CCT Programs & Accomplishments
CCT Initiatives

Wet Mountain Valley / Custer County
The Wet Mountain Valley is a large, open valley stretching from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the Wet Mountains.  This broad valley is home to vast grazing land, working ranches, and a rich diversity of wildlife.  Much of the land is in active agricultural production, which makes up a large portion of the county’s economic base. 

Unfortunately, many of the working ranches that exist are threatened by development, as the population in the Valley has doubled since 1990.  Protecting these scenic and resource-rich lands is a priority for CCT and its partners.  CCT’s contributions include:

• $260,000 towards funding the first conservation purchase easement as part of a 10,000-acre joint landowner effort.  Funding for the first transaction will help leverage donations of adjacent properties and help attract new donors.
• $60,000 towards building the capacity of the local land trust and increasing the ability of national organizations to work in the valley.
• $8,000 towards conducting community forums to educate citizens about the master planning process and water issues, including preparation and dissemination of an education package describing different options and solutions other communities have used.
• $2,000 towards planning for the second phase of agricultural land protection in the southern portion of the valley.  While current acquisition projects are focused in the northern portion of the valley, the southern portion still requires additional attention and funds and has landowners interested in pursuing conservation easements. 

Additional High Priority Needs/Next Steps:

• The final easement of the first phase, which would protect a total of 3,200 acres, requires an additional $500,000. 
• Phase two funding needs will be identified through the planning process.

View the Wet Mountain Valley / Custer County Assessment.

Click map for larger view.

CCT Initiatives

• Yampa Valley / Routt County
• Front Range Mountain Backdrop
• Wet Mountain Valley / Custer County
• Mesa Area
• North San Juan Mountains
• Roaring Fork Valley
• Vail / Eagle Valley / I-70 Corridor
• Gunnison Valley
• Program Criteria

• Increasing Funding for Conservation
• Promoting Statewide Coordination and Leadership
• Implementing New Tools to Preserve Colorado
  • Regional Assessments
  • Colorado Conservation Easement Tax Credit Program
• Leadership and Education

CCT Programs & Accomplishments Links

• 2004 Successes
• Newest Initiatives
• State Map
• CCT Initiatives