The heart of the Gunnison Valley originates on the land itself. Help us continue to protect the working landscapes and natural resources of the Gunnison Valley for future generations.
"The valleys of the Gunnison and its tributaries, the Taylor, the East, and Slate Rivers, contain some of Colorado's most beautiful ranch landscapes. I will never tire of driving to Crested Butte through these scenic areas. These lands are also natural corridors for migratory animals and habitat for threatened species such as the Gunnison Sage-grouse. I can't think of any place in Colorado that deserves more protection that the valleys of the Gunnison."
- John Fielder, nature photographer
The mission of Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy is to create a legacy for future generations by preserving ranching and conserving ranchlands in the Gunnison Country. The fundamental principle of the GRCL is to provide a voluntary program that meets the needs of private property owners and provides access to conservation expertise and opportunities.
GRCL was started in 1995 by two individuals with different backgrounds but similar concerns and objectives for protecting agricultural lands in their area: Bill Trampe, an area rancher, and Susan Lohr, the former director of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. Together, they began investigating the opportunities and services that a traditional land trust might offer to ranch families. In the end, they realized that the best way to protect agriculture was to keep families on the land by raising the funds necessary to purchase conservation easements.
For more than 25 years we have assisted families with conservation projects that keep the fabric of our valley's working landscapes intact by creating a model that puts landowner interests first. GRCL strives to meet landowners' needs and offer information to further understanding of the conservation easement process and the importance of agriculture to our community.
Organization name
Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy
other names
Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy, Gunnison Legacy
1996
Tax id (EIN)
84-1339198
Category
Environment
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
307 N Main St Ste 2HGunnison County, CO, US