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Money from The Trust for Public Lands helps re-open route up
Wilson Peak
By Dave Buchanan , The Daily Sentinel
Wednesday, Novemeber 7, 2007

Thanks to a dedicated effort by The Trust for Public Land and some key financial support, peakbaggers in southwestern Colorado soon will regain access to a historic route up Wilson Peak, the highest point in San Miguel County.

The route up 14,017-foot Wilson Peak goes through Silver Pick Basin on the mountain’s north side and also provides the easiest and most-direct access for climbing Mt. Wilson and El Diente, two nearby peaks in Dolores County.

However, after a series of contentious run-ins with climbers, landowner Rusty Nichols closed off access through his property to Silver Pick Basin. Although Nichols wasn’t interested in re-opening the mining claims, he did say he was concerned about liability and some problems he had had with trespassers.

In stepped the TPL, which negotiated with Nichols and eventually signed a deal worth $3.25-million for his 230 acres of mining claims. Additionally, another 70 acres is being protected through conservation easements.

“We are very gratified to take this initial step in the process to restore access to the Wilson Peak area,” said TPL Colorado state director Tim Wohlgenant. “We have extended ourselves financially because this is such an extraordinarily vital property. There is only one Wilson Peak and the prospect of losing it to development is unthinkable.”

Included in the fundraising effort was a climb last August led by blind mountaineer Eric Weihenmayer of Golden, who is only blind person to have climbed the “Seven Summits,” the tallest peak on every continent.

During that climb, Weihenmayer was quoted as saying, “People here (in Colorado) place a value on space for recreation. There are some places to me that just shouldn’t be owned.”

According to a report on the Web site Outside Online, the purchase marks the first time a Colorado 14er was bought from a private owner. Several other 14ers have similar private land access problems, including Culebra Peak and Mounts Lincoln, Democrat, Bross and Cameron.

The Silver Pick trail won’t open until next summer, said TPL spokesperson Karen Macdonald. As soon as conditions allow next spring, the conservation group plans to re-route the trail away from the Nichols cabin (which under the agreement Nichols will retain) and re-build parts of the trail.

Sometime next summer the TPL will turn over title of the land to the U.S. Forest Service.

This is an important purchase for backcountry users, Macdonald said.

“We want people to go out and enjoy and respect these places by actually using them,” Macdonald said.

Macdonald said the TPL still is trying to raise funds to cover a $1.7-million loan the group received from Colorado Conservation Trust for the Nichols property.

Among the supporters was the Coors Brewing Company, which uses an image of Mt. Wilson on its beer cans.

Dave Buchanan can be reached via e-mail at dbuchanan@gjds.com.

Progress in saving scenic lands
By Jerd Smith , Rocky Mountian News
Thursday, October 4, 2007

Colorado's efforts to preserve scenic landscapes means that thousands more acres are being protected each year than are being developed, a report by the Colorado Conservation Trust says.

During the past two years, about 170,000 acres of private lands were protected each year, while an estimated 90,000 acres were developed.

In all, Colorado has protected 1.95 million acres of land during the past 20 years, using money from private land trusts, open-space taxes and lottery funds distributed by Great Outdoors Colorado.

Other findings in the report:

• Colorado ranks third nationwide - behind California and Maine - in acres protected by land trusts, with a total of 1.57 million acres protected by the private conservation groups.

• The state ranks second in use of conservation easements - legal agreements between land owners and conservation groups that protect land without an outright purchase.

But more work - and more fundraising - is needed to preserve lands threatened by development, the trust said.

The trust's goal is to protect 3.6 million acres by 2015, an undertaking that will cost an additional $1.18 billion and require that even more land be protected each year.

"To hit that goal, we need to be preserving 200,000 acres each year," said Lloyd Athearn, deputy director of the Colorado Conservation Trust. "We're a bit behind schedule."

The trust's report comes as more than 2,100 land conservation officials gather in Denver today through Saturday for the National Land Conservation Conference.

The conference - sponsored by the Land Trust Alliance - has attracted a record number of participants this year, in part because of Colorado's leading role in land conservation, said Rand Wentworth, alliance president.

"This is our largest conference ever and there's a reason for it. People have been watching what Colorado has done and they want to come here and learn."

