NTHAN BILOW
C RESTE D B U TTE L A N D TR U ST
Crested Butte Land trust
“Preserving the Present For the Future” P.O. Box 2224 Crested Butte, Colorado 81224 Phone: (970) 349–1206 Fax: (970) 349–1210 cblt@crestedbutte.net www.cblandtrust.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Sandra Allen Leinsdorf VICE-PRESIDENT Linda Powers TREASURER Lowry Smith SECRETARY Jim Starr Keith Bauer David Baxter Joe Currier Beverly Griffith Jeff Hermanson John Hess Dan McElroy Tim Mueller Jennifer Rose
Dear Friends,
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nother year, and another 745 acres of open space preserved by the Crested Butte Land Trust and landowners in the East River Valley. And, that’s not all. We received three public trail easement donations from generous Trappers Crossing homeowners. These projects increased our total acreage preserved to nearly 4,000, and we are not done yet. With the acquisition of the first phase of the Niccoli Ranch, we celebrate a major accomplishment in preserving one of our most precious Highway 135 view corridors. We are proud of our ranching heritage and want to protect this threatened part of our valley. The purchase of the Kikel property in the Slate River Valley extends protection in an area where the Land Trust has already invested heavily. Providing a buffer between development and the Raggeds Wilderness Area, and protecting a winter recreation trailhead are important achievements. Our goal is to keep our valley unique. Too many of Colorado’s ski area valleys have lost their ranches, vistas and wildlife habitat. Although some question the need to preserve open space because of abundant National Forest lands, our valley floor is privately owned. We are not only working hard to preserve our views and open spaces, we are working to protect a balanced economy that depends on our open space and vistas. If we’ve learned anything in this business, we have learned not to give up. We set our goals high and chip away at each project with determined resolve. The Land Trust’s diverse board, with a variety of skills and life experiences, constitutes an effective team for land preservation projects that strengthens our community and environment. We work hard and enjoy the rewards. We hope you do, too. A big thank you to all our supporters.
Sandra Allen Leinsdorf President 2
EXECUTIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Bill Abraham Norm Bardeen Peter Bogardus Tim Clark Glo Cunningham Marcia Hegeman Jackie Ingham Dan Jones Robert Kerr Paula Lehr John Spencer Scott Truex
ACCOUNTING Bookie
STAFF OPERATIONS MANAGER Sonda Donovan DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Mandy Loori ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Ann Johnston STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR Ben Gillie COVER PHOTO Jannette Runge
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C RESTE D B U TTE L A N D TR U ST JOHN HUMPHRIES
The Kikel Parcel in the Slate River Valley By John Hess
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he Crested Butte Land Trust is pleased to announce the preservation of the Kikel parcel. This 70 acres of open space in the upper Slate River Valley is located adjacent to and up valley from Nicholson Lake. The Slate River Valley has long been a priority preservation area of the Crested Butte Land Trust due to the Slate River Wetlands Preserve. Since 1991, CBLT has been working to restore these wetlands, provide recreational access and to protect the pristine nature of this beautiful valley. Wildlife benefits greatly as well. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has identified an elk migration corridor through the Kikel parcel, connecting the elk calving areas on the west side of Whiterock Mountain with wintering areas in the Carbon Peak vicinity. In summer months, the Kikel parcel is used for summer cattle grazing operations. During winter months, the trailhead beckons backcountry adventurers. On the average winter weekend, at least 25 vehicles park at the trailhead, which provides access to the Slate
River Valley for Nordic skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers. From the trailhead, backcountry skiers enjoy access to the many steep mountainsides and bowls on both sides of the valley, the Oh-Be-Joyful Creek canyon and Paradise Divide. Under Gunnison County Land Use regulations, the Kikel parcel could have had 21 or more residential lots approved. Recreational and backcountry experiences beginning at the trailhead, wildlife habitat, the views of Paradise Divide and agricultural uses would all deteriorate dramatically if houses were built on both sides of the road. The preservation of the Kikel parcel marks the 15th parcel protected by the Crested Butte Land Trust in a four-mile-long target area. Almost 950 acres have been preserved in the Slate River Valley in 21 transactions, including the Lower Loop, Gunsight Bridge, Peanut Mine and Peanut Lake. The Land Trust thanks Great Outdoors Colorado, the Town of Crested Butte, Gunnison County Land Preservation Board, 1% for Open Space, private land owners and donors like you.
The Baxter Gulch Trail Beckons By Ann Johnston Thanks to the generosity of Skip and Karen Smith, who donated a trail easement across their property, the Crested Butte Land Trust and the Town of Crested Butte were able to step forward with another segment of the Baxter Gulch trail. As proposed, this trail may eventually provide public access to the Gunnison National Forest in the vicinity of Baxter Gulch, which currently cannot be accessed by the public. Baxter Gulch, just one mile south of Crested Butte on Highway 135, is the gateway to Whetstone Mountain. For decades, the community was able to access this gulch for backcountry skiing, hiking and mountain biking. This access has been denied the last 10 years due to complications arising from changes in ownership. However, the Crested Butte Land Trust and the Town of Crested Butte have been working hard to re-route the trail to provide continued access. The trail will start at the Eccher property, owned cb lt @ c r e s t e dbut t e . n e t
by the Town of Crested Butte, cross several private properties and Baxter Gulch, and end up at the National Forest boundary. The newly routed trail currently traverses through an area of severe avalanche danger, therefore wintertime use will be prohibited. It is possible the trail, when all the segments are protected, will only be open from May 1 through October 31, and only during daylight hours. The Crested Butte Land Trust and the Town of Crested Butte are negotiating to secure a third trail easement to Baxter Gulch, and then a single large trail easement between Baxter Gulch and the National Forest. The Smiths’ donated segment of the Baxter Gulch trail connects to the trail easement donated by Doug and Gina Kroft last year. After negotiating that easement, the Land Trust asked the Town of Crested Butte to hold the easement. Thank you, Skip and Karen Smith, on behalf of the entire community, for your generosity and vision.
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GARY SCHNEIDER
C RESTE D B U TTE L A N D TR U ST
Winged Wonders of the Wetlands By Linda Powers
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or me, spending time walking on Land Trust acreage and observing birds is about as close to heaven as I can get. One of the most important aspects of land preservation is the protection of critical habitat for birds and animals. A tremendous likelihood of viewing wildlife exists on Crested Butte Land Trust properties and conservation easements, which consist of a variety of habitat types. Birding opportunities abound on Land Trust land, including birds that winter here, residents who live and raise families in our community year round, summer residents who come for breeding and warm weather, and the exciting migrant species who appear in spring and fall. For a recreational experience that gets you into the beautiful outdoors, that is light on the land and speaks to your heart, try a bird walk on Crested Butte Land Trust properties. Come with me on an imaginary walk as we go from Peanut Lake and walk the Lower Loop trail. Peanut Lake has some of the best avian surprises in the region. Observe the Great Blue Herons who nest on the island. Last summer and fall, we hosted a Tundra Swan who swam with a flock of Canadian Geese. Common Mergansers and numerous dabbling ducks are common, including Mallards and Wigeons and Teals. As we pass the lake, we will see a host of diving ducks including many Ring-necked Ducks.
