June 23, 2026 BEDROCK, Colo. (KREX) — Through a conservation easement with Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT), Johnston Ranch, a 266-acre ranch along the Dolores River in Paradox Valley near Bedrock, has been permanently protected.

The ranch can be seen from nearby public lands, roads and the Dolores River. The property has cottonwood woodlands, pastureland, and a riparian habitat that supports a variety of wildlife species, including deer, elk, fish and migratory birds.

“Together, these habitats support wildlife movement across the landscape and contribute to the health and resilience of the river corridor,” stated CWLT.

According to CWLT, the ranch’s landowner, Jim Johnson, purchased three parcels of land between 2008 and 2016 to protect it from development after being drawn to the area’s blue heron rookery and cottonwood trees.

“Having the open space and letting wildlife have a place to be without pressure from people is important,” Johnston said. “There are bears, mountain lions, turkeys, deer, and elk that are pretty much there year-round. It’s nice to have that protected.”

The conservation easement also includes water rights, which CWLT claims will help ensure the river’s water remains connected to working lands rather than subdivisions and developments.

“More and more people are starting to discover this area,” Johnston said. “Property gets sold, divided up, and then it gets crowded. It’s nice to have this area starting to be put into conservation easements.”

Over 1,400 acres of private land within 10 miles of the ranch are permanently conserved through conservation easements.

“The West End is a special place in our service area,” said CWLT Conservation Director Ilana Moir. “From the Dolores River and red rock canyons to the forests of the Uncompahgre Plateau, it’s an incredibly diverse landscape. As more people discover the area because of its proximity to places like Telluride and Moab, it’s becoming increasingly important to protect the lands and river corridors that make it unique.”

Johnston Ranch’s conservation easement will connect to a neighboring 144-acre conservation easement, which will protect over a mile of the Dolores River frontage.

By Breana Sinclair Read full KREX article here.