Slate River Valley
Slate River Valley from the Confluence of Coal Creek and Slate River to the town site of Pittsburg
The Slate River Valley has been a priority area for the Crested Butte Land Trust because it serves as a drainage
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into the Slate River Wetlands Preserve(SRWP), because of its views of Paradise Divide, and because of its proximity to the Towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. The Slate River Wetlands Preserve is a picture perfect example of Crested Butte’s iconic landscape, and extends almost seven miles along the Slate River and five miles along Washington Gulch. These pristine 1,795 acres include all of the natural wetland areas between the confluences of the Slate River and Baxter Gulch, and the Slate River and Oh-Be-Joyful Creek. The Crested Butte Land Trust has preserved approximately 1,200 acres in this priority area.
“Extraordinary” is how David Cooper, Ph.D. Ecology, described a section of the wetlands located just below Nicholson Lake, up Slate River Road. He reported that this portion of the wetlands is mostly unchanged since the last major glaciers were in this area about 10,000 years ago.
In 1992, the Land Trust purchased 10.74 acres along the Slate River from the Eccher and Miller families. This was the first step in protecting a view corridor stretching up the valley to Paradise Divide. This was quickly followed by these adjacent acquisitions: Allen, 10.74 acres, 1993; Robbins, 13.3 acres, 1993; Silka, 10.74 acres, 1993; and Ochs, 10.74 acres, 1993. In November, 2000, the Zeligman family donated 5 more adjacent acres, and the combination of these parcels is commonly called The Confluence.
Providing permanent open space between the northern edge of Town and the Slate River Road, the Land Trust was able to obtain a conservation easement on 70 acres known as the Kapushion Easement in 1995. The Kapushion family was able to retain their historical agricultural use of the land and the right to build an additional barn on the property, the Town of Crested Butte obtained a permanent northern boundary, and the Crested Butte Land Trust was able to protect critical wetlands in the Slate River Wetlands Preserve.
The Peanut Lake Parcel is 80 acres including 80% of Peanut Lake, extensive wetlands and 1,400 feet of the
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Slate River. Purchased in 1996, the land is home to wildlife including elk, deer, red and silver fox, ermine and beaver, and abundant avian life. Wetland studies have identified 43 varieties of native vegetation.
The 16 acre Rice Parcel was acquired in 1996. The parcel is encumbered with a Restrictive Covenant that restricts the use to open space, and prohibits development except to the limited extent necessary for conservation, preservation, or enhancement of the wetlands, Slate River floodplain and associated natural ecosystem.
In the mining town site of Pittsburg, Glee Biery donated a conservation easement in 2002 on 27 acres which straddle the Slate River and borders Poverty Gulch and boasts abundant wildflowers and wildlife. Glee’s long-time attachment and love for the Pittsburg area was her incentive to preserve it in perpetuity. She extinguished all development rights on the parcel. There is no public access without consent from the landowner.
For the benefit and enjoyment of the public, the Gunsight Bridge Parcel was purchased by the land trust in September, 2003. This 120-acre project was the final link for the completion of the Lower Loop Trail. Due to historic mining operations in this area, the wetlands contain residual piles of coal. The Land Trust removed these coal piles in September, 2011, which increased water flows and will restore optimal functionality to the surrounding wetlands. These wetlands provide critical wildlife habitat and are adjacent to some the highest quality wetlands in Colorado. After the coal was removed, the area was re-vegetated with thousands of native trees, shrubs and grasses.
The Kikel Parcel, also known as the Slate River Trail head, is located just northeast of Nicholson Lake and is the starting point of endless winter backcountry adventures. Nordic skiers and snowshoers can reach pristine wilderness areas via the trailhead while taking in breathtaking views of Paradise Divide and the surrounding peaks. The 70-acre parcel was purchased in May, 2007, and is an elk migration corridor identified by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. In the summer, the property continues its historic use as grazing lands for the Allen Family cattle operations. The parcel is covered by two conservation easements. One of those easements covers 35 acres and prohibits development; the other covers 30 acres, allowing a single family home site on 5 acres adjacent to Alpine Meadows subdivision.
In the town site of Pittsburg, Tony and Randi Stroh continued the conservation legacy of their neighbor Glee Biery by restricting development on two parcels totaling 23.09 acres, which were combined in a December 2008 easement. The property has a beautiful historic cabin and a main cabin which is restricted to 119 square feet. The Strohs will continue to allow grazing on the property, which straddles the Slate River Road and boasts a beautiful spruce forest. There is no public access without consent from the landowner.