Next, traverse the Lower Loop and look for hummingbirds among the flowers. The Broad-taileds come early and breed here, the Rufous arrive later and flash their brilliant orange tones like coppery jewels. Look in the willows for warblers, Yellow and Yellow-rumped are common. See the Red-winged Blackbirds vie for territory by flashing their brilliant orange epaulets. If you see movement on the ground in these areas, keep your eyes peeled for a Green-tailed Towhee. As we pass the spruce trees listen for the chickadees. These active little birds, both Black-capped and Mountain, are in the trees eating seeds. They may well be joined by Brown Creepers and several woodpecker species. Soaring effortlessly high above us, we just may see a hawk. Our most common hawk is the Red-tailed, but we also host Swainson’s, Kestrels and others as well. On a branch overlooking the river be alert for a fishing Belted Kingfisher, and observe the stream to see if you can locate an American Dipper in the water. The opportunities are endless — the experiences priceless. Come share the avian joys on our Land Trust lands. Take some time to experience these exquisite feathered creatures. I have given you just a small taste of what you may encounter. We are so fortunate to share the earth with these beautiful birds, and protection of their habitat is vital to their survival. Enjoy, and happy birding.
The Reserve on the East River By Ann Johnston Another 643 acres of open space was donated to the Crested Butte Land Trust’s tally this year, increasing total acres of open space preserved to almost 4,000. The Reserve, a land development project located adjacent to Round Mountain, donated a conservation easement this year on acreage that could have been 18 additional residential homesites, protecting them as open space. The Reserve contains a riparian corridor, wetlands, sage, mature aspen and mixed spruce-fir forest. The property has a mile-long agriculture meadow that has historically been used to graze cattle and is one of the few stretches along the highway that will not be impacted by visible housing development. The acreage will be maintained in a 4
natural, scenic, open condition, and contributes to the protection of the Highway 135 view corridor. The conservation easement passes through portions of the East River and floating will continue to be allowed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado. Through the use of conservation tax benefits and State of Colorado tax credits, the Reserve’s conservation easement took advantage of incentives that encourage open space protection when coupled with land development. The Land Trust thanks Milton Graves and Ernie Cockrell, and The Reserve, for their generous contribution to open space protection in the East River Valley.
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C RESTE D B U TTE L A N D TR U ST
Niccoli Ranch Preserved By Sandy Leinsdorf
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DONNA BARKER
n a major effort to protect the Highway 135 corridor and create a buffer between the highway and development, the Crested Butte Land Trust celebrates the purchase of 36.77 acres of the Niccoli Ranch at the Cement Creek Road. The purchase of this important agricultural parcel protects one of our most important view corridors, our ranching heritage, and preserves conservation values in our beautiful East River Valley. This creative real estate transaction included the parcel’s historic water rights and a deed restriction on the remaining 36 acres that limits development to two home sites with limited size and height. If the Land Trust purchases the remaining 36 acres, the Nordic track that we enjoyed this winter will become a permanent recreation resource, enhancing the venues for winter recreation sports for which our valley is known.
Generous contributions to this important open space project were provided by the Town of Crested Butte, Gunnison County Land Preservation Board, 1% for Open Space, Great Outdoors Colorado and individual donors. The Land Trust is in the process of raising the remaining $650,000 to pay off the acquisition debt. To protect the remaining 36 acres, we are working with conser-vation buyers who may have interest in using tax credits and deductions. If the remainder of this acreage is preserved, our com-munity will gain an important access to the East River, an amenity that is becoming harder to find as the valley character changes. Protecting our corridor will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come. The Land Trust is proud of having taken this critical step to protect our corridor views and create a greenbelt buffer along the highway.
On a Mission — The Bench Provides More Backyard Access By Keith Bauer The economics of wilderness protection are becoming more popular, and trails are vital to beckon us to our pristine, natural surroundings. Providing access to public lands via a comprehensive trail system has high priority for the Crested Butte Land Trust. Last fall, Land Trust board members and staff secured two trail easements from Trappers Crossing South (the Bench) landowners that will eventually become part of a year-round perimeter trail winding through aspen and spruce trees on the southern edge of town. One day, the Woods Walk trail off Kebler Pass may link to the Jim Deli trail behind the Community School, providing safe, accessible trail use all the way to Brush Creek Road. This trail ultimately ties together the community’s Nordic trail systems and provides an alternative route for locals and visitors to access our great outdoors virtually year round. With help from
the Gunnison County Trails Commission, wheels are in motion to eventually create a safe passage under or over Highway 135. Rosie Gebhart donated one of the key easements for this trail which we would like to name the “Gebhart Connector” in memory of Jim Gebhart, who gave so much to the Land Trust and our community. Nita Kubricht donated another vital trail link on the Bench. On behalf of the entire Crested Butte community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Nita and Rosie and acknowledge their generosity. As our valley grows, trails and access to our beautiful backyard will help us remain unique, and ensure that Crested Butte preserves its wild spaces and pristine natural resources. If you have any questions about the CBLT trail network or if you would like to participate in the trail easement program, please contact us. LOU BECKMAN
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CresteD BUtte lAND trUst
