Conservation in Action

For 35 years, the Crested Butte Land Trust has worked alongside landowners, partners, volunteers, and our community to protect and care for the lands and waterways that make the Gunnison Valley so special. That work takes many forms, from conservation easements and land acquisitions to rangeland management, irrigation water improvements, and recreation management. It all begins with people who care deeply about this place and are willing to work together to protect its future.

Conservation is never finished. Caring for the land is an ongoing, evolving effort that depends on collaboration, stewardship, and a shared commitment to the places we call home. As we celebrate 35 years of conservation, we are reflecting on what we’ve accomplished together: nearly 7,000 acres of land conserved, thousands of pounds of food produced each summer for neighbors in need, miles of old barbed wire removed each year, and so much more.

The projects highlighted below tell the story of how we got here, along with the people and partnerships that made it possible. We are grateful for your part in this work, year after year. As we celebrate our conservation legacy, we are also looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges still to come, knowing that together, we can continue protecting the landscapes that define our community for generations to come.

What is a conservation easement?

A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and the Crested Butte Land Trust (CBLT) that permanently protects a property’s conservation values by limiting certain types of development and land use. Each easement is tailored to the property and the landowner’s vision for its future, while supporting conservation goals such as protecting wildlife habitat, preserving open space, maintaining working farms and ranches, and allowing compatible recreational uses.

Once recorded in the county property records, a conservation easement becomes a permanent part of the property’s title and applies to all future owners. It is a powerful tool for protecting the places you love and ensuring they remain part of the Gunnison Valley’s landscape for generations to come.

Will I still own my land after placing a conservation easement on it?

Yes! You retain ownership of your land and can continue to use, manage, sell, transfer, or mortgage it, subject to the terms of the conservation easement. The easement simply ensures that the property’s conservation values will be protected, regardless of who owns it in the future.

Is my property eligible for conservation?

Every property is unique, and there is no minimum acreage requirement to begin a conversation with CBLT. We evaluate potential conservation projects based on established criteria, including their conservation values and contribution to our broader mission of protecting the land, water, wildlife, and open spaces that make the Gunnison Valley special.

Whether you own a working ranch, a stretch of river corridor, wildlife habitat, or open land that you hope to protect, we welcome the opportunity to learn more about your property and your vision for its future. There is no cost or obligation to reach out. We would love to start a conversation.

Will my land really be protected forever?

That is the goal of a conservation easement: to protect a property’s conservation values in perpetuity. You and CBLT work together to develop an agreement that reflects your wishes for the land while establishing clear, lasting protections.

For many landowners, this is one of the most meaningful parts of the process—the opportunity to create a lasting legacy and ensure that the landscapes, wildlife habitat, and open spaces they cherish remain protected for future generations.

CBLT takes its responsibility to uphold these agreements seriously, monitoring conserved properties and working with landowners to ensure the terms of each easement are honored over time.

Why is placing a conservation easement considered a donation?

When you place a conservation easement on your property, you voluntarily give up certain development and land-use rights to protect the land’s conservation values. Because those restrictions can provide a public benefit by preserving open space, wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, and other important resources, the gift may qualify as a charitable donation under applicable federal and state law.

Depending on the structure of the easement and your individual circumstances, there may be tax benefits associated with your donation. We encourage landowners to consult with qualified legal, tax, and financial advisors to understand their options.

Does a conservation easement mean the public can access my land?

No. A conservation easement does not automatically provide public access. Public access is included only when specifically agreed upon as part of the easement.

Your privacy and your family’s relationship with the land are important considerations in the conservation process. CBLT works with each landowner to develop an agreement that reflects the property’s conservation values and the landowner’s goals for its future.

How long does it take to complete a conservation easement?

The timeline varies depending on the property, the complexity of the project, and the needs of the landowner. Many conservation easements take approximately a year to complete.

The process typically involves evaluating the property’s conservation values, discussing your goals, drafting the easement, completing necessary documentation and due diligence, and finalizing the agreement. We recognize that conserving your land is a significant decision, and we want you and your family to have the time, information, and support needed to make thoughtful, informed choices.

Our region faces a housing crisis. How does land conservation fit into the need for affordable housing?

We recognize that housing affordability is one of the most pressing challenges facing the Gunnison Valley. Land conservation and housing are both important to the long-term health and vitality of our communities.

CBLT works with local governments, community partners, and landowners to support thoughtful planning and identify which lands are most appropriate for conservation. Our focus is on protecting the open spaces between our communities, working farms and ranches, critical wildlife habitat, waterways, and the natural landscapes that define this valley.

Conservation is most effective when it is part of a broader community vision, one that considers housing, agriculture, wildlife, recreation, and the long-term stewardship of our shared landscape.

Can a conservation easement ever be amended, terminated, or condemned?

Conservation easements are intended to provide permanent protection and cannot simply be revoked by a landowner or the land trust. Any amendment must be carefully evaluated to ensure it is consistent with the easement’s conservation purposes and applicable law. Amendments may be appropriate in limited circumstances, such as clarifying provisions or adding land or protections, when legally permissible.

Termination is extremely rare and may require judicial approval and compliance with applicable law. Conservation easements may also be subject to condemnation under certain circumstances, depending on the law and the specific facts involved.

Because each easement is a binding legal agreement, questions about amendments, termination, or condemnation should be reviewed with qualified legal counsel and CBLT.

Ready to explore conservation for your property?

Protecting land is a deeply personal decision, and every landowner’s story is different. Whether you are thinking about the future of a family ranch, hoping to protect wildlife habitat, or simply curious about your options, CBLT is here to help you explore what conservation could look like for your land.

Together, we can help ensure the places that make the Gunnison Valley extraordinary remain connected, healthy, and protected for generations to come.

Start a conversation with CBLT. Visit our Landowner page to learn more about the conservation process and take the first step toward protecting the land you love.