Grand Valley Farms Project

Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT) is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and enhancing agricultural land, wildlife habitat and scenic lands in Western Colorado. Since 1980, CWLT has worked alongside landowners, communities, and partners to protect over 133,500 acres to enrich lives, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and ensure our connection to land. Our mission is rooted in safeguarding these irreplaceable resources to ensure a thriving future for people, wildlife, and agriculture alike.

In line with our commitment, CWLT is launching the Grand Valley Farms Project—an ambitious $27 million conservation initiative aimed at securing critical agricultural lands and protecting essential water rights in the Colorado River Basin. This project will set a new standard for water conservation in the region while fortifying the economic resilience of our local community.

About the Project

In response to the urgent need for sustainable water solutions in the Colorado River Basin, CWLT’s Grand Valley Farms Project is designed to protect nine farms in Mesa County’s Grand Valley. Spanning 2,400 acres—with 1,850 acres of irrigated farmland—the project focuses on preserving agricultural land, protecting senior water rights, and fostering ecological resilience.

Through this project, CWLT will acquire and steward these properties, implementing leading-edge water conservation methods in collaboration with partners. During a holding period, CWLT will lease the land to local producers, enhance water management, and support wildlife habitat improvements. At the project’s conclusion, CWLT will conserve the land through easements and transfer it to local farmers, including new and underserved agriculturalists, ensuring the long-term vitality of these farms and keeping water on the land.

The Colorado River Water Crisis and CWLT’s Role

With over 40 million people dependent on the Colorado River, CWLT’s mission is critical to preserving not just agricultural lands but also the water rights, wildlife habitats, and the economic stability of our community. This project seeks to address the pressing challenges faced by the Basin, demonstrating a locally-driven solution that counteracts water speculation and development threats. The 1912 water rights associated with these farms are among the most senior in Colorado, ensuring they remain dedicated to the West Slope, providing valuable support for agriculture, recreation, and habitat protection across the region.

Benefits of the Grand Valley Farms Project

Resilient Water Resources

By securing senior water rights and maintaining irrigated agriculture, the project creates a flexible “reservoir” of water that can be deployed during droughts, supporting the resilience of the Colorado River system.

Economic Stability

Preserving these farms strengthens the local economy by sustaining agricultural production, providing locally-sourced food, and maintaining Mesa County’s agricultural heritage.

Environmental Protection

The project supports critical wildlife habitats and riparian ecosystems, ensuring the Colorado River and its tributaries continue to nurture natural communities.

Broad Regional Impact

The benefits of this project extend beyond Mesa County, enhancing the water security, food supply, and recreational opportunities for the 40 million people who rely on the Colorado River Basin.

How to Support:

For more information and ways to get involved, please contact us directly or consider making a gift today to help secure this important future.

Investors

This project needs a strong foundation of acquisition, conservation, and operating funds to achieve its goals. By contributing, investors help ensure the success of this conservation model, keeping agricultural lands and senior water rights local.

Community Fund

We invite the community to support the future of projects like Grand Valley Farms by donating to the CWLT Community Fund. This fund directly supports initiatives that preserve Western Colorado’s landscapes, counteract water speculation, and invest in young and underserved agricultural producers. Every contribution fuels the conservation of our natural resources and supports sustainable land stewardship.