sUPPOrt tHe CresteD BUtte lAND trUst IN 2007-2008 the following donors supported the Crested Butte land trust from May 31, 2006 to May 31, 2007. thank you for your generosity and for helping to “Preserve the Present for the Future”. trUstees OF tHe lAND Anonymous Dorothy and russell Budd Donor Advised Fund of the Dallas Foundation rosie Gebhart Dr. and Mrs. John Haley lash and Arlene Hansborough Nita Kubricht Pine tree Foundation ranch reserve, llC richard and Kim sweitzer John taylor, Jr. and elizabeth Carson sUstAINING CONtrIBUtOrs Alpine Acupuncture william and Jill Angel wayne Batwin and sandy Huffman Keith Bauer David and Chris Baxter Dan Bench Harvey Castro william r. and rita M. Collins eugene and shirley Cordes Cristiana Guesthaus Joe Cruz and Jane Kuenzel Alice and robbin Dawson Kevin and sonda Donovan Nicholas and Debby Faes Xavier Fane Dr. M.V. and Judy Filippone Jacob and Martha Geller Melissa Giacchino Alan G. and Gloria M. Heath Jeff Hermanson John Hess linda A. Jennings David and Ann Johnston Michael and Nancy Johnson Bill and suzanne Joyce David and Kathryn larsen Don G. lebrasse and Josephine l. longfellow David and sandra leinsdorf wendy and woody lindenmeyr Mandy loori robert lyman Kenny Marks Judy and william McCormick Dan and Janice Mcelroy travis and Kathy Morrison tim and Diane Mueller randall and shirley Pogue sandra l. Polson trust linda Powers Jay and Daphne shipowitz lowry and leIla smith rA and Diane steele richard and Kim sweitzer James and Barbara thomson J.P. thornton David and Corinne tyler Nickolas M. waser and Mary V. Price Jim watson CONtrIBUtOrs Jerry Abeles Mr. and Mrs. william e. Abraham Gary Achenbach Billy Don and Janis s. Aldridge william H. Alexander richard and Mary Allen Bruce and Deborah Alpern robert and Mary Anderson susan H. Anderton Kirk Apt Gary Arabian Brenda Archer Monica Ariowitsch Karole Armitage Bernard and Judith Armstrong edward and Dee Arnold James D. and Joanne w. Arnott Alan and Joy Ashlock elizabeth Jane Ayarra and Peggy Preston lou r. and Nell F. Baeten, D.D.s., M.s. C.B. Baird, Jr. Beverly Baker Donald r. and Janis Baker Norman and susan Bardeen Jim and Kimberley A. Barefield tony Barnard Paul J. and Kate Barney billy barr rachel Baskfield Miller sarah Baskfield Paul and Judy Beckett lou Beckman richard Behler and Janet shepherd robert Behr and Nancy Graham
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Paul Behrens Donna and Burkey Belser Kevin J. and susan w. Beltz Joseph M. Bender James and Catherine Benedict Charles Bennett, Ph.D. r.C. and Joyce Benson richard C. Berg walker and ruth Berkshire Mr. and Mrs. Fred Berry, Jr. thomas Bielefeld Glee Biery samantha Bilton sawyer Bilton shawna Bilton robert J. and tina M. Bishop Paul and Mary lou Blacharski roy and toni Bliss Michael and Judith Blue stuart Bluestone and Judith Naumburg scott and Jean Bohning rose-Marie Bollier James F. Bolt H. David Bonnett and Anne M. Cargill Peter Booth rebecca Borchers Janet Bowman John and susan Box robert J. and Malla t. Brandenberger John and Kay Braziel william t. and Peggy Breer Dr. and Mrs. robert e. Breeze Grant and Julie Bremer robert D. and susan M. Brickman eric Bridgford and Kathryn tippie steven B. Brincefield, CPM robert H. and laura A. Brodie Dale A. and Christina e. Broekemeier John Brown, Jr. and Mary Nelson Brown richard and sharon Brown roger and linda Brown Michelle Brugiere Michael A. Brummer Dr. and Mrs. John Bruno Bill and Carolyn Brusman Matt and Caroline and Nick Brust Bernard e. and Martha A. Bryson Dale and Georgiana Buckler Gail Burford and Pete lawson Glenn Burnham richard and Martha Burr Fernando D., M.D., and Kathy Burstein Bob and sally Bussian F.M. Buxton Joseph Calandra scott Calhoon Jim Campbell and Heather radley lee and Kathleen s. Cannon Matt Capritto Mollie Carson lisbeth Carter william and Monica Carter Henry and Diana Cashen, II Mike and lisa Champa e. Hugh and linda H. Chappell, Jr. David and Zia Charnack Dr. Barbara Chase larry and rilla Cheeseman David and Bette Chenault ron and Bonnie Chlipala les Choy Jeffrey Christ and Megan McAndless edward l. and Barbara Christian Bruce and Gabriele Clark James r. Cobb Paul and Annie Cohen Jack and Peggy Colby Conrad and Kim Cole Kenneth w. and Mabeth Coleman Darrell and Judy Collins Mark w. and emily G. Collins Dr. and Mrs. Chris Colwell Gus and Karen Comiskey, Jr. Nancy Conant tom F. Cone, Jr. Don Cook and Kay Peterson-Cook Gary and Kirsten Cook Phillip and Austin Coombs reagan and susan Coon Diane Cornwall thomas and Alaine Cosgrove Patricia Cowling thom and sharon Cox Patricia l. Crader winfield Craven, M.D. stuart and shirley Crow James Crowell, III, M.D. Melissa Cunningham Paul t. and Mary J. Cunningham
Joe and liz Currier Mark Daily and lynn Cudlip Brian and Carol Dale Kathy Darrow steve and susan Davis taylor Davis Jim and Diana Day Family Joseph De Compiegne Peter Dea and Cathy l. Carpenter Dea Judith B. Dean Mel Dean susan DeFelice Arlo and Barbara Dekraai Patricia Del tredici Jeffrey Delaney and Dana Beardslee Delaney Peter w. Deleeuw william and Karen Deneka Gwen G. Des Cognets terry and laura Detlefsen Caroline Diani David l. Dimmock, Jr. rick and Karen Divine Carole and Christopher Dobbie richard Dobbin roger and sandy Dorf Curtis and Margaret Dorris sterling and Melinda Doster Fred and Marie Drake robin e. Dreyfuss Bruce Driver and Char Dougherty John and Joyce Dudley Charles and Angela Dumas Nicolle Duncan Peter P. and susan C. Dunda Gilbert r. Dunn and erika ericksen larry and Karen Dunn william and susan Duryea Margaret easly scott w. and Pamela F. eaton David D. and Carole J. ebner ernest eck and Patricia Karlin Dr. Paul r. and Anne H. ehrlich eric eichler John and Mary ellis Paul and Nancy essex Dr. and Mrs. B. Henry estess, Jr. linda Fair steve Farley Charlie Farnan Mrs. theodora l. Feldberg Pierre and Kathleen Felli Frank and linda Fialkoff stephen Figlewski and Carol lipsitch J. Pierre Filardi, M.D. Joseph and Janice Foerch Dr. and Mrs. Ford, Jr. Daniel and Marilyn Foster Missy Fowle Fred and Carol Fowler Keith Frates Nan Frates Gil and lynn Friedlander John M. and shannon Fudge Gilbert l. and Alice Fuld scott and Connie Funk robert J. and Ann Fyfe Charles K. and stephanie r. Gailey, III Bruce Gallagher Phillip and Ann Gallant David and sheri Garvin rob and Marilyn Gentry Jack Gibbons and shelley thomas Mr. and Mrs. James Gibbs Darci Gillespie Janet w. Gillie Deborah and scott Gillman roger A. Glasgow David and sharon Gleeson Gordon r. Gluckman and Julie s. Holland Dan Goetz Nicholas Gradisar Jeff and shannon Graham David and Holly Grainger Bill and susan Grana David Gray and Carolyn Blanchard Balie J. and Beverly Griffith Nicole Gunton Andrew and suzanne wallace Hadley Peter J. Hagen and lindsay Faulkner Hagen richard and Beverly Hagen scott and Heidi Hahn Dr. and Mrs. Arvel Haley Charles e., M.D. and Marcia Haley richard and wendy Hall william l. and Ursula A. Hall, III Fred and Alicia Hallett J. Marshall Hamilton ralph and Carol Hamner
