Welcome to 1% for Open Space

1% for Open Space funds open space projects in the Gunnison Valley. This permanently protected land helps preserve:

  • Our spectacular viewsheds
  • Recreational access
  • Wildlife habitat
  • Ranching heritage
  • Rural lifestyle
  • Watershed and ecosystem integrity

How 1% for Open Space Works

1% for Open Space is a consortium of local businesses working to permanently preserve open space in Gunnison County.  100% of our income is collected by these businesses.  This open space serves to protect our spectacular viewsheds, recreational access, wildlife habitat, ranching heritage, rural lifestyle, and watershed and ecosystem integrity. 1% for Open Space is the oldest, most established and most successful collection program of its kind in the country.  … Read more

Updates for Businesses

Need Supplies?

Get ready for winter!  As you gear up for our winter season, be sure to let Molly know if you need any new signs, Employee Fact Sheet, remittance envelopes or other such materials.   … Read more

Tell the World You Love 1%!

Remember to include the 1% for Open Space logo on your own website, ads and other media materials. Contact Molly if you need the logo or desire specific wording to brag about all you're doing to preserve open space in Gunnison County. … Read more

Be EnergyWise

1% for Open Space is proud to be one of the Office for Resource Efficiency’s EnergyWise Business program participants.  We believe that when you’re an organization whose sole mission is to preserve open space land, you better make sure you’re doing nothing to harm that land either.  We want to run a business that causes the least amount of impact on the planet as possible. Our experience with EnergyWise has been AMAZING!  We’ve performed a myriad of energy efficient upgrades and eagerly anticipate our year anniversary to see just … Read more

Recent Projects

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1% and RMBL Continue Preserving Schofield Park

1% for Open Space has recently helped the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory purchase more Schofield Park properties for permanent preservation.  The purchase totals twelve lots, or 1.89 acres and is directly adjacent … Read more

Schofield Park

1% and RMBL Saving Schofield Park

1% for Open Space funded the purchase of ten lots totaling 1.1 acres in Schofield Park this June 2011. Purchase of these lots was facilitated by the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), who will match the 1% … Read more

Cold Spring Ranch

Pledged $55,000 to Help Preserve Cold Spring Ranch

1% for Open Space has recently pledged $55,000 to assist in the purchase of a conservation easement on 190 acres of Cold Spring Ranch. Owned by Myrtle and Michele Veltri, Cold Spring Ranch is situated at the gateway of … Read more

News and Events

Baxter Gulch

Baxter Gulch Trail Begun

The beginnings of the new Baxter Gulch Trail commenced this summer with a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado funding a group from the Colorado Youth Conservation Corps to begin trailwork. About 10 youth, ages 17—22, built approximately 1/2 mile of the trail.  The trail is at an 8% grade and 24” … Read more

Kikel preserved acres

New Kikel Trail Talks

Discussions have begun with the Kochevar Trails Coalition with the Crested Butte Land Trust leading the charge to connect the new Lupine Trail on the Kochevar Parcel with the Kikel Parcel with a new trail.  The new trail would link the Lupine Trail through Kikel to meet the Slate River Road near … Read more

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Gunsight Bridge Reclaimed

In 2002 1% for Open Space gave $50,000  to the Crested Butte Land Trust to preserve 120 acres at Gunsight Bridge.  The parcel serves as an important connector between the Lower Loop and BLM land, essentially allowing residents and visitors the opportunity to access wilderness land directly from … Read more