Consider what it is about Southwest Colorado that speaks most to you — the incredible views and diversity of our landscapes, the farms and ranches that define a lifestyle for so many, our incredible wildlife and our world-class recreation. “All of the above” is likely a common answer.
These attributes share two things in common: They all play an integral role in the quality of life we enjoy in Southwest Colorado and they are all things that Montezuma Land Conservancy has worked to protect in partnership with landowners for over 18 years.
Private lands grow our food, shelter our wildlife, protect our watersheds, and provide the views that personify all that is beautiful about living where we do. But they are under increasing pressure. Colorado’s population is expected to double by 2050 and while much of that growth will occur on the Front Range, a proportional amount will occur in our backyard. From 2007 to 2012, date of the last Agricultural Census, Montezuma, Dolores and San Miguel counties lost 51,000 acres of farm and ranch land to subdivisions. The very thing that defines us is disappearing.
Conservation easements are one tool that landowners can use to keep land in production and in the family. For those who decide to pursue one, an easement helps ensure the land is preserved and the resources are available for future generations. An easement also helps landowners get equity out of their land while retaining ownership.
Montezuma County recognizes this option in the comprehensive plan, adopted in 1997. Through this voluntary process, Montezuma Land Conservancy has conserved over 42,000 acres of farms and ranches, wildlife habitat, riparian corridors, desert canyons and scenic treasures in Montezuma, Dolores and San Miguel counties.
These protected acres not only help families continue our rich tradition of agriculture, they benefit our entire community. Private land conservation protects the best of Colorado and the best of our community.
Montezuma Land Conservancy will be hosting an informational session for landowners interested in learning more about conserving their land at 6:30 p.m on July 6 at First National Bank in Cortez.
Jon Leibowitz
Cortez
Editor’s note: Jon Leibowitz is the executive director for Montezuma Land Conservancy.