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Julia Hamilton Harms, ttee Kelly B. and tanja Harrison John Harvey lucy Hecker Alan and Marcia Hegeman Joan Heinz Don and Cindy Hempel Casady Henry sandra C. Henry Mary Hense Victor and Joanna Hermann Nick and louisa Hernandez Mr. and Mrs. roger B. Herrscher John and Jill Hickey Karen Hickey Anne A. Hickman Hinds-Bilton Family r.A. Hodges and Mary Ann Clifft robert and Barbara Hoe Ilona Hogan Mr. and Mrs. w. Paul Holladay Gregory Holley Joe and tracy Hollister Paul and Kathy Hooge Jonathan Houck and roanne rouse Houck robert Howard David and lezlie Hudiburg Ben and Mary Gwen Hulsey Grant Humphreys travis Hurley and Julie Perez randy and eric Hustvedt Cyndi lang Ingalls John and Jackie Ingham Brian Inouye and Nora Underwood David and Bonnie Inouye John and simone Irwin randa Jacobs Andrew and Michele Nikki Janssen Karen Janssen Mindaugas and linnea Jatulis steve Jennison tom and Karen Jensen ralph K. and Jean B. Johnsen Carol M. Johnson Jay and Cynthia Johnson russell and Marla Johnson w. tom and Katherine Johnson Alan and Virginia Jones John and Mary Jones rick and Janette Jungers Mark and Jeanette Kagan robin Kaminsky Gregg and Kristine Kampf robert and Barbara Kauffman Peter and Carolyn Kaye James and ruth Keene, III Gary and elizabeth Keiser Polly Keller tim and erin Kelly Peter and Margaret Kennel richard Kimball and Mary louise skinner Anne lamkin Kinder robert and Anita King Paul e. and Mary Alice Kirincic Carol Kline Michael J. and Amanda Knoll Katherine Knorr Nicholas and susan Koch Bob and lisa Koenen Key and Catherine Kolb Bryan and Diane Kovacs Fred and robin Koval Michael and Colette Kraatz Heather Kratz thomas r. Kuhn william and Marjorie laduke Bill langley and sue rouse ladonna largo Chris larsen Gary and linda lawrence Jack and tammy lawrence timothy and Andrea ruth lee Clarke and Charmon lehew edwin lehrburger Frank and Marie leith elyse lePage Anthony levatino and sheila Madigan levatino Iris levin Margot levy Margaret lewis Perry J. and Melissa C. lewis Craig B. libby David and Carolyn light ed and Judy ligon Dr. samuel logan eric and Bette long Kenny and susan lorenzo
John and Debra lucas lucille lucas sam and Nan lumb Paul l. Mack Gerald and Constance Mackey James and susan Maclean Priscilla and Holden, Micala and Manali Macrae Chris and Kelli Maguire Jay and Carolyn Maltby Dana and Vicky Mann James Marra and Marla Covey Archie and Margaret Martin, Jr. JD Martin ronald and Patricia Martin tyler and laura Martineau Donald F. Massman and Julia A. Heersche reggie Masters william Matthews, III Joe and Christine Matyk Jeff and laura Mauck Donna Mayry Dr. John McAllister elizabeth McBreen Judy McGill Charles and Cathy McGinnis Billie and Jim McInturff Charles and susan McKee sammye Meadows Art Mears and Paula lehr Marcel Medved and Jan Parker Kevin and laura Meehan elisabeth Meeker withrow Meeker Mr. and Mrs. Harry Meginnis elise Meier Uwe Meissner John and Katie Meyer erik and lisa Michelsen Allan and Diane Miller Betty Miller David and Patricia Miller David r. Miller Jim and M.J. Miller John e. and Judith Miller Melynda Hogue Miller scott and Kara Miller Mr. and Mrs. william H. Miller, Jr. william w. and ruth N. Miller Virginia Mills walker Mills John e. and Dorothy A. Mitchell thomas and rebecca Mitchell rick and Amy Mittelberg Kenneth and Barbara Moffitt steve Moore and Martha Griffin w. Henson Moore toby r. and Nancy C. Morey r. Gideon and Cindy Morrison, M.D. talie Morrison Nina Morrison-Jarrett James r. and linda Morton Parry Mothershead Barry and lynne Muirhead John and Donna Mullins John and Christy Murchison, Jr. Anne C. Murray ted and Caroline Murray Honeydew Murray sam Myers and Kelsey wirth Buffy Naake John Nachilly and Diana Devalk rod Nash Mike Nelson and sherri Deetz Jeff and Martha Neumann Allan Newcomb Mr. and Mrs. theodore Nodell Donald and Katherine Norgard Donna Novak seth Novatt and Priscilla Natkins Jay and Karen O’Neal Jennifer O’Neal Patrick and Jane O’Neill Mr. and Mrs. David O’reilly Mr. and Mrs. Allen G. Oliphant Adam and Kalee Olmstead Mose Orion and Maren Orion Oppenheimer David Owen lawrence C. and Verin Paddock Dorothy Palu John M. and Judy Panozzo Fred and emily Parsons Ginny Passoth Gerry and lois Pate robert and Monique Patton Joe Patuleia and Jacqueline Mayfield Bill and Cynthia Peatross Dan and Harriet Peavy
CresteD BUtte lAND trUst ron and Vicky Pelinski lori and shawn Perkins thomas H. Perkins Gary and robin Peterson Bert Phillips and Happy Fowler Alfred Pinkerton, M.D. Kenneth and Janet Plake Carl and Diane Polesky richard and Deberah Ponczek steve Porter Garland Porterfield, M.D. David and wendy Powell James and Joan Prentice Heather Prouty Bill and Mary Jane Pryor william and Margaret Puckett robert and Barbara Pyle Gary and Frances rainwater David ralston Jennifer ratico George and elaine rau steve and Michele reep Melanie rees George and Bobbi reinhardt Donald and susan reithel J. royce and e. lee renfrow richard and sharon renwick David and Carol reynolds Kenneth and lucy reynolds Paul and Joanne reynolds Joseph rhone, Jr. lee riciputi and Claudia Mora Jeff and Gloria riddle Chris and sarah riopelle H. Grant and Jill robbins, II Gareth and linda H. roberts Christian robertson James robertson Alexander and lisa roddey J.A. and Judy t. rodriguez, M.D. John rohell william and Anne ronai David rose and Ceil Murray randy and Barbara rosenblatt Brent and Betty rosenthal Diane ross Jane Dunn rossiwall Dr. sandra G. rosswork sharon rouse rudolph and lois rozman Margaret M. rudd thomas and Jessica rutherford John H. ryan Dr. and Mrs. steven A. rymal Dr. and Mrs. V.C. saied scott and Margaret sanders ronda sandquist Fred and Amy sandusky GJ and lisa santelli Mr. and Mrs. richard s. saperstein ralph savarese and roberta McMorrow James and Amy schaeffer Mr. and Mrs. lee schalon Jacob scherr and Carole Dickert-scherr Dave and Betty schneider Gary and Nancy schultz Ann schwab Joseph schwartz Mr. and Mrs. richard l. scoggins thomas w. scoville Judge ross A. and Mariann sears and Jessica Jensen Daniel semegen and susan Firestone semegen Peter and Deborah sershon ronald J. and Donna seuferling elisabeth sherratt A.J. and Julia C. shoup Mr. and Mrs. James simmons Blair simpson richard and tandy simpson randall P. and Marsha singleton Bruce r. and Catherine e. smerch thomas smerling and reena Bernards Bill smith and Jennifer rose Christian and Julie smith Forrest and Dawn smith Harley and Marion smith Michael and Meg smith roy and Brenda smith sara smith Darrell and Harriet sollberger Dr. and Mrs. John soucheray John and Haden spencer Nina scripps spitzley and Adeline M. and Armig smith Margaret A. sporcich raymond sprague and Kathleen J. turner Homer staggs william F. and Marcia A. stamm eric steacy eric steinman Anne steninger Franklin stern and Caroline Mclean
