We are sad to share that a founder of the Land Trust, Doris Butler, passed away on September 20, 2021 at the age of 90.
Doris’s loss is felt by all who were fortunate to know her. Along with her husband John, Harry and Bonnie Talbott, and a few others, Doris helped form Mesa County Land Conservancy in 1980.
Last August, we recorded a conversation between Doris, John, Harry, Bonnie, and Rob Bleiberg as part of an oral history project. Near the ...
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The Daily Sentinel, September 9, 2021—When the Monument Connector Trail was completed in early 2020, there were plans to support the paved path from the riverfront to the Lunch Loops Trailhead with a group of volunteers. Then COVID-19 hit.
Libby Collins, Western Colorado Land Trust [sic] project manager, said at first they had to shut down volunteer programs, but the Monument Stewards, the group’s name, were able to figure out a way to get the plans back on track.
“The pandemic hit, ...
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The Business Times, June 15, 2021–David Varner and Alyssa Clarida have joined the Colorado West Land Trust to help staff and landowners with conversation efforts.
Based in Grand Junction, Varner works as a conservation specialist, helping staff and landowners design resource protection strategies that fit with existing uses while ensuring future viability.
Working out of Paonia, Clarida serves as a land steward, monitoring conserved properties and helping landowners improve natural resources.
“We are excited that Alyssa and David have joined the land trust ...
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In early June, Colorado legislature passed HB21-1233, the Conservation Easement Enhancement and Rural Stimulus Act, which encourages private land conservation by enhancing Colorado’s conservation tax credit program.
For years, Colorado has provided specialized tax credits to landowners who donate their conservation easements to ...
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Three staff members recently reached impressive milestones that deserve recognition.
Last August, Ilana Moir celebrated her 15th year with the organization. Over the years, Ilana has become an expert at establishing new conservation projects with landowners, a complex process that furthers the core mission of the organization while also satisfying the goals of landowners and a myriad of local, state, and national funding priorities. She also serves on the Colorado Scenic & Historic Byways Commission as a representative for land trusts ...
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The Daily Sentinel, March 17, 2021–Colorado West Land Trust was the beneficiary of a large grant from Great Outdoors Colorado on Tuesday.
The GOCO board awarded a $133,700 grant to the land trust to support added staff capacity as the community and organization responds to the pandemic.
A recent merger expanded CWLT’s service area to six counties, including Delta, Gunnison, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel, which required more staff to adequately support the area’s public and private conserved lands.
This grant is ...
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We are sad to share that our friend and a founder of the Land Trust, Harry Talbott, passed away over the weekend following a brief illness and hospitalization.
Harry’s legacy lives on through his family and all those who were lucky enough to know him. Along with his wife Bonnie, the Butlers, Ivan and Jane Wood, and others, Harry helped create Mesa County Land Conservancy in 1980. We will all remember Harry as hard-working, persistent, and successful, all with a sense ...
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The Daily Sentinel, January 26, 2021–Meek Ranch, which covers more than 1,200 acres along the West Elk Scenic and Historic Byway, has been conserved by the Colorado West Land Trust, it announced Monday.
The ranch is located on the western slope of the West Elk mountain range and includes pasture land for cattle, as well as mountain shrublands and woodland and more than two miles of riparian habitat.
This conservation will ensure the large open spaces, ranchland and habitat will never be ...
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Photo by CHRISTOPHER TOMLINSON/The Daily Sentinel
Article by DAN WEST Dan.West@gjsentinel.com
The Daily Sentinel, December 30, 2020–Coming into the Grand Valley from the east, your first view is of acres and acres of orchards and vineyards spreading out to the west. It’s a familiar sight to residents and a taste of what this area has to offer to visitors.
One of the ...
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In case you missed the news, Colorado West Land Trust is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year! In January we had planned no less than six events to mark this milestone, but like everyone else, we’ve had to remain versatile. Instead of our usual fall open house, this year we have planned a few workshops on topics of interest and a virtual celebration complete with local wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages and a special dessert. Please see the information below ...
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