February Mountain Memo – CB Land Trust

Photo by Jerry Clark

February Mountain Memo E-Newsletter

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Backcountry Parcels Protected Forever

We are thrilled to announce that the Crested Butte Land Trust is now the proud owner of five patented mining claim parcels, totaling more than 44 acres. Remnants of the local hardrock mining boom of the late 1800s, mining claims are private property embedded in public lands. These high-elevation parcels, spread throughout our local backcountry, feature a mix of subalpine forest, lake shore, and rugged mountain terrain. Now is the time to protect these parcels for future generations.

Alpine ecosystems are among the most fragile in the world. Even small disruptions can have huge impacts on water quality, fragment wildlife habitats, and diminish the recreational experiences we all cherish. These parcels, classified as Wilderness in-holdings, edge-holdings, or out-holdings, play a key role in preserving uninterrupted landscapes.

This acquisition builds on the Land Trust’s 30-year legacy of conserving high-altitude ecosystems, from mining claims on Cinnamon Mountain to historic parcels in Schofield Park and the North Pole Basin. It also follows the landmark achievement in permanently protecting Mt. Emmons (Red Lady), another mining-threatened area critical to our watershed’s health. With the most recent mining claim acquisitions, the Crested Butte Land Trust has helped protect more than 900 acres of our mountain backcountry within the past six months!

Whether large or small, every conserved parcel helps protect our water, wildlife, and wild places. With support from partners like you, we can continue safeguarding these important landscapes. Together, we are securing the heart of the high country.

Winter Events

Join our free Winter Field Trip series and enjoy a mix of outdoor fun and learning! Each field trip includes a day pass to the incredible Crested Butte Nordic trails, so you can experience world-class cross-country skiing after the event. Skiing not your thing? No problem, you can still join us! Just let us know that you’ll be snowshoeing instead of skiing when you RSVP. Find more details online here or RSVP to jessica@cblandtrust.org.

Friday, February 14 @ 10 AM: Field Trip with Crested Butte Museum

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a guided field trip on the Lower Loop! Learn about the Land Trust’s conservation efforts and delve into the area’s rich history with expert insights. Ski or snowshoe your way through a memorable morning!

Wednesday, March 19 from 4 PM – 7 PM: Open House

We’ve moved! Come see our new office space at 411 Third Street, just off Elk Ave, above Marchitelli’s. Join us for drinks and light appetizers as we share updates on our work and celebrate our new home!

Saturday, March 22 @ 10 AM: Field Trip with Crested Butte Nordic

Join us with CB Nordic for a snowshoe field trip in Spanish. ¡Únase a nosotros con Crested Butte Nordic para una excursión con raquetas de nieve en español! Meet at the 4-way at 10 AM to carpool to the Alien Shack. We’ll snowshoe to the Magic Meadows Yurt for snacks and hot cocoa.

Tuesday, March 25 @ 5:30 PM: Business After Hours

With the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce, join us at our new office at 411 Third St. Take a moment to catch up with old friends while making new connections.

We hope to see you this winter!