Juliet stillman Jerry and Virginia stone leland and elizabeth stone Michael A. and Carolyn w. stone ward stone Anthony and randi stroh william and suzanne sullivan Mary swanwick edward and eileen swartz larry and Chris tanning robert and Marlo tannous Clayton taylor John taylor, Jr. and elizabeth Carson rich tocher and Julie Vlier John todd and Caroline Crocker scott truex and lisa D’Arrigo Deborah tutnauer and Paul Greenburg Andy and sue tyzzer Michelle U’ren Graham Ullrich and sue schappert Norman B. Urmy Drs. James and Aileen Utley Bill and Anita Vallett Dian Vandemark tracy Vansickle susan Vasko theodore and Martha Violett Julie Vlier Albert V. and Kathryn G. Vogel Nancy Vogel Deborah Voorhees Merci Voorhees Clif walker Joe and ellen walker rod and Vicki walker Kim walter Martha C. warner Hal and Carolyn warnick ward B. watt and Carol Boggs Beth and Ben wegbreit lee and lynn weiner Michael and Donna weinstock Carl and Jamie weisbrod Nancy N. welch Michael and laura werner larry and Alice west Joseph M. westervelt elinor white Marco white Mr. and Mrs. richard whiting roy and susan widjeskog Helen l. wilke Mr. and Mrs. Bruce wilkinson ruth and robert willey C.M. williams Claire williams Craig williams Dr. and Mrs. lacy williams J.w. williamson Chris and Katherine wilson Devon and Grayce wilson Peter and Mary winants william and Diana winkler, M.D. steve winter tim and wren wirth Klaus and Karin wisiol Dr. Jay wolkov Katherine woods Chris and Heather woodward George s. and Judith H. writer, Jr. Jeff writer and eney Jones Jim and Vigie wynn roxanne Ungaro Yates loraine Yeatts robert and susan Youker Barry and Janet Young Fitz and Kerry Young robert and Betsy Zakely rick and Annie Zander lucy Zavala Joe and susan Ziluca ed Zwick and liberty Godshall GrANtOrs 1% for Open space Great Outdoors Colorado the Crested Butte Community Foundation Fund – Anne lamkin Kinder Fund the Crested Butte Community Foundation Fund – the Hickman Family Fund the Crested Butte Community Foundation Fund the Gunnison Area Community Foundation the Gunnison County land Preservation Board the town of Crested Butte FOUNDAtIONs AND CHArItABle OrGANIZAtIONs American express Foundation the Bailey wildlife Foundation
Brandt Foundation Colwell Family Fund at the san Diego Foundation Crested Butte wildflower Festival the Dallas Foundation Dallas Jewish Community Foundation ernst and Young Foundation Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund the Fretthold Family Foundation Helmle shaw Foundation Hidden Pond Foundation Jewish Communal Fund Omaha Community Foundation OppenheimerFunds legacy Matching Gifts Program Papish Family living trust Pritchard Family Foundation richard Goldstein Private Foundation schwab Fund for Charitable Giving the winslow Foundation United technologies Matching Gift Program United way of Central New Mexico BUsINesses AND OrGANIZAtIONs AllianceBernstein Atkins Prospect, llC Bank of the west Betlin Group, llC the Bookie City Market Cares Program Cliggett & Associates, P.C. Coldwell Banker Community Banks of Colorado Crested Butte Bank Cristiana Guesthaus Dandelion Design Dragon sheet Metal eN10, llC ericsson, Inc. Gas Cafe Gears, Inc. Gunnison Bank and trust Company Hatlem Construction Holbrook & smith General Contractors Johnson, Kightlinger, Graham and Co. lAD Properties, llC lehman Brothers Marr Corp. Mcafee enterprises, lP Noreen Construction, Inc. Northstar Commercial Partners Pr Property Management, Inc. Prescor, Inc. renick wood Floors shondeck Financial services and Insurance sKt employees steve Meredith and Associates storage One / Crested Butte, llC tandem Group, llC taylor, turner and Hartsfield trappers Crossing at Crested Butte Association Valco, Inc. wildrose Appraisal, Inc. GIFts IN KIND Kathy Amen Design Ananda Massage and spa Artisan rug Gallery B&B Printing Bacchanale Donna Barker lou Beckman Melissa Belkin Nathan Bilow Photography Bit n’ spur restaurant Buckaroo Beanery smythe Boone wrought Iron sarah Brandt Photography les Choy Cabot Creamery Cement Creek ranch John Chandler Clark’s Market Cookworks sandra Cortner Covered Bridge Bed and Breakfast Crested Butte Community school Crested Butte Music Festival Crested Butte News Crested Butte Nordic Council Crested Butte Printing Crested Butte rental Center Crested Butte ski and snowboard rentals Crested Butte weekly Glo Cunningham Joe Currier Kathy Darrow lisa D’Arrigo Dragonfly Anglers Mitchell Dugger william Duryea James edmiston
Marilyn edmiston Dan ewert sandy Fails Dorothy Falco Ferrell Oil Co. llC Four eighteen Jessica Frankman shiatsu Massage Barb Frase John M. and shannon Fudge Paul Gallaher Joe Garcia randy Garcia Gary Garland Barry and rena Grossman Denis Hall Peter J. Hagan Alan and Marcia Hegeman Jeff Hermanson Christopher t. Herrman ethan Hicks Paul Hird Fred Holbrook shaun Horne John Humphries John Ingham John Fielder Colorado David and Ann Johnston Katie’s Cookery robert Kray Kevin Krill Matthew lancaster le Bosquet JC leacock David and sandra leinsdorf Majestic theatre lucille lucas lucille lucas Gallery and Old Print shop Hilary Mayes tim and Diane Mueller Keely Murphy Jeff Neumann New Belgium Brewery Donald and Katherine Norgard Kinna Öhman Orvis Hotsprings Patagonia linda Powers Practical Potions rocky Mountain trees Jennifer rose Jannette runge Gary schneider Frank smethurst Mike smith raymond John smith Mountain sommeliers Peter sowar John and Haden spencer spin A Christmas tale starr and Associates Doug swift larry and Chris tanning rJ tessier timberline restaurant Brenda turner sally Vennel tom Vulich robert and ruth willey Zion Park Inn CODICIl ClUB Anonymous Frank and tate Brookins Fund richard Kimball and Mary louise skinner Melanie rees IN HONOr Clifford t. and susan D. Beckman in honor of lou Beckman and Pete Davis Donna and Burkey Belser in honor of thomas w. scoville F.M. Buxton in honor of talie Morrison Kenneth w. and Mabeth Coleman in honor of the birth of Margaret Coleman Crested Butte / Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce in honor of Denis Hall Joe Cruz and Jane Kuenzel in honor of the marriage of Courtney Mclean and Andy Garrison Dr. and Mrs. Ford, Jr. in honor of Henry estess David and sheri Garvin in honor of John and Margie Haley Dr. and Mrs. Arvel Haley in honor of Margie Haley John Harvey in honor of John and Margie Haley Victor and Joanna Hermann in honor of steve and Josie rochell Alan and Virginia Jones in honor of John and Margie Haley Dr. samuel logan in honor of
