Montrose Daily Press, August 27, 2025-

Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT) has announced the permanent conservation of Eagle Bluff Ranch, a 5,879-acre working ranch in western San Miguel County’s Disappointment Valley. This project marks a milestone, bringing CWLT’s total conserved acreage to over 150,000 acres — a testament to decades of dedicated efforts to protect the working lands, wildlife habitats, and irreplaceable vistas of Western Colorado.

Owned by Marvin Peachey, Eagle Bluff Ranch spans three expansive parcels, featuring a diverse patchwork of irrigated fields, riparian corridors, and native grasslands that are both ecologically vital and visually stunning. Surrounded almost entirely by public lands, the property lies in a key ecological corridor, providing critical habitat connectivity for wildlife such as elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bald eagles.

Located south of Naturita, Eagle Bluff Ranch encompasses more than 13 miles of Disappointment Creek, over 100 acres of riparian habitat, and prime agricultural lands, all of which are supported by significant senior water rights. The irrigated fields currently support hay production and winter grazing for cattle. The Eagle Bluff Ranch conservation easement serves as a critical base for the ranch’s operations, which span nearly 90,000 acres of intermingled public and private lands across the broader landscape.

“One of the most striking things about the property is the view from the ranch house,” said Don Wingard, a member of the owner’s management team who helped facilitate the project. “We stood there and looked west, and you couldn’t see a single structure. There are very few places like that anymore. We wanted to make sure it would stay that way.”

The easement ensures the ranch will remain whole and undeveloped, preserving both its agricultural use and scenic character. The property lies within a 290,000-acre matrix of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the San Juan National Forest, and the State Land Board. It complements more than 3,400 acres of previously conserved private lands in the region.

Wingard emphasized the importance of keeping water tied to the land. “Out here in the West, land without water is pretty much useless. One of the reasons for doing this conservation project was to make sure those rights stayed with the ranch, where they belong.”

Looking ahead, the Peachey family plans to invest in irrigation upgrades and pasture restoration to increase productivity for both livestock and wildlife. “Producing more forage helps both our cattle and the wildlife. This conservation easement gives us the foundation to keep improving the land for the future,” said Wingard.

“The conservation of Eagle Bluff Ranch protects not just a working landscape, but a way of life that defines the West End,” said Galena Gleason, District 3 San Miguel County Commissioner. “This easement ensures that agriculture, water, wildlife, and wide-open vistas remain intact, keeping the story of this land whole for future generations. It’s a living example that preserving the integrity of our lands is also an investment in our future.”

San Miguel County contributed $35,000 through the Parks and Open Space Land Heritage Program, which supports the voluntary conservation of agricultural and open lands that reflect the county’s rural heritage and natural beauty.

“San Miguel County has a strong history of preserving wildlife habitat, working ranches, scenic vistas, and historic locations and structures,” said Janet Kask, San Miguel County Director of Parks & Open Space. “We are proud to partner with the Colorado West Land Trust to continue that tradition and preserve this special landscape with funding through the County’s Land Heritage Program.”

Colorado West Land Trust is deeply grateful to Marvin Peachey and Don Wingard for their vision and commitment to the land. Their efforts ensure that Eagle Bluff Ranch will continue to be a haven for wildlife, a productive ranch operation, and a source of scenic beauty for all who pass through this remarkable corner of Colorado.

This project also marks a significant milestone for CWLT, with 150,000 acres permanently conserved across Western Colorado. “This number represents an incredible impact,” said Rob Bleiberg, Executive Director of CWLT. “Behind every acre are stories of generations of landowners choosing to protect the places they love and a community that values its agricultural heritage, open spaces, and natural resources. We’re honored to be part of that legacy and inspired to continue this vital work.”

Read the full Montrose Daily Press article here.