Gunnison Country Times, May 7, 2026-

Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT) this week announced the permanent conservation of Buck Creek Ranch, a nearly 500-acre working ranch located along State Highway 133 between Paonia Reservoir and McClure Pass. The conservation easement ensures the ranch will remain dedicated to livestock grazing and hay production while safeguarding senior water rights, vital riparian and wetland habitat and the scenic open space that defines this stretch of the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, according to a press release issued by CWLT.

Central to the conservation of Buck Creek Ranch is its water. Approximately 182 acres of the ranch are irrigated, relying on senior water rights from East Muddy Creek, Buck Creek and associated tributaries. These traditional irrigation practices not only support agricultural production but also create temporary wetlands that provide outsized benefits for wildlife in an increasingly arid West, the release states.

“The protection of Buck Creek Ranch builds on the priorities we’ve identified in our Water Protection Plan,” said Ilana Moir, CWLT conservation director. “By integrating land and water conservation, we’re helping address declining water supplies, supporting local agriculture, and protecting the habitats that sustain both wildlife and our communities.”

The ranch contains wetlands, ponds, riparian corridors and floodplain areas that support a variety of species, including Colorado Species of Concern such as bald eagles, ferruginous hawks, peregrine falcons and northern leopard frogs. It also provides important migration corridors and seasonal habitat for elk, mule deer, moose, black bear and mountain lion, connecting private lands with the adjacent national forest, according to the release.

“Our family has spent more than 40 years exploring and loving the lands that now make up Buck Creek Ranch,” said Tom Alvey. “What was once three separate small ranches was pieced together into one contiguous property with great water rights and a vision for conservation by our friend Bill Roberts. After his passing, we felt a deep responsibility to carry that vision forward. With the help of Colorado West Land Trust, our family was able to purchase this outstanding ranch and guarantee that it will remain in agriculture and continue to provide the habitat and scenery that we love, in perpetuity.”

This land has been part of Gunnison County’s agricultural landscape for more than a century. Today, it is managed as a seasonal cow/calf operation using rotational grazing practices that prioritize soil health, water quality and long-term sustainability. The conservation easement ensures these stewardship practices can continue while preventing subdivision and development that could fragment habitat and degrade water resources.

In addition to its agricultural and ecological value, Buck Creek Ranch plays a key role in preserving the beauty of the West Elk Scenic Byway, which bisects the property and is traveled by residents and visitors alike. Buck Creek Ranch is bordered by public lands, including the Raggeds Wilderness Area to the east, as well as other conserved ranches. The open meadows, riparian corridors, and forested slopes visible from the roadway contribute to the region’s sense of place and rural identity.

As development pressure and water scarcity continue to challenge Western Colorado, the conservation of Buck Creek Ranch underscores the importance of protecting large, intact working landscapes that keep agriculture viable, water in production, and ecosystems functioning for generations to come.

*Transaction costs provided by a grant from the Gunnison Valley Land Preservation Board.

Read Gunnison Country Times Article here.