Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas completes three conservation easements

Upper Arkansas Valley – June 22, 2011 – The Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas announces the completion of three conservation easements totaling 343 acres. Each conservation easement represents months of work on behalf of the Land Trust and the corresponding landowner. In another first for us, we completed a conservation easement in each of three counties: Lake, Chaffee, and Fremont. Each conservation easement has “public benefit” by permanently protecting wildlife habitat, working agricultural land, and scenic vistas. Hayden Mellsop, Chair of the Land Trust Board, stated “These three conservation easements are another significant step forward for the Land Trust and will help keep our ranching tradition and protect key wetlands and wildlife habitat”.

A conservation easement is a legal agreement that a landowner voluntarily enters into with a land trust that permanently limits the use of the land in order to protect certain conservation values. All three conservation easements were donated by the landowners making each donation eligible for certain Federal and State tax benefits. However, all the property remains in private ownership and the owners continue to pay property tax.

The Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas is certified by the State of Colorado to hold conservation easements. The Land Trust also has certain criteria that must be met before the organization will accept a conservation easement on a property. Not all properties qualify, only those that have certain conservation values, such as important wildlife habitat or working agricultural lands. It is also the responsibility of the Land Trust to monitor and enforce the conservation easement in perpetuity. This is a major responsibility and takes a significant amount of time and resources. Any landowner interested in finding out more about conservation easements should contact the Land Trust Executive Director, Andrew Mackie at 719-539-7700 or  andrewjmackie@ltua.org.

The first conservation easement is southeast of Leadville in Lake County. This 160 acre ranch is set among the Mosquito Mountains. Overall the property is situated from 10,670 feet to 10,890 feet. Bisecting the property is Empire Gulch. This creek meanders through a series of beaver dams creating a mosaic of wetlands important to many species of wildlife. In addition, several kettle ponds are found on the property. A total of 32% of the Ranch is in wetlands and is now protected. Much of the remaining property is in lodgepole pine and aspen. Surrounding the ranch on three sides are lands open to the public, composed of Paddock State Wildlife Area and San Isabel National Forest.

This ranch is routinely used by a herd of 300 elk. Also, black bear, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mule deer, lynx, and an occasional moose use the property. The wetlands are key habitats for breeding songbirds and amphibians. A section of the property has been retained for cattle grazing and another small area is reserved for local food production.

The second conservation easement is in Chaffee County surrounded by San Isabel National Forest near Raspberry Gulch. This 108 acre easement helps to reduce development potential within San Isabel National Forest. The property is mostly mixed conifer forest with areas of ponderosa pine and aspen. An intermittent stream runs along the boundary providing additional plant diversity and wildlife habitat. Grasses and forbs provide food for elk and mule deer.

Another interesting element of this conservation easement is the protection of a historic miner’s cabin on the property. This structure and some other foundations provide a glimpse back into the past. Cattle grazing will also continue as a use on the property.

The third conservation easement is a 75 acre parcel in Howard, Colorado. This property is used for summer cattle and horse pasture and has associated water rights that are now tied with the land. Most of the property is in pasture with scattered piñon pines and Rocky Mountain juniper. On side of the property contains a small canyon that wildlife uses for movement between the Arkansas River and Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. These areas often have a number of unique plants associated with them. In addition to livestock, elk and mule deer use the pasture. Also, a part of the conservation easement abuts Bureau of Land Management property.

The Land Trust wishes to thank all three land owners for their vision and dedication to completing these conservation easements. Their commitment to seeking long-term protection for important agricultural and natural resources on the properties is inspiring.

The Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas is a non-profit, membership based organization that protects important natural, agricultural, scenic, and historical lands and water resources in Chaffee, Lake, Fremont, Saguache, and Park counties to enhance the quality of life for people in Central Colorado.

The Land Trust currently protects over 2,000 acres in the Upper Arkansas by working with land owners in the establishment of conservation easements. For more information on conservation easements and programs, or to make a donation, contact the Land Trust at 719-539-7700 orinfo@ltua.org. To visit the website go to www.ltua.org.