Rozman Ranch

In 2004 and again in 2008, 1% for Open Space granted the Crested Butte Land Trust a total of $100,000 for a conservation easement on 518 acres of the Rozman Ranch. The Rozman Ranch is located between the foot of Whetstone Mountain and Highway 135 on the south west side of the road approximately 3 miles south of Crested Butte. The ranch encompasses many different ecosystems including important wetlands that provide habitat for many species of birds like the Bald Eagle. The addition of a conservation easement on the Rozman Ranch adds to a long stretch of ranch land conserved under other conservation easements creating an almost seven mile stretch of open space leading up to Crested Butte. This effort to create a chain of preserved ranch land bordering National Forest is part of a larger effort called the Gunnison Headwaters Partnership which the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy, The Nature Conservancy and the Crested Butte Land Trust started.

1% for Open Space found this conservation easement important to support for many reasons including its diversity of ecosystems. Within the Rozman Ranch are wetlands, grazing pastures, hay meadows and forested lands which provide wildlife habitat and an elk migration corridor. Along with the 100 or so cattle raised on the ranch throughout the year, other species like the endanger Lynx and the endangered Boreal Toad can be found on the property. While public access and recreation are not included in this conservation easement, the public can enjoy a forever open view of Whetstone as they drive along Highway 135. This conservation easement was made possible by the Crested Butte Land Trust with help from Great Outdoors Colorado, the Gates Family Foundation, the Gunnison Valley Land Preservation Board, the Town of Crested Butte, the landowners and other private donations and, of course, 1% for Open Space.