'Seismic shift' seen on oil, gas commission
By Todd Hartman And Gargi Chakrabarty , Rocky Mountian News
Friday, July 13, 2007

July 13, 2007 Gov. Bill Ritter fundamentally reshaped oversight of Colorado's oil and gas industry Thursday, adding conservationists and an industry critic to the nine-member Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

The five appointments herald a less predictable era for an industry that enjoyed eight years under Gov. Bill Owens - a former oil and gas lobbyist - and a commission dominated by members with ties to industry.

The new appointments follow passage in the legislature of House Bill 1341, a measure that dramatically altered the commission by raising the number of members from seven to nine and cutting the number of members with ties to oil and gas from five to three.

Ritter's five appointments join one current commissioner and the executive directors of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, two members added to the commission as part of HB 1341. One vacancy remains to be filled.

"With these new commissioners operating under a new set of goals and priorities, I'm confident we can ensure responsible and reasonable development of our vast oil and gas resources, and protect Colorado's land, water, public health, wildlife and communities," Ritter said in a statement.

Ritter said his aerial tour last week of oil and gas development on the Roan Plateau and the Vermillion Basin in northwestern Colorado - when he noted the stark contrast between developed areas and those still untouched - "crystallized for me just how important striking this balance will be."

But a Republican lawmaker, Greg Brophy, of Wray, called the appointments "a seismic shift in the makeup of the commission."

"It looks to me like we're going away from folks who have an inherent knowledge of the industry and moving toward people who have overt political agendas," he said.

The appointment of Garfield County Commissioner Tresi Houpt rattled industry more than any other. Houpt, a Democrat, has often criticized the oil and gas industry's development in Garfield County.

She testified this year before a House Committee that oil and gas operations are affecting residents' health.

Brophy called her an "ultra-liberal" who was "likely coming into this with a big ax to grind."

Houpt called her appointment a "surprise and an honor," and said she wanted to bring "a better understanding about the importance of having a local official involved in discussions when it comes to permitting and rule making. Before, I don't know if (the commission) saw a real need to have that input."

Elise Jones, of the Colorado Environmental Coalition, called the appointments "a fair and balanced slate of nominees and it shows that Gov. Bill Ritter is being true to his commitment to bring diversity to the (commission)."

Stan Dempsey, a lobbyist for the Colorado Petroleum Industry, struck a diplomatic - if wary - tone about the appointments.

"We look forward to working with this new commission," Dempsey said. "We hope (it) will honor the law and private property rights and science in (its) deliberations. I hope there's no hidden agenda by any of the new members."

Oil and gas commission

Gov. Bill Ritter appointed five new members to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. They join three existing commissioners. One seat remains vacant. Terms are four years, and Ritter's nominees must be confirmed by the Senate.
• Joshua B. Epel, Greenwood Village, assistant general counsel for DCP Midstream, an oil and gas company; expert in air pollution law
• Tresi B. Houpt, Glenwood Springs, Garfield County Commissioner; chairs Colorado Counties Inc.'s Land Use and Natural Resources Committee
• Michael P. Dowling, Denver, founder and principal of Western Ranchland Investors; chairman of Colorado Conservation Trust
• Richard D. Alward, Grand Junction, ecologist and owner of Aridlands Natural Resources Consulting; adjunct professor of environmental science at Mesa State College
• Thomas L. Compton, Hesperus, owner and manager of Compton Cattle Co. commercial beef cattle enterprise; vice present of Colorado Rural Electric Association board

EXISTING MEMBERS:

• Jim Martin, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
• Harris Sherman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources
• Kimberlee Gerhardt, Durango, geological consultant following a decade with Exxon; remains on commission since appointment by then-Gov. Bill Owens in 2004

NSJI director plans summer conservation seminars
By Caitlin Switzer, Telluride Daily Planet
Sunday, June 16, 2007

He has the quiet grace of a young cowboy, the confidence of someone who grew up riding the range and caring for land and livestock. He has the credentials as well — a 2001 graduate of Montrose High School , Brandon Hatter holds a Bachelors degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Business from Colorado State University .

