Mission
The Mission of the Black Canyon Regional Land Trust is to serve as a non-political, non-governmental organization that encourages and assists private landowners in preserving and sustaining the rural heritage, natural, and cultural conservation values primarily in the watersheds of the Uncompahgre, North Fork of the Gunnison, and lower Gunnison Rivers and surrounding areas, for the benefit of the public, today and in perpetuity.
What is the Black Canyon Regional Land Trust?
In the early 1990’s two independent local groups of citizens founded the Valley Land Conservancy and the Three Rivers Land Trust. These citizens wanted to help preserve open space and protect a special way of life. In 2000, the two organizations merged to form the Black Canyon Land Trust, now known as the Black Canyon Regional Land Trust.
Our founders were brought together by a common concern that rapid urban growth was diminishing agriculture and ranching, and the open spaces they provide. They were dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life in the Uncompahgre, North Fork, and Lower Gunnison Watersheds. We continue to pursue their common goals today.
BCRLT Guiding Principles
BCLRT shall:
- Strive to preserve agricultural lands that provide critical mass and have the potential of preserving viable agriculture.
- Strive to preserve intact ecosystems for plants and animals.
- Strive to preserve land that provides for community separators.
- Strive to preserve land that has scenic, cultural, historical, and recreational conservation values.
Black Canyon Regional Land Trust Guiding Principles (PDF Document)
What does the Black Canyon Regional Land Trust Do?
Conserve Agricultural Lands.
Agriculture has shaped Western Colorado’s landscape, economy and culture. The Black Canyon Regional Land Trust is committed to helping farmers and ranchers conserve agricultural lands and the operations on them for future generations and for a secure food supply.
Various agricultural conservation methods exist, and The Black Canyon Regional Land Trust is available to meet with farmers and ranchers to discuss the options available. We work primarily with voluntary conservation easements. Conservation Easements may reduce income and estates taxes, or provide other financial incentives.
Conserve Natural Habitat.
The mountains of the Uncompahgre, North Fork, and Gunnison Rivers may be the best place in the United States to hear the chilling bugle of a bull elk or catch a glimpse of a mule deer fawn. The River valleys are home to a diverse array of wildlife and plant species, including more than 200 different vertebrates. The area is also home to many threatened or endangered plant and animal species. Biologists have documented 150 wintering bald eagles in the Uncompahgre Valley alone. The survival of these species depends on relatively large, undeveloped tracts of uninterrupted habitat. The Black Canyon Regional Land Trust helps conserve critical wildlife habitat and preserve the land corridors needed by many animals. We are helping landowners protect special plant communities on their lands.
Preserve Scenic Views.
Some of the best scenery in Colorado is found in our area. Both our quality of life and tourism are due in part to the uncluttered vistas – the sight of Mount Sneffles, the Uncompahgre Plateau, Courthouse Range, Grand Mesa, Landsend Peak, the Saddle Peaks, and more.
Each scenic, agricultural, or natural habitat conservation easement saves a piece of today for future generations. The Black Canyon Regional Land Trust is available to work with landowners through the conservation easement process. After the easement donation, the Black Canyon Regional Land Trust ensures the terms of the easement are not compromised by future actions.
Help Communities Plan.
The Black Canyon Regional Land Trust offers a non-governmental, voluntary approach to conserving open space, greenways, and riparian corridors. We provide a means for individuals and groups to conserve open space and buffer areas along urban development corridors. We team with communities to save public corridors within the urban areas.
Examples of Our Easements:
- 3,700 acre working ranch in the North Fork
- 2,000 acres of operating ranchland along Smith Fork
- 1,800 acre working cattle ranch in the Cimarron Valley
- 400 acres of active grazing land above Cedaredge
- 200 acres of prime farm ground near Olathe
- 160 acres of shoreline at Fruitgrower’s Reservoir
- 145 acres of scenic viewshed on Log Hill Mesa
- 104 acres of wetlands along the Uncompahgre River
- 80 acres of wildlife habitat on Tongue Creek
- 42 acres including an active heron rookery on the Gunnison River
