Photo by Petar Dopchev
Change is in the Air
Spring is a season of new beginnings, and the Crested Butte Land Trust has some changes to share with you. After five years of growing the Land Trust’s fundraising capacity and telling our story, Jess Forbes is moving on to run her own business in the Crested Butte community. Saying goodbye to great people is always tough and Jess will be missed.
We are pleased to welcome back to the Land Trust, Eve Gutheinz and Owen Juell. Eve and Owen worked on our team last summer, and we are thrilled that both are returning to the Land Trust. Eve is now our full-time Development Coordinator, and Owen is a summertime Conservation Land Steward. Please say hello to Eve and Owen when you see them on the trail or in the office.
Slate River Working Group
The Slate River Working Group is preparing to meet again this spring to continue its mission of balancing recreation with conservation along this vital waterway. Made up of landowners, conservationists, local agencies, and recreation advocates, the SRWG works collaboratively to create and implement river-specific management strategies. Our beloved Slate River provides critical wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities, requiring thoughtful stewardship to maintain its health and accessibility.
As a reminder, the Slate River Working Group recommends a voluntary “no float” period between Gunsight Bridge and the Town of Crested Butte from March 15 through July 15 to protect wildlife during the critical spring season. Keep an eye out for more information from the working group as we get closer to summer. Thank you for helping to protect this important landscape.
Spring Time Stewardship
With the snow nearly melted and an early Spring arriving in the valley, our Stewardship Team is busy preparing our conserved lands and trails for the upcoming summer season.
You may see them out on Lupine Two and Lower Loop, where they’ll be re-decking some of the bridges. They’ll also be removing fencing on our new Cement Creek 17 parcel to open pathways for elk migration and making fence improvements on the Niccoli parcel and at Glacier Farm.
In addition, the team is managing daily operations on the Bocker ditches and headgate at Niccoli Ranch, as well as opening and performing spring maintenance on the Rozich ditch.
These are just a few of the many stewardship projects that are needed to maintain our conserved lands and ensure they are safe and operational for both landowners and recreators. Keep an eye out and enjoy seeing the work that helps protect our landscapes and wildlife!
Beers, Bands, and Barbed Wire Strands
Mark your calendar for May 15th-16th for Beers, Bands, and Barbed Wire Strands hosted by Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. This is a weekend long event to give back to the land we love and celebrate the power of the public lands community. Join them for a day of work restoring wetland habitat followed by live music, dinner, cold beers, bonfires, sponsor booths, games, and sweepstakes giveaways! More information here.
Dig-In Day with Mountain Roots
Glacier Farm is hosting its annual Farm Tour & Dig-In Day on Sunday, May 17th from 10 AM – 2 PM! All are welcome, no garden or farm experience required. The day will kick off with a brief tour highlighting the farm’s history and its operation, followed by fun in the soil spent prepping garden beds and planting. We will wrap up with a potluck-style meal, so folks are encouraged to bring a dish to share. Limited parking is available on-site, carpooling is strongly advised. Bring water and sunscreen. Dogs not allowed. Please RSVP in advance to Hannah at hannah@mountainrootsfoodproject.org. We are looking forward to kicking off the season with the community!
We’re Hiring!
CBLT is hiring a Director of Advancement. This senior leadership role is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive fundraising program, including event production, managing major donor relationships, and supporting board and committee member engagement. Learn more about the position and how to apply online here.
Partners in Conservation
Here, we highlight fellow organizations and businesses committed to preserving the lands that make our home so special. Here is a video from Backcountry Hunter’s and Anglers highlighting public Lands, waters, and wildlife.