These days, however, Hatter is as likely to be sitting in a boardroom as on the back of a horse. In his capacity as Program Director of the Northern San Juan Initiative (NSJI), he is helping to protect the viability of working ranchlands for future generations. Hatter replaced former NSJI Program Director Ginny Harrington in March, after Harrington left the Ridgway area with her husband Tom to manage a ranch out of state.

The non-profit Initiative is a collaborative effort between Black Canyon Land Trust, the Nature Conservancy, the Ridgway-based Trust for Public Lands, and the Colorado Conservation Trust.

“I love it,” Hatter said. “I grew up in the area, so my first passion is ranching and working outside. I hope to do so for myself one day, to own my own cows and land. But it is hard to make a go of it, especially in this area. Doing this job will not make me rich, but it is a great opportunity to work with local ranchers and gain experience in all facets of life.

“And I can protect the friends, the community and the way of life that is so important to me.”

Like Harrington, Hatter plans to reach out to local ranchers by providing useful information and opportunities for education about conservation tools and practices. NSJI is dedicated to supporting ranchland conservation through landowner outreach, informational workshops and community events.

He plans to host a two-part series of seminars in early August at the Ridgway Town Hall .

“I have gone out and discussed this with landowners, and they tell me that these are things they want to learn about,” Hatter said. “We will focus on conservation easements — what they are, and what benefits and security they can provide to the landowner.” Hatter said the group hopes to have representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Shavano Conservation District speak about cost sharing and grant programs.

“And maybe the following week we will have a seminar specifically covering the updates to the state and federal tax credits that are potentially available to landowners who place conservation easements on their property.”

Hatter is also working with livestock expert Robbie Baird-Levalley of the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension on a possible weed management seminar, he said.

The Northern San Juan Initiative has the potential to be a strong asset for local ranchers and landowners, he noted.

“By its very nature, it is pulling the resources and efforts of four separate organizations to make an impact, rather than leaving it up to one organization to implement programs,” he said. “By working together, we can prevent these groups from becoming counter-productive and working against one another.

“My job is to promote, educate, and help landowners find the right fit.”

Hatter was instrumental in helping to promote and organize the 12th Annual Love Your Valley Festival in Ridgway the weekend of June 9, a benefit for the Black Canyon Land Trust.

“This was my first year to attend,” he noted. “I think it went exceptionally well — we changed some things. We had no silent auction this year, but we offered different activities, like our youth fishing clinic. Seventeen kids came out to learn things like casting and setting a pole, and about different types of fish and catching limits.”

The Division of Wildlife sponsored the event.

More than 50 participants engaged in a 5K run/walk as well, he said.

“The festival is a good fundraiser, and helps us accomplish our goals of getting people out, and spreading the message about land conservation and what Western Colorado has to offer our residents and visitors,” Hatter said. “We specifically want people to know that placing your land in a conservation easement is a big decision, and one that obviously takes a lot of consideration. It is a voluntary process and people can come to us with any questions they may have.”

Conservation workshop will be held June 21
By Jason Starr, Mountain Mail
Tuesday, June 12, 2007

A free conservation workshop for a variety of people, co-sponsored by Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas, will be held June 21 in Poncha Springs.

The workshop will be for landowners, Realtors, lawyers and land appraisers and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Chaffee County Fairgrounds.

Leaders in the conservation easement field from throughout the state - including lawyers, appraisers, biologists, bankers and accountants will speak.

Lead organizer of the event is Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District of Rocky Ford.

Another all-day workshop is scheduled for July 12 in Cañon City.

Recently, the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas began a leadership change. It is the primary recruiter and holder of conservation easements in Chaffee County

About 1,800 acres are protected from development through the all-volunteer non-profit organization.

Bruce Goforth, organization president twice since its inception in 2001, resigned in May. He will continue to evaluate parcels as chairman of the trust land committee.

Buena Vista resident Frosty Roe, part of the organization's seven-member board of directors since October, will fill the vacancy.

Roe, a retired ocean transportation contractor, has lived in Buena Vista since 1965. He discovered the organization in 2002 when he spearheaded an effort to place property north of Buena Vista into conservation.

That property is one of 18 conservation easements the land trust holds.

"This is a good time for the transition," Goforth said in a press release. "We have the opportunity to take LTUA to the next level ... . I am confident Frosty has the ability, enthusiasm and dedication to lead LTUA ... , and I feel I can leave our ship in his capable hands."

