Donate to Yampa Valley Land Trust's Ranchland Heritage Conservation Initiative

A broad, multi-year, multi-project campaign that is designed to protect a variety of

conservation priorities, including important agricultural lands and critical wildlife habitat, as well as sagebrush shrubland, aspen forest and riparian landscapes that define the eco-region of

Northwest Colorado.

Yampa Valley Land Trust embarked on a comprehensive regional ranchland protection program for Northwest Colorado, the Ranchland Heritage Conservation Initiative. This is a unique opportunity to significantly increase land conservation efforts in the Yampa River and White River Watersheds, the heart of the Southern Rocky Mountain Ecoregion. The Initiative exemplifies YVLT’s successes in this rural ranching community over the past fifteen years while embarking on a major new project that will undoubtedly promote greater land conservation well into the next decade.

The Initiative clearly illustrates YVLT's mission to protect the region's beautiful working landscapes and prime ecological features so they will continue to be an inspiring part of our lives and the lives of generations to follow. Response to the Initiative from both traditional landowners and new property owners has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with over 20,000 acres identified for participation. YVLT staff looks forward to the projects ahead…however, it is critical we have your financial support as we gather essential documentation, address the intricate legalities of each conservation transaction and continue to fundraise and write grants for these donated and bargain-sale purchased conservation easements.

It is simply getting more challenging and more complex year by year to protect the priceless qualities that locals and visitors treasure most here in Northwest Colorado. The Initiative is a unique chance to play a strategic, proactive role in preserving the region’s agriculture, biodiversity and community. The Initiative is well under way and completing these time-sensitive projects depends upon your generous support of YVLT!