We are deeply committed to conserving agricultural lands and promoting local food production. Our efforts focus on protecting vital farmlands from development, ensuring that they remain productive for future generations. By safeguarding these lands, we support local farmers and ranchers, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and preserve the heritage and character of our rural communities. Through partnerships, conservation easements, and advocacy, CWLT continues to play a crucial role in preserving agricultural landscapes and promoting the importance of local food production in Western Colorado.
Agriculture
Safeguarding Agricultural Heritage
We partnered with the Bradley family to conserve 55 acres of pristine fruitland in eastern Delta County, securing Black Bridge Winery and Orchard Valley Farms. This family-owned farm features orchards, vineyards, a winery, and a seasonal farm market. The conservation easement not only protects natural habitats along the North Fork of the Gunnison River but also allows the Bradleys to continue sharing their farm with the public. Visitors can enjoy the farm’s produce and wine, pick their own fruit, and experience the scenic views of the North Fork Valley. This effort ensures local food production, protects scenic landscapes, and fosters community connections to agriculture, reflecting CWLT’s commitment to preserving the region’s agricultural heritage.
Protecting Our Fruitlands: A Legacy of Conservation
Did you know there are only 3,000 acres of fruitlands in the Grand Valley? We were originally founded by a group of farmers dedicated to safeguarding their orchards from development pressures in Orchard Mesa. Our initiative, Fruitlands Forever, aims to protect 1,000 acres of these vital lands. We are nearing our goal, with almost 900 acres already protected. Through this effort, we ensure that the Grand Valley’s rich agricultural heritage continues to thrive for future generations.
Preserving Ranchland and Heritage in Plateau Valley
We worked to conserve nearly 2,000 acres of ranchland in eastern Mesa County through a partnership between the Nichols and Bevan families. The Flying Triangle Ranch, covering 1,960 acres in the Plateau Valley near Collbran, is protected, preserving critical wildlife habitats and scenic landscapes while promoting sustainable agriculture. The Nichols and Bevan families’ ties to this land span six generations, dating back to the late 1800s. Ty Bevan, alongside his wife Carrie and their three children, oversees the daily operations of the cattle ranch, managing seasonal grazing practices and nurturing the land to help it flourish. This conservation effort not only safeguards the land but also preserves a way of life and a legacy rooted in the spirit of the West.