Riverbend to Gunnison

The Huckeby and Zeligman families protected nearly 20 acres of wetlands in 2003 which straddle the East River just west of Crested Butte South. This wildlife haven is home to rich wetlands, wildlife, and plant habitat that include fir trees, willows, coyotes, deer, eagles and dozens of other species. Preservation allows this property to remain a sanctuary for the many birds that migrate along the East River.

To further a land trust priority of protecting the magnificent views of Paradise Divide, the Crested Butte Land Trust purchased a key parcel just north of Round Mountain known as the Colonel’s House in 2005. The purchase of this 2.75-acre parcel included a small home that was given to a local contractor who removed it from the property to be reused locally. In addition, the contractor donated all of the windows, doors, cabinets and bath fixtures to Habitat for Humanity. The land trust reserved the right to relocate the building envelope, locating it further back from the highway, and included size and visual building restrictions for resale of this parcel.

A mile-long agricultural meadow, much of which is visible from the West Elk Scenic Byway, the main access into the historic Colorado mountain town of Crested Butte, was protected for thousands of travelers to enjoy. This 643-acres conservation agreement was finalized in 2006. The developers of the Ranch Reserve took care to minimize views and keep the meadow open.