In January, the Montezuma Land Conservancy closed on a 1,332-acre conservation easement north of Norwood, adjacent to the Uncompahgre National Forest.
“This property represents critical elk habitat and old growth ponderosa forest and is home to a wide variety of animals including wild turkey, bear and even a sighted lynx,” states the MLC Facebook Page.
Montezuma Land Conservancy is known for working with landowners who want to put their property in conservation easements that protect agricultural, open space and natural values in perpetuity, even if the property sells.
Founded in 1998, Cortez-based MLC has worked with 75 families to protect 45,000 acres of open space, wildlife habitat, public access trails and agricultural land throughout Montezuma, Dolores and San Miguel counties through the use of voluntary conservation easements.
In 2017, Great Outdoors Colorado awarded Montezuma Land Conservancy $1.8 million to work together to get local kids and their families outdoors. Partnerships with over 20 local organizations were formed to fulfill the goals.
MLC Executive Director Travis Custer said they felt it was crucial they expand their mission to include youth education on land stewardship, farming and promoting a love of the outdoors.
For more information on conservation easements and youth programs, contact MLC at (970) 565-1664 or visit their website at montezumaland.org