Working Ranches

Protecting working ranches is an important component of the Crested Butte Land Trust mission. We recognize and understand the connection that landowners have to their land, and the need to balance landowner rights and responsibilities. Ranching is an important component of Crested Butte’s history, and continues to play vital role in a balance economy.

The Crested Butte region’s spectacular landscape ranges from lush green irrigated river valleys to the dramatic peaks of the surrounding wilderness areas. Most of the valley’s private lands are found along the region’s free-flowing rivers. These private working ranchlands and their rich riparian ecosystem provide essential wildlife habitat and create incredible scenic views.

CBLT has worked on a voluntary basis with private landowners in Gunnison County to preserve over 1,400 acres of working ranches through conservation agreements. These ranches remain in private ownership and management, but are subject to agreements through which the landowners voluntarily restrict future development on their properties. To respect the agricultural operations, most of the conserved ranches are not open to public use.