Mission: The mission of the crested butte land trust is to forever protect and steward open lands for vistas, recreation, wildlife and ranching, thus contributing to the preservation of gunnison county's unique heritage and quality of life.
Programs: Preservation of open space and acquisition of land and easements: the organization secured 87 acres of protected land through its merger with the peanut mine inc. This former mine and processing site underwent extensive reclamation and ecological restoration and is now held in fee-simple by the organization. This 87 acres has in excess of 100,000 annual user visits as a property that includes portions of the lower loop trail network. The organization also acquired the 10 acre new discovery lode mining claim. This acquisition contributes to a patchwork of protected open space in the north pole basin and schofield park area. Wildlife habitat, scenic views, and public access are all conservation values of this property.
easement and land stewardship: staff monitored 59 conservation properties totaling more than 4779 acres. Staff ensured all 39 easements were enrolled in terrafirma easement defense insurance and met accreditation standards. Staff monitored the peanut lake restoration project to protect the slate river from contaminated sediments. The organization co-hosted 16 youth corps to improve trail, remove noxious weeds, and repair livestock fencing. The organization hosted approximately 75 volunteers on national trails day to maintain conserved trails. Staff led volunteer days to repair fencelines, remove noxious weeds, and remove trash from conserved lands.
education & communications: the organization published two semiannual print newsletters and monthly electronic newsletters about conservation in the gunnison valley. A growing social media presence engaged approximately 1,030 followers on such topics as natural history, recent news, staff stewardship projects, and upcoming events. Staff co-hosted a public event on ranching on public lands and conserved property in the gunnison valley, co-hosted four public hikes for wildflower education, lead conservation education programs for the kindergarten and third grade at the crested butte community school, installed a storywalk on conserved property educating youth on the importance of insects in nature, reaching approximately 750 total people.
Crested Butte Land Trust is an accredited land trust. Accreditation means Crested Butte Land Trust meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Crested Butte Land Trust has demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate their commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. Learn More: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.
