Razor Creek Ranch

As part of an effort that took place over 11 years, 1% for Open Space gave $2,800 to the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy’s effort to help preserve Greg Peterson’s Razor Creek Ranch through a 460-acre conservation easement. In 2001, 1% funds were used to protect 150 acres of this same ranch, and again in 2006 to protect an additional 430 acres totaling 1060 acres. This conservation easement creates a network of 2,927 acres of protected lands in the Razor Creek Valley, which is also home to the imperiled Gunnison Sage Grouse. Additional funders to this project were Great Outdoors Colorado, the Gunnison Valley Land Preservation Fund, the Gunnison Sage Grouse Mitigation Fund, the Jim Gebhart Memorial Fund, and some private donations.

This 2012 conservation easement was the final of three conservation easements on the Razor Creek Ranch property. It includes 300 acres of irrigated pastures that are designated as “Lands of Statewide Importance” by the Natural Resources Conservation Servicebecause they procide critical brood-rearing and nesting habitat for the Gunnison Sage Grouse as well as other species. The easement also includes a half mile of Razor Creek and provides beautiful open view sheds.

The ranch is located in the Gunnison Basin Megasite, which is considered to be of “Critical Global Significance” by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) considers the Gunnison Basin to be a priority conservation area. The area’s biologically rich landscape received a “high” ranking in TNC’s assessment process. The property is also located in the Gunnison Basin Priority Landscape designated by the Colorado Conservation Partnership’s “Keep It Colorado” initiative.

The conservation easement ensures that the land will be available for food production in perpetuity. The undeveloped property will also continue to provide wildlife habitat and scenic views.