Central Colorado Conservancy

Central Colorado Conservancy Central Colorado Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust whose mission is to protect and ma Rocky peaks and wide open spaces.

Clean water and flowing streams. Living with free-roaming wildlife. Quiet time on trails and rivers that reset our souls. … All these provide the people of Central Colorado a connection to the natural world that is wild and free. Our unmatched quality of life is the reason people live here, stay here and visit this region. However, our quality of life is not something we can take for granted. Colo

rado is one of the fastest-growing states because it is a top destination to live, work and play. Anyone connected to Central Colorado knows that we enjoy the best-of-the-best. More people will desire to live here, own second homes here and visit, as the state’s population doubles by 2050. Responsibly managing the associated growth is a critical challenge. Through voluntary agreements with private landowners, Central Colorado Conservancy works to protect the values that make Central Colorado special. Whether ranchland or farmland, wildlife habitat or headwaters, we aim to preserve the sweeping vistas and rural character of this area — now and into the future. We also care for our land and water resources through restoration and watershed health programs. And we connect the community to these causes so that we are all working together to create a legacy of conservation. Since the early 1980s, 35% of the region’s ranchlands and farmlands have disappeared. Land is being purchased to develop subdivisions, or for water that is then diverted to Front Range cities. Protecting these land and water resources is important. They support our traditional lifestyles, natural ecosystems, diverse economy and precious vistas. Many areas in the Colorado Rockies have lost their sense of place. But there is an opportunity to grow differently here and to create a healthy future that preserves what makes Central Colorado special. Together, we can create a legacy of conservation that protects our land and water, forever.

What is a conservation easement? In everyday language, it’s a promise to protect land.A conservation easement is a volun...
06/19/2026

What is a conservation easement?

In everyday language, it’s a promise to protect land.

A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a land trust, like Central Colorado Conservancy, that helps protect the land’s natural, agricultural, scenic, or wildlife values forever.

The land stays privately owned. The landowner can still live on it, work it, ranch it, farm it, and pass it on to future generations.

But the easement helps make sure the land isn’t broken up or developed in ways that would damage what makes it special.

That means open spaces stay open. Wildlife habitat stays connected. Working lands can keep working. And the character of Central Colorado is protected for the future.

For 25 years, conservation easements have been one of the most important tools we use to protect the lands and waters we all love.

See all the properties protected by our mission here: https://www.centralcoloradoconservancy.org/easements2024

Hope can look like many things.A wetland restored.A riverbank cared for.A ranch protected.A trail of wildlife moving saf...
06/16/2026

Hope can look like many things.

A wetland restored.
A riverbank cared for.
A ranch protected.
A trail of wildlife moving safely through open land.
A community showing up for the places it loves.

At Central Colorado Conservancy, we see hope in the everyday work of stewardship and in everyone who helps protect the lands and waters of Central Colorado.

Wetlands, wildlife, and stewardship are all connected.Along the Arkansas River, healthy wetlands help filter water, supp...
06/12/2026

Wetlands, wildlife, and stewardship are all connected.

Along the Arkansas River, healthy wetlands help filter water, support native plants, provide habitat for birds and wildlife, and strengthen the resilience of the river corridor.

That’s why our work along the Ark River matters.

Through land protection, restoration, partnerships, and community stewardship, Central Colorado Conservancy is working to care for one of the most important natural resources in our region.

Protecting the river means protecting the life that depends on it.

Including us!

06/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who showed up for the 35th Annual Arkansas River Clean Up Green Up!

This community-wide effort brings people together to care for one of our region’s most important lifelines: the Arkansas River. Volunteers helped clean up sections of the river corridor from Hayden Meadows to Parkdale, preparing the watershed for a busy summer season and showing what stewardship looks like in action.

At Central Colorado Conservancy, we’re proud to be part of collaborative efforts that protect the lands and waters we all love.

Read more about this year’s Clean Up Green Up through the link below!

A meaningful step forward for conservation in Central Colorado.In April, we permanently protected the 447-acre Frenchman...
06/05/2026

A meaningful step forward for conservation in Central Colorado.

In April, we permanently protected the 447-acre Frenchman’s Creek Ranch, just north of Buena Vista.

Owned and operated by Todd and Belinda Tipton, this working ranch includes productive agricultural land, diverse habitats, and a stretch of the Arkansas River—supporting both livelihoods and wildlife.

By placing a conservation easement on the property, the Tiptons have ensured this land will remain what it has always been: open, productive, and ecologically vital.

Projects like this protect more than land.
They protect a way of life.

This is what community stewardship looks like!Neighbors, partners, and volunteers coming together through Hands for Land...
05/27/2026

This is what community stewardship looks like!

Neighbors, partners, and volunteers coming together through Hands for Lands at Kelly Ranch to protect and care for the places that define Central Colorado.

We’re grateful to be part of a community that shows up,not just in words, but in action!

Accountability matters in conservation.The Central Colorado Conservancy is currently seeking renewal of our accreditatio...
05/26/2026

Accountability matters in conservation.

The Central Colorado Conservancy is currently seeking renewal of our accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, a national program that recognizes land trusts meeting the highest standards for protecting and stewarding land.

This process ensures our work is ethical, financially sound, and built to last, so the lands we protect today remain protected forever.

As part of this process, the public is invited to submit comments on our work through July 24, 2026. Accreditation isn’t just a designation. It’s a promise to our community, our partners, and future generations.

25 years ago, this work began with a simple idea:Protect what makes this place feel like home.Since then, thousands of a...
05/21/2026

25 years ago, this work began with a simple idea:

Protect what makes this place feel like home.

Since then, thousands of acres have been conserved, wildlife corridors protected, and working lands preserved—not by chance, but by a community that chose to care for something bigger than itself.

And we’re just getting started.

The next 25 years depend on all of us.

Join us in protecting the lands and waters we love for generations to come.

🔗 Learn more and be part of what’s next: https://www.centralcoloradoconservancy.org

Out on the land, doing the work that matters!Our team was proud to be part of the Hands for Lands event at Hutchinson Ra...
05/18/2026

Out on the land, doing the work that matters!

Our team was proud to be part of the Hands for Lands event at Hutchinson Ranch—rolling up our sleeves alongside volunteers who care deeply about this place.

From restoration to stewardship, these moments remind us that conservation doesn’t happen in an office. It happens out on the land.

Thank you to everyone who showed up and made a difference!

What could the next 25 years of conservation look like?More open lands protected.Stronger wildlife corridors.Thriving wo...
05/15/2026

What could the next 25 years of conservation look like?

More open lands protected.
Stronger wildlife corridors.
Thriving working ranches and farms.
A community that continues to choose stewardship over short-term gain.

This is the future we’re building—together.

If you’ve ever hiked these trails, fished these waters, or simply taken in the view… you’re already part of this story.

Help us carry it forward.

🔗 Get involved and support the next chapter: https://www.centralcoloradoconservancy.org

Address

PO Box 942, 128 East First Street
Salida, CO
81201

Telephone

+17195397700

Website

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