. E. Michael Rosser Mr. Ralph Wieleba honor of the following people: Community Shares! Your support is Enterprise Holdings Foundation Mr. Larry Hauserman Blue Mountain Environmental Ms. Jacy Rock Catto Charitable Foundation Mr. Alan Carpenter Buz & Judith Sellers Frederic & Jacquelyn Conover Ms. Sarah Goldberg Mr. Walter Koelbel Mr. & Mrs. Charles Russell David & Rosemarie Wipfelder Kumpe Mr. Rob Deline Ms. Shannon Burke Esther & Freeman Everett Charitable Ms. Karin Heine Consulting Mr. Bill Silberstein greatly appreciated! The Color People, Inc. Mr. David Caulkins Mr. Stuart P. Dodge Ms. Dorothy Cesario Trust JRH-1 Trust B. Lawrence & Joan S. Brennan Mr. & Mrs. William Silberstein Ms. Bridget Coughlin Steve & Donna Good Mr. Ray Kogovsek Mr. & Mrs. William Ruzzo Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wohlgenant DFM East Fork, LLC FirstBank Mr. Ken Holm Peter & Cathy Dea Ms. Ellie Caulkins Mr. Robert Collins Bryan & Julie Stahli Mr. Allen Cranmer Mr. & Mrs. William Gordon Larry & Nancy Kueter Mr. Jeff Shoemaker Mr. David Wollard Mr. Ralph Esparza DPG Farms, LLC Hester E. & Edwin W. Giddings Mr. Tom McCarthy Rob & Barbara Deline Deane Family Fund Ms. Nanette Curtis Mr. & Mrs. James Swanson Mrs. Lucy Black Creighton Mr. Thomas Gougeon Mr. Mark Kutzbach Mr. Aaron Sidder Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Wrench Peter & Elizabeth Glass Together we have protected 251,000 acres DTM East Fork, LLC Foundation Ms. Lisa Ricks Edward & Laura Dombrower Rick & Nancy Dornfeld Mr. & Mrs. Peter Decker Frances & Erik Taylor Cheryl & Felipe Cufre Mr. & Mrs. Newell Grant Mrs. Barbara Lee Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Slifer Fran & Lynn Yehle Patricia & Stuart Gunckel Mr. Patrick Gebauer Great Outdoors Colorado Mr. & Mrs. John Saeman Mr. John Freyer Kirk & Grace Eberl Mrs. Maud Duke Mr. Greg Vallin Mr. Richard Curley Mr. John Green Ms. Ann Levy Mr. Craig Sommers Ms. Margot Zallen Ms. Stephanie Insinna of Colorado landscape Hanson Legacy, LLC Helen K. & Arthur E. Johnson Mr. Samuel Gary Mr. & Mrs. Charles Frederickson Etkin Family Advised Fund of Aspen Ms. Klasina Vanderwerf Mr. John Curran Mr. Thomas Grimshaw Mr. Harry Lewis Sharon & Wally Stealey Laurie & Marty Zeller Ms. Jessica Jay Dr. Charles Hanson Foundation 97% of Colorado Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hart Ms. Kendra Kinscherf Community Foundation Judi & Joe Wagner Mrs. Susan Damour Mr. Dave Hallock Ron & Jeri Loser Mr. Charles Stein & Ms. Lyra Gary & Valerie Nichols Monthly Donors Ronald & Michelle Klaseen Land Trust Alliance Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hazelrigg Mrs. Katherine H. Loo Mr. Bayard Ewing Mr. Richard Walker Tom & Margaret Deline Mrs. Ann Hanna Ms. Joy Lucisano Mayfield Memorial Gifts Mr. Aaron Sidder We would like to extend a special thank you to our monthly donors. Our Dusty & Kathy Loo Fund of the Pikes KMS East Fork, LLC Mr. Don Holmes Greg Peterson & Kathleen Curry Mr. & Mrs. Jay Fetcher Chris Dickey & Steve Griffith Mr. David Harrison Ms. Patricia MacMillan Ms. Barbara Sternberg In 2011, donations were made in Mr. Bill Vollbracht monthly donors provide long-term sustainable support for our Community Peak Community Foundation Mr. Rodney Marcy Open Lands’ Philip & Susan James Mr. Adam Poe $100 to $249 Ms. Joanne Ditmer Ms. Casady Henry Tom & Sydney Macy Thomas & Kathleen Stokes memory of the following people: Conservation Programs. These long-term gifts help to reduce costs such Park County Ms. Rebecca Frank Mr. John McBride Mr. Anthony Rangel Mrs. Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Ms. Theresa Donahue Russell & Margaret Holdredge Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Malone Ms. Christine Sumida Mr. George Beardsley 2011 Volunteers Rough Hollow Ranch Corp. Pikes Peak Community Foundation Bill & Leslie Gust as stationary, postage and administrative time while providing support Ms. Elizabeth Richardson Mrs. George Beardsley Ms. Lois Coit A sincere “Thanks” to those who TEM East Fork, LLC State of Colorado 2011 revenue Mr. & Mrs. David Merage Beverly & Hal Haddon Mr. Michael Dowling Mr. Donald Hopkins Ms. Caroline Mathews Ms. Camille Susemihl throughout the year! Ms. Melinda Beck Ms. Ruby Estrada gave freely of their time to make our Twelve Mile Ranch, Co. The Trinchera and Tercio Foundation Ms. Jeanette Mullenix Bob & Sandy Righter Mr. Larry Harvey Hamilton & Kathy Duncan Margaret & Dennis Hrabchak Mrs. Sylvia Cranmer McLaughlin Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Swanson To join our monthly donor community you can go to our website Mr. John Watson Watermolen Foundation went to support Mr. & Mrs. Lee Nelson Mr. Tim Schultz Sherron Helms & Stan McNeese Mr. Allan Beezley Ms. Ann Baker Easley Mrs. