Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, September 20, 2024- A 20-acre vineyard on the eastern side of Palisade has been conserved with the Colorado West Land Trust, ensuring that the land will remain in agricultural production and preserve scenic views of the area.

The Hawk Ridge vineyard is located on the east side of 39 Road, and has views of the Book Cliffs, Mount Garfield and the surrounding agricultural landscape. The property includes some of the most valuable farmland in the region, according to a Colorado West Land Trust news release.

The vineyard, which produces several varieties of grapes, is owned by John Garlich and his wife, Ursula Merz, who said the conservation easement will permanently protect their property and help to educate the public about agriculture.

“Once fruitlands are gone, they’re gone forever,” said Garlich. “We need to preserve these places. This easement not only protects agricultural production but also provides an opportunity for people to learn about where their food comes from.”

With the addition of Hawk Ridge, Colorado West Land Trust has conserved nearly 900 of the 3,000 acres of fruit-producing land in the Grand Valley, according to the release. In addition to Palisade’s well-known peaches, the area is becoming recognized for its wine production, the release said. Thousands of visitors will visit the Palisade today for the annual Colorado Mountain Winefest and Tour of the Vineyards.

“Protecting fruitlands like those at Hawk Ridge is essential to maintaining the unique identity of Palisade,” Colorado West Land Trust Executive Director Rob Bleiberg said. “We are honored to work with landowners like the Garlich family who share our vision for conservation and are dedicated to preserving the agricultural legacy of the region.”

Hawk Ridge is visible from the Palisade Rim trail and is the location of Bookcliff Vineyards, a local winery where visitors can enjoy a tasting and the views of this conserved property, according to the release.

“It was important for us to preserve our original experience of standing on top of this hill and looking all around at these gorgeous views,” said Garlich. “Conservation easements are the only way to ensure that valuable farmland like this doesn’t disappear under development. We wanted to preserve not just agricultural production, but also people’s ability to experience it and reconnect with nature.”

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