Field Notes

Recently, San Isabel landowners and members joined Curt and Peggy Sorenson at their Garden Park property in northern Fremont County to hear their story of a very successful public-private collaboration for forest restoration.

At the end of 2015, San Isabel Land Protection Trust helped two families realize their dreams of protecting their land. Both properties lie on the forested eastern flank of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, adjacent to the San Isabel Forest in Custer County. Now, critical wildlife habitat and forest land will be protected, forever.

The historic Stewart Thoroughbred Horse Ranch located in Colorado City, in the Greenhorn Valley, has been protected, forever, with a conservation easement held by San Isabel Land Protection Trust. Thanks to the MacCormack family who donated the conservation easement to the Land Trust, this action ensures that the land will continue to be used as a horse and agricultural property as it has been for over 50 years.

Nestled between the 14,000 foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the rugged Wet Mountains to the east, the HG Vickerman Ranch is a productive agricultural operation dating back nearly a century.

 “It is important that people understand the importance of agricultural water. It is the basis for a sustainable food supply, provides for wildlife habitat, and helps create the scenic vistas we enjoy. Agricultural water is a part of our heritage, as well as our culture today. It is at the core of our environmental goals and economy and we need to use all of the various tools available to keep water in agriculture while at the same time allowing owners of water rights to realize its monetary value.” ~ Keith Hood

Contributing over $9 billion to the state economy, Colorado’s agriculture industry provides a safe, abundant food supply while generating economic activity that is critical to this state’s vitality.