Bill renfrow’s 90th birthday erik and lisa Michelsen in honor of tom, Polly and Page thompson Joe Patuleia and Jacqueline Mayfield in honor of thomas w. scoville Carl and Diane Polesky in honor of Ken reynolds birthday Heather Prouty in honor of Douglas Higley Jennifer ratico in honor of lyn Jagaciewski’s wedding Jacob scherr and Carole Dickert-scherr in honor of thomas w. scoville Merci Voorhees in honor of Deborah Voorhees rod and Vicki walker in honor of the 40th wedding anniversary of Jim and ruth Keene thomas M., II and leewood woodell, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ingraham, Mr. and Mrs. thomas Biery and Mr. and Mrs. william Manuel IN MeMOrY Alice Drudge and Kathy Krucker in memory of william Martindell roberta erickson in memory of william Martindell Kiley Flint in memory of Jim Gebhart K. Donald and Joanne Jensen in memory of Chris Hansen Don G. lebrasse and Josephine l. longfellow in memory of Violet Hulcher Don G. lebrasse and Josephine l. longfellow in memory of Dave scudder Charke and Charmon lehew in memory of Helen weese Mr. and Mrs. tom Murphy in memory of her father eric Peterson and Cathy steinberger in memory of Jim Gebhart Bert Phillips and Happy Fowler in memory of Jim Gebhart Graham Ullrich and sue schappert in memory of Jim Gebhart In Memory of Chris Mikesell robert and Mary Anderson Anonymous Bernard and Judith Armstrong Michael and Judith Blue scott and Jean Bohning Mike and lisa Champa larry and rilla Cheeseman Crested Butte Mountain resort susan DeFelice Patricia Del tredici eldora enterprises, llC Mike, Vicki, stefanie and Katie Fightmaster richard and Beverly Hagen r.A. Hodges and Mary Ann Clifft Dr. Daniel Massie rex Matlack elizabeth McBreen Billie and Jim McInturff Virginia Mills walker Mills Papish Family living trust Fred and emily Parsons lori and shawn Perkins elisabeth and Heidi sherratt sKt employees sara smith ward stone Katherine woods stewArDs OF tHe lAND the Crested Butte land trust thanks the following families and organizations for their generous land contributions and preservation efforts: Allen, Anders, Beitner, Bench, Betz, Biery, Burstein, Cavalli, Conroad Associates lP, Cosentino, DePasquale, Divine, eccher, Gallin, Gebhart, Gronk, llC, Huckeby, Jucha, Kapushion, Kennel, Kroft, Kubricht, Mcelroy, McGill, Mead, Meredith, Miller, Niccoli, Ochs, Oso & luna, llC, Passow, Peery, Pitkin Iron Co., robbins, robinson, rocky Mountain Biological laboratory, rolling river, llC, rozman, silka, smith, stratman, trout ranch llC, Us energy, Us Forest service, Utley, Zeligman CADDIs CUP FlY FIsHING tOUrNAMeNt CHAMPIONs 2006 Chip Fudge 2005 Jack McAllister 2004 John C. Dawson, Jr. 2003 Charles Ferrell 2002 Jason Grellhesl Background photo: Peter sower
If we have inadvertently left you out, please let us know. we thank you for your gift and we apologize for this oversight.
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KEVIN KRILL
C RESTE D B U TTE L A N D TR U ST
Gliding Gently or Skating Strong By Sonda Donovan
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pen space provides numerous returns. In the Crested Butte community, one of the benefits we reap from preserved land is cross-country skiing trails. Think Woods Walk… Lower Loop… and Robinson Parcel too! The Crested Butte Land Trust has worked in collaboration with the Crested Butte Nordic Council, the Town of Crested Butte and generous landowners to obtain ski trail easements and to utilize land that the Land Trust owns to provide ski trails to the public. According to Keith Bauer, Director of the Crested Butte Nordic Council, over one-third of the groomed Nordic trails that outdoor enthusiasts enjoy are on CBLT preserved land. This past winter, Crested Butte South residents had the benefit of a groomed Nordic trail on the Niccoli Ranch. CBLT purchased 36.77 acres of the Niccoli Ranch in December of 2006. Thanks to the generosity of landowner Bob Niccoli, who allowed the Nordic trail to wind over the remaining 36 acres of his ranch, the Land Trust contracted with the Nordic Council for a groomed trail. “The new Nordic trail at the Niccoli Ranch across from Crested Butte South is the best new amenity for the upper East River Valley in 2007,”
reported Flyingcracker.com. “We’ve skied the track. We’ve talked with neighbors, friends, and tourists on the track. We’ve watched skiers glide round and round from our home across the river. The scenery is spectacular and the track setting and layout just perfect.” The Crested Butte Land Trust is still fundraising to pay for the initial 36.77 acres of the Niccoli Ranch. The continued Nordic trail will be dependent on the Land Trust securing funds to purchase the remaining 36 acres as well. The Nordic Council is working to secure even more kilometers of groomed skiing. A current goal is to connect two other CBLT parcels, Magic Meadows and Gunsight Bridge. This connector trail across Bureau of Land Management land will be called “Mike’s Mile”, to honor former Crested Butte resident Mike Martin. This connector will allow Nordic trail users to ski from the Town of Crested Butte to the Slate River and beyond. The Crested Butte Land Trust will continue its dedication to both winter and summer public trail access. The Land Trust looks forward to a continued partnership with the Crested Butte Nordic Council and the Town of Crested Butte.
The Trust for Public Land — Helping Colorado Play Outdoors By Scott Dissel The Gunnison River Valley is one of Colorado’s special landscapes. From its lower-elevation working farms and ranches to its high-elevation wild lands, it harbors a host of places that are much loved by locals and visitors alike. The Crested Butte Land Trust and The Trust for Public Land have recognized this fact for years, and continue to work together for the benefit of the land and people of the area. The Trust for Public Land (TPL), often working in partnership with the Crested Butte Land Trust (CBLT), Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Town of Crested Butte, and Gunnison County, has conserved nearly 2,400 acres of Gunnison County land since 1992. These lands represent areas much loved by the communities from Gunnison to Crested Butte, including the beautiful high-country lands in the High Elk Corridor, among others.
High Elk Corridor The partnership between CBLT and TPL came
of age with the High Elk Corridor Project. Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) recognized that half of the townsite of Schofield was for sale and moved to protect this sensitive area. CBLT, RMBL and CBMR purchased 62 acres of the plated townsite of Schofield with the help of TPL. Since then, TPL, CBLT, RMBL and Aspen Valley Land Trust have worked together to protect other mining claims in the area. 8
Eccher Ranch, Crested Butte Situated in the scenic gateway of Crested Butte, 140 acres of this family ranch were preserved as open space in 1993 in a unique arrangement between TPL and the Town of Crested Butte. TPL committed the funds and accomplished the transaction that preserved this ranch, holding the property with a promise from the Town that it would purchase it when funds became available. The Town used the Real Estate Transfer Tax to pay for the ranch over a 10-year period. Three Rivers Resort, Gunnison County This 4.3-acre parcel
was acquired by TPL in 1995 for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, to provide one of the few fishing access points along this stretch of the Gunnison River. Now the main boat launch at Almont, this critical point provides access for locals and visitors, enhancing the summer economy of the area.
