June Mountain Memo – CB Land Trust

Photo by Xavi Fane

June Mountain Memo E-Newsletter

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Cement Creek Ranch to Be Conserved

We’re thrilled to share that Cement Creek Ranch, 121 acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat and two miles of pristine creek, is now under contract to be permanently protected through a conservation easement with the Baxter family.

This iconic property sits in the heart of the North Valley, completely surrounded by public lands. It’s home to rare plants, a natural warm spring, and critical wildlife habitat – and now, it’s one step closer to staying wild forever.

The Crested Butte Land Trust has been working closely with the Baxter family for years to make this vision a reality. The easement will ensure that the property can never be subdivided or developed beyond its existing footprint, while allowing the family to retain ownership and flexibility for the future.

We’ll be fundraising throughout the summer to complete this once-in-a-generation project, with support already coming in from generous public and private partners.

Read the full article in the Crested Butte News.

Welcoming New CBLT Staff

Meet Owen! We’re excited to welcome Owen Juell as this year’s Recreation and Conservation Ranger. Owen has a background in environmental sustainability and a degree in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability from Colorado State University, concentrating in Geospatial Information Science for Natural Resources.

You’ll see Owen throughout the summer at high-traffic spots like Gunsight Bridge, Long Lake, Lower Loop, and the Slate River Boat Launch in town. He’ll be out educating recreators on safe and sustainable practices, collecting recreation data, stewarding conserved lands, and reminding river users of the voluntary no-float period in place to protect the Great Blue Heron rookery through July 15.

Say hello when you spot Owen at our rivers and trailheads!

Welcome back, Mars! Mars Charlebois returns to the Crested Butte Land Trust as our new Recreation Lands Coordinator, building on the valuable experience she gained over the past two years as CBLT’s Conservation Ranger. Recently completing her master’s degree in Environmental Management at Western Colorado University, Mars brings together scientific expertise with a genuine passion for land stewardship and community connection.

In her new role, Mars will lead recreation outreach, planning, and monitoring on CBLT’s conserved and fee-owned lands. She will work closely with agency partners, conservation landowners, volunteers, and neighbors to ensure that recreation management protects conservation values, meets community needs, and follows up-to-date best practices. As a key member of the Lands Team, Mars helps balance increasing recreational use with the protection of our treasured landscapes, especially during peak seasons.

Summer Events

We’re excited to offer a variety of free events for our community all summer long. Whether you join us for one or several, we’d love to see you. For details and to RSVP, email jessica@cblandtrust.org. Full schedule and more information on our website.

Here are a few highlights:

June 24 (Tuesday), 4 – 7 PM – Happy Hour at the CBLT Office
Join us for a happy hour at our new office, 411 Third Street (above the Gormet Noodle.)

July 24 (Thursday), 4 PM – Weed Pull with the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Help us protect native plants during this hands-on weed pull in partnership with the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. Location TBD.

July 25 (Friday), 9 AM – Baxter Gulch Hike with the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Enjoy a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike with the Land Trust and the CB Wildflower Festival.

July 30 (Wednesday), 8 AM – North Pole Basin Hike with Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
Explore high alpine habitats and boreal toad research with RMBL scientists and Land Trust staff. Strenuous 3-hour hike; only 8 spots available. RSVP to jessica@cblandtrust.org.

August 12 (Tuesday), 10 AM – Watershed Walk and Talk with Coal Creek Watershed Coalition
Join the Crested Butte Land Trust and Coal Creek Watershed Coalition on a guided hike up the Gunsight Connector Trail to learn how both organizations work to protect land and keep our watersheds healthy. ~ 2.5 miles, intermediate hiking.

August 16 (Saturday), 10 AM – 2 PM – Excursión de Bosque / Woods Walk Excursion
A guided hike on the Lower Loop, led in Spanish, open to all.

Gunnison High School Beetle Project Update

Earlier this month, Gunnison High School students Elizabeth Klingsmith and Janey Mugglestone teamed up with the Crested Butte Land Trust and Colorado State Forest Service to install verbenone packets along the Lower Loop Trail. This hands-on project is part of their award-winning Colorado RISE Challenge entry, aimed at protecting local forests from destructive pine beetle infestations and reducing wildfire risk.

We’re honored to support the next generation of community stewardship!

Thank you, Met Rec

We’re proud to share that the Crested Butte Land Trust has received continued grant funding from Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District in support of our stewardship staff and recreation outreach. With their help, we’re improving public access, maintaining trails and river corridors, and sharing important backcountry education throughout the Gunnison Valley. Thank you, Met Rec, for investing in year-round recreational experiences that benefit our whole community!

Recreate Responsibly This Spring

Spring in the Gunnison Valley brings changing trail and river conditions that call for extra care. A voluntary no-float period on the Upper Slate River is in effect through July 15 to protect the Great Blue Heron rookery – please respect this sensitive time.

For tips on responsible recreation and to learn more, visit our website.

Want to volunteer with us this summer?

We’re always looking for helping hands to support our events, stewardship efforts, and more.
Click here to sign up for volunteer updates and opportunities.