Roe said he has time and energy to devote to leading the land trust but didn't realize how much work is required.

"I thought I knew what I was getting into, but it's a little bit more involved than I thought," he said during an interview Thursday.

"It's a busy, busy thing ... I think it's amazing the board has continued to hold it together. There is just so much to do."

The land trust has 10 conservation projects in formative stages. If all 10 are completed, total acreage the organization would hold in conservation will approach 4,000, Roe said.

Projects being considered would expand reach of the trust into Lake and Fremont counties for the first time.

At the same time, Colorado Conservation Trust - a statewide conservation advocate group - is sponsoring an overall assessment of the organization.

"They think we've achieved success on a small scale and they would like to see it increased," Roe said.

Goals of the assessment are to ensure long-term viability of the trust, increase its conservation capabilities, prepare it for national accreditation and make it eligible for future grants.

The assessment started last month with interviews of current and former board members and property owners who have entered conservation agreements with LTUA.

In addition, Colorado Conservation Trust is paying for opening a Salida headquarters on F Street and a paid administrator to work there for the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas.

Whatever the results of the assessment are, trust goals will remain essentially the same.

"Our focus is preservation of wildlife habitat, migration corridors, view corridors and the aspects that make people appreciate what a great place we live in," Roe said

Consevation trust partners with county
by YourHub.com - Denver,CO,USA
Friday, February 9, 2007

BRIGHTON -- The Colorado Conservation Trust on Feb. 6 announced the funding of a two-year conservation fellowship position with the Adams County Department of Parks and Community Resources as part of CCT's Future Conservation Leaders Fellowship Program.

CCT's fellowship program pairs recent graduates of conservation and law programs with local land trusts and open space programs to provide a multifaceted professional experience for the Fellow, while simultaneously bolstering the capacity of conservation organizations statewide. CCT funds 80 percent of the position's salary during the first year of the fellowship and 70 percent during the second year.

"This fellowship position will help support Adams County's efforts to protect open spaces and develop parks and trails for our growing community by adding a staff position at limited cost to the county," said W.R. 'Skip' Fischer , chairman of the Adams County Board of County Commissioners.

CCT Executive Director Will Shafroth echoed similar sentiments adding, "We are excited about the opportunity to support Adams County's conservation efforts through the placement of a Fellow."

Adams County announced that the two-year fellowship position was filled on February 5 by Jennifer Young, a 2005 graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law with a degree in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy. Young's primary responsibilities will include tracking all land protected within Adams County, identifying future land to be protected, creating a conservation easement manual, and assisting with grant writing.

"Adams County has a number of agricultural property owners that are interested in conserving their land and this position will assist staff in working on those efforts," said Commissioner Alice Nichol .

The Fellowship position will also have the opportunity to participate in land protection conferences, travel around the state to learn more about other organizations' on-going conservation efforts, and attend meetings and workshops to gain additional insight about conservation real estate, the legislative process, fundraising, and non-profit management.

"Adams County is pleased to be one of the recipients of this Fellowship program and we appreciate the work that the Colorado Conservation Trust is doing to support agencies that work on land conservation," said Commissioner Larry Pace .

In addition to the Fellowship position at Adams County, CCT Fellows are currently placed with the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust (Arvada), Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts (Denver), Trust for Public Land (Denver), Mesa Land Trust (Grand Junction), San Isabel Land Trust (Westcliffe) and Ducks Unlimited/Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (split Fellowship - Alamosa).

"As the threat to our open lands and important resources continues to grow, so does the need for experienced and motivated leaders in the conservation community," said Shafroth. "CCT's fellowship program provides organizations and individuals with the tools and training they need to increase their efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately helping protect more of Colorado's most special places."

The Colorado Conservation Trust was founded to increase the funding, pace, and effectiveness of land conservation in Colorado. Since its inception in 2000, CCT has raised $11 million from more than 30 foundations and 300 individuals.

Matched with more than $40.5 million in other public and private dollars, these funds have helped to achieve a broad range of projects including land protection, public policy analysis and development, organizational capacity building, and land stewardship. The Trust has also facilitated the additional investment of more than $32 million in conservation projects. CCT invests more than 95 percent of all donations directly into conservation projects.

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