Colorado Conservation Trust :: Celebrating Conservation in Colorado

CCT Programs & Accomplishments
CCT Initiatives

Yampa Valley / Routt County

Located in the heart of Colorado’s Northern Rockies, the Yampa River Valley is home to a vibrant ranching heritage and supports a variety of wildlife, including the endangered bald eagle and sandhill crane. The Yampa River is one of the most hydrologically and biologically intact river systems in the west.

Increasing development threatens to overtake the ranches, open spaces and the river corridor. Over the last decade, organizations in Routt County have been leaders in private, voluntary land conservation, but they still face some challenges.. Acknowledging this need, CCT awarded a conservation investment package that includes:

$75,000 challenge grant to The Nature Conservancy for the purchase of a conservation easement on 950 acres, including two miles of river corridor.
$50,000 challenge grant to the City of Steamboat Springs to help protect one of the last parcels needed to complete the conservation of a river corridor running through Steamboat Springs. This challenge grant was generously matched by a $50,000 grant from The Kettering Family Foundation.
$15,000 for polling and outreach related to the reauthorization of the Routt County Purchase of Development Rights program.
Up to $10,000 for an analysis of a potential Transferable Development Rights program in Routt County.
$6,000 for completing a study and survey on the economic benefits of open space and agricultural lands in Routt County.

CCT Initiatives

CCT Programs & Accomplishments Links