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst Lawrence & Barbara Meckel Ms. Katherine Talbott Ms. Nancy Good work a little easier! (www.coloradoopenlands.org) and click on the Donate Now! Mr. & Mrs. Koger Propst Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Segelke Ms. Lolita Higbie Ms. Brenda Biondo Mrs. Mary Eiseman Dr. & Mrs. Carter Jackson Mr. George Meyers Mr. Ron Tilton Mr. Brian Leo Kimmett Ms. Sati Carruth button. You can also email Cheryl Fox at cfox@coloradoopenlands. our programs! Mr. Richard Robinson Kevin & Elaine Shea Steve & Carol Jeffers Ms. Linda Campbell Dieter & Melanie Erdmann Travis Clark & Jessica Jay Mr. Stuart Miner Bill Trampe & Barbara East Ms. Dorothy Lankenau Mrs. Lisa De Graaf org for more information. Mrs. Nancy Schulein Ms. Judith Warner Mrs. Gene N. Koelbel Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Carpenter Mr. Ernest Fazekas Mr. & Mrs. Erik Jensen Mr. Ken Mirr Mr. Todd Van Dyke Mrs. Mary Ann Lewis Mrs. Tessa Goldhammer Ms. Elizabeth Searle Welles Fund Mr. & Mrs. William Kurtz Mr. Willis Carpenter John & Leslie Ferguson Mr. Lee Johnson Mr. Jonathan Moore George & Nancy Wallace Mr. Sean MacMillan Ms. Allison Hamm Wright Water Engineers Mr. William Lewis Ms. Laurie Chahbandour Mr. John Fielder Mr. Douglas Jones Mr. Randy Moore Marshall & Diane Wallach Ms. Elizabeth Ann Ruddock Ms. Bonnie Kelnberger Alan & Barbara Charnes donors Editor: CherylFox,AssistantC/ARussellPartners,Design:G-manGraphics email [email protected]. be onourmailinglist,calluswiththeirnameandaddress at(303)988-2373or If youknowsomeonewhocares aboutColorado’s scenicheritageandshould 274 UnionBoulevard, Suite320,Lakewood,CO80228 “Landscapes” ispublishedbyColoradoOpenLands, COLORADO OPENLANDS www.ColoradoOpenLands.org 274 UnionBoulevard, Suite320,Lakewood,CO80228

Board of Directors Lands inthefollowingways: Please joinColoradoOpenLandsinprotecting Colorado’s landand waterlegacy. You cansupportColoradoOpen agricultural heritage.Forevery$1,000raised,ColoradoOpenLands can protect $10,000 worthofland. Your supportofColoradoOpenLandshashelpedtoprotect over251,000acres ofColorado’s spectacularvistasandrich Your Support Gifts ofRealEstate: ColoradoOpen Landscantakeexcessreal itintocapital forprotecting estateandturn endangered Leave aLegacy:ByincludingColoradoOpen Lands inyourwill,youwillleavealegacyofopenspacefor generationsto Employer MatchingGifts: Community Shares: CommunityShares isanonprofit federationthatraisesfundsforover100Coloradocharitiesthrough Gifts ofCashorSecurities:ColoradoOpenLandsacceptspersonalandcorporatechecks andgiftsofstock.Bygiving Donate Online: land around Colorado,whilepotentially giving thedonorsignificanttax deductions. come—as wellasreceive potentialtaxbenefits. Combined Campaign(DECC) numberis5021,andourCommunityShares ofColorado(CSC)numberis5016. workplace giving.ColoradoOpenLands’CombinedFederal Campaign (CFC)numberis78031.OurDenverEmployee Colorado OpenLandsthrough yourDonorAdvisedFund! appreciated stock,youcanavoidcapitalgainstaxesandreceive anincometaxdeduction.You canalsorecommend scenic landsandnaturalheritageofColorado! boardAttorney Ruth Wright Guarantee Land Title William B.Vollbracht Slifer, Smith & Frampton/Vail Associates Rodney E.Slifer Wes Segelke&Co. Wes Segelke Boettcher Foundation Tim Schultz U.S. Congress (Ret.) Scott McInnis FirstBank Larry J.Hauserman Conservationist Rebecca Frank Monaghan ManagementCorp. Robert H.Deline D. A.Davidson&Co. Russell B.Caldwell C/A RussellPartners,Inc. Charles Russell(Chairman) www.ColoradoOpenLands.org | 303.988.2373 Your onlinegiftwillmakeadifference. Withyoursupport,wecancontinuetoprotect andpreserve thegreat Check withyouremployertosee iftheywillmatchyourgift.Thiscanoftendoublecontribution.