Van Tuyl Ranch, Gunnison County Located on the Gunnison River, with over a mile of river frontage, this 463-acre property was preserved for the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Gunnison County in 1992, and provides fishing access to the river. Partnerships such as those between the Crested Butte Land Trust and The Trust for Public Land are the powerful tools needed to protect the special places of Gunnison County.
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Smart Communities Preserve Land By Ann Johnston
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mart communities preserve land. Our heritage in Crested Butte is our ranches, our magnificent forest and trail systems, and our rivers, streams and creeks. By preserving the land, we preserve the unique character of the East River Valley. Smart communities preserve land. Open space has the unique ability to benefit everyone. People of all beliefs and interests can value open spaces for their recreational, educational and spiritual enrichment. Smart communities preserve land. Tourism is the predominant industry in the Upper Gunnison Basin. Importantly, tourists visit our area to escape urbanism and to appreciate our beautiful, natural landscapes. Permanently protecting recreational areas provides direct income to the community. Approximately 60% of local residents have jobs related to tourism. Recreation is a sustainable industry that provides a stable, lasting income for the local community. Our residents and visitors come here to recreate outdoors. There are both direct and indirect economic values to outdoor recreation. Direct components include equipment, clothing and footwear purchases. Indirect components include food, transportation, lodging and miscellaneous items such as souvenirs. Smart communities preserve land. The economic benefits from land
conservation are far reaching and long lasting. Communities with open space enjoy greater economic vitality than communities without protected green spaces. Open space generates income to our valley from increased sales tax revenues. Additionally, open space plays a role in attracting businesses and affluent retirees. People are drawn to the East River Valley because we have made a commitment to our quality of life, and we have distinguished ourselves from the unfortunate fate of Colorado’s other mountain valleys that have lost their ranches, vistas and wildlife. Smart communities preserve land. Natural habitat is essential to filter sediments, prevent pollution of surface and ground waters, recharge aquifers and maintain wildlife habitat. Healthy watersheds are important not only for the natural environment, but also for the local economy. Healthy watersheds save millions of dollars that do not have to be spent on water filtration. By preserving land, we help ensure that the gift of clean air and water can be given to our children and our children’s children. Smart communities preserve land, and we all benefit, in countless ways, by protecting the incredible natural beauty that surrounds us. JANNETTE RUNGE
Colorado Provides Lucrative Tool to Landowners By Ann Johnston If you are looking for a way to preserve your land and gain money or tax credits doing it, perhaps the Colorado Conservation Tax Credit program can benefit you. Because the Colorado economy is based in part on tourism, Coloradoans are encouraged by the state to protect land that has sufficient conservation values. Professionals estimate that land donations in the state have tripled as a direct result of the creation of transferrable Conservation Credit programs. Specifically, if the landowner does not need to utilize the tax credit personally, he or she may sell the tax credit. Colorado residents and visitors are fortunate that the state of Colorado provides a lucrative tool that enables landowners to preserve land in perpetuity, maintaining the cb lt @ c r e s t e dbut t e . n e t
majestic views, open space, and wildlife habitat that we all cherish and enjoy. Colorado’s program ensures that there is significant public benefit in regard to conservation values. In addition, the landowner could receive a tax credit of up to $375,000 on a donated conservation easement. Colorado has restrictions in place to ensure that the public benefit is maintained when tax credits are given. Additionally, landowners may not earn more than one tax credit annually. Colorado also requires that if a landowner earns a credit, he or she may not earn another credit until all value from the first credit is applied to income taxes or is relinquished.
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TOM VULICH
C RESTE D B U TTE L A N D TR U ST
Married in the Mountains By Mandy Loori
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elebrate your wedding in splendor, surrounded by the magnificent beauty and open space that skirts Crested Butte. The Crested Butte Land Trust has protected extraordinary parcels in the East River Valley. For the past several years, CBLT and landowner Jeff Hermanson have allowed the public to hold wedding ceremonies on some of these stunning open lands. It is our goal to allow the public to enjoy these visual treasures whenever possible. A wedding nestled in the heart of the beautiful Rockies will make this special occasion one that you and your guests will treasure always. The bright green buds unfolding in the spring, the blooming wildflowers in the summer, and the vibrant leaves in the fall will accentuate your ceremony. Showcase your special day with an outside wedding among the amazing mountain peaks and spectacular views that surround Crested Butte.
1% For Open Space PROGRAM — GROWING AND GIVING By Molly Murfee The 1% for Open Space program has had an amazing year of giving, adding new businesses and garnering more support in the Gunnison community. Granting a grand total of $210,000 from the summer of 2006 to the present helped to preserve a total of 206 acres within seven major areas in the valley. This brought the total to $983,196.53 spent on 4,044 acres through gifts to the Crested Butte Land Trust, the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy and the Trust for Public Land. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a new recipient of direct 1% for Open Space funds. With TPL already having protected nearly 1,250 acres of land that stretches between the towns of Gothic and Marble in its High Elk Corridor project, the 1% for Open Space program helped them complete several new projects in the area throughout the year. One TPL project purchased 28 acres at Paradise Divide, including a portion of the pond at the summit of the pass and lands improving access to the southern end of the Yule Creek trail. With this money they also purchased two 1-acre building lots in Schofield Park in the heart of the High Elk Corridor. The Paradise Basin and Crystal Peak parcels preserved by TPL with the help of 1% for Open Space total 46 acres in five separate mining claims. The Paradise Basin claims are an essential part of preserving land within Baldy Peak’s basin. The area is known for its lush fields
and high alpine wildflowers. The Crystal Peak parcels help preserve the summit of one of the region’s popular mountains offering views from Crested Butte to Marble. Additionally, TPL purchased 23 acres along the Yule Creek trail, a popular “through hike” from Crested Butte to Marble. The Crested Butte Land Trust has also utilized 1% for Open Space funds to secure their projects. They recently received a grant to purchase the 70-acre Kikel parcel in the Slate River Valley as well as for the 36.77 acres of the Phase I purchase of the Niccoli Ranch in the Highway 135 corridor. Additionally, the 1% for Open Space program has added seventeen new businesses to the roster. Crested Butte Mountain Resort expanded their participation with the Gothic Cafeteria, the Woodstone Grill, the Woodstone Deli, Atmosphere, Rustica, the General Store, the Grand Lodge Gift Shop and Elevation Station. The Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, Crested Butte Wild Mushroom Festival, Studio West, Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven, Alpine Mortgage Group and the Sunshine Deli are also new contributors to the program. Without the support of our participating businesses, this program could not exist. Please visit the following establishments. Give them your business and your thanks for helping make a difference in the Gunnison Valley:
Alpengardener Alpineer Alpine Mortgage Group Animal Hospital of Crested Butte Artisan Rug Gallery Susie Attaway Audrey Anderson Bacchanale Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven Crested Butte International Hostel and Lodge Crested Butte Medical Center Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum Crested Butte Mountain Resort Ice Bar Paradise Warming House Gothic Cafeteria Butte 66 Woodstone Grill Woodstone Deli
Elk Avenue Medical Center Elk Mountain Lodge Elk Mountain Floor Covering / Red Horse Tile Evans Contracting Flying Petito Sisters Video Store Gunnison Brewery Gunnison Country Times Interior Visions Karen Adelman Acupuncture Le Bosquet Lynn Moore Lucille Lucas Gallery Mabuhay Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle Mountain Colors Decorating Center Mountain Spirits Liquors The Mountain Store Nathan Bilow Photography The Natural Butte Paragon Gallery
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Base Area Basics On Mountain Basics Atmosphere Rustica The General Store Grand Lodge Gift Shop Elevation Station Crested Butte News Crested Butte Nordic Council Crested Butte Property Management Crested Butte True Value Crested Butte Weekly Crested Butte Wild Mushroom Festival Cement Creek Ranch Clear Rivers Skin Care and Waxing Coldwell Banker Bighorn Realty Donita’s Cantina Dragon Sheet Metal Dragonfly Anglers
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Pema Dawa Pioneer Guest Cabins Pitas in Paradise Pooh’s Corner Red Lady Realty Rocky Mountain Biological Lab / Gothic Store Rocky Mountain Sports Medicine Rocky Mountain Trees and Landscaping Round Mountain Organics Secret Stash Spellbound Furniture Works Studio West Sunshine Deli Take Five Chair Massage Timberline Mechanical Town of Mt. Crested Butte Troutfitter Sports Water Wheel Inn Why Cook?
