Guerrieri-Mill Creek

In 1999, 1% for Open Space granted the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy $1,750 for the purchase of a conservation easement on 160 acres comprising the Guerrieri Mill Creek Mountain Parcel. The Guerrieri Mill Creek Mountain Parcel is located at the end of Mill Creek Road approximately 13