C RESTE D B U TTE L A N D TR U ST NATHAN BILOW
Preserving our Sacred, Pristine Valley By Jennifer Rose
“Thousands of tired, nerve shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home, that wilderness is a necessity.” John Muir 1838-1914
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n our 17th year of preserving open space, the Crested Butte Land Trust has conserved close to 4,000 acres of land in the Gunnison Valley. This land will be enjoyed in perpetuity by generations of people, wildlife and plant life yet to come. In a world where few things are forever, these revered, special parcels of land will forever live on in an undeveloped state. Preserving land in perpetuity is sacred work. It takes great effort to maintain a balance between growth and life in a natural state. It
is critical that we preserve pristine areas now, as in years to come we simply may not be able to afford to do so. In order to move forward with new projects, we must continue the challenge of raising money for our present projects, and it is immensely important to have your continued support. Please play a role in preserving our valley! Your tax-deductible donation is a gift that will last forever. Thank you for your continued support over the years, and we hope you enjoy the open space!
Fondly Remembering Fred Field By Sandy Leinsdorf One of Gunnison County’s greatest supporters of land conservation and the protection of our ranching heritage was lost to our community this year. Long-time rancher Fred Field will be missed by the Crested Butte Land Trust, who appreciated his hard work as Gunnison County commissioner and his representation on the County Land Preservation Board. One of Fred’s many legacies was the endeavor to bury the power lines between Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. This project proposed by landowners, Gunnison County, and Gunnison County Electric Association will be successful largely because of Fred’s efforts. Working through many challenges, Fred negotiated with funding partners and landowners to facilitate completion of the power line burial.
Motivated by the protection of view corridors and the expanding needs of the Mt. Crested Butte community as future growth increases utility needs, this undertaking is a necessary community project that involved participation by the Crested Butte Land Trust. The Land Trust donated financial support and an easement on our Robinson parcel along the Gothic Road. After four years of planning and fundraising, Fred’s efforts should see fruition this summer as the power lines are removed from the Gothic Road and buried underground. Fred’s contribution to our view corridor in the Slate River Valley will always be remembered by the Crested Butte Land Trust as we continue to protect the open spaces that he worked so hard to preserve.
WELCOMING NEW STAFF Please join US in welcoming Ben Gillie to the staff this summer as our stewardship coordinator. Ben is on break from his studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Ben grew up in Crested Butte and graduated from the Crested Butte Community School, where he was active in hockey, baseball, soccer, track, biking and climbing. Ben’s enthusiasm, athleticism and local knowledge will serve him well in stewarding and managing the Crested Butte Land Trust properties and conservation easements. cb lt @ c r e s t e dbut t e . n e t
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KEVIN KRILL
C RESTE D B U TTE L A N D TR U ST
A True Success The Peanut Mine Reclamation Project
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By Jim Starr
hat used to be a collec tion of large coal waste piles, rusting machinery, and dangerous sludge ponds filled with heavy metals has been transformed into a beautiful open space area used extensively for recreational purposes. The Peanut Mine parcel, owned by the non-profit Peanut Mine, Inc., has changed significantly in the past two years. Peanut Mine has been reclaimed through the cooperative efforts of Peanut Mine, Inc., Crested Butte Land Trust, Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology, Colorado Department of Health, Town of Crested Butte, Gunnison County, Gates Foundation and many private donors. Most of the work was completed during the fall of 2005 and culminated in a community tree planting that included more than 75 volunteers who planted over 4,700 trees and shrubs. Last summer, remediation work was done to one of the ponds that still held heavy metals and had some minor drainage problems.
This year, if funding becomes available, we would like to isolate or remove the tailings underneath the road across the parcel which forms part of the Lower Loop trail. Peanut Mine, Inc., decided it would be helpful to complete this work to minimize the risk of drain water pollution and to minimize the odor coming from the roadway during times of heavy rainfall. We will also be repairing fence, pulling weeds and assisting the growth of the substantial planting which occurred on the parcel in 2005. In a couple of years, the reclaimed mine will be much greener and we should start to see significant growth in the trees which were planted. Please visit the Peanut Mine parcel. It has been reclaimed for our recreational use and the views of Paradise Divide from the property are incredible. Once again, a big thank you to all of you who made this important project a true success. The generations to follow will be able to enjoy this reclaimed mine site forever.
Eradicating Weeds Helps Wildflowers Flourish By John Hess We need your help! Scentless chamomile daisies, the fuzzy white daisies that grow along the Peanut Lake Road and at new construction sites throughout the town and valley, are choking out their native wildflower neighbors. Failure to control these plants can result in their taking over a site. Rather than having a diverse community of plants and wildflowers, we could end up with a monoculture of invasive white daisies. Please come out to Peanut Mine and help us pull the daisies, or when you take a walk or bike ride to the Lower Loop, stop by and spend a halfhour pulling daisies. Spring is a really good time to pull the daisies because they have not yet blossomed and have not produced seed. Please leave the non-flowering portion of the plant, including all the roots, on a rock so they will dry out and not re-root. A “mini tiller” or dandelion
puller can be very helpful, and these are available at the True Value hardware store. After spring, the best time to pull daisies is after a good rain when it is easier to pull both the above ground plant and the roots. After the daisies begin blooming, please place all flowers, and any part of the plant that could re-seed, in a grocery bag and toss it in your trash. Don’t worry about the new fence. The fence was not erected to keep people out. Rather, the fence was built to keep the cows from eating the 4,700 tree saplings and the $8,000 worth of native plant and wildflower seed which we planted in 2005 with the help of 75 community members. Thank you for your help. If we can address the daisies at Peanut Mine now, we can avoid using chemicals on these plants in the future at this reclaimed site.
Special thanks go to Kathy Amen, Sandy Fails and Crested Butte Printing for helping to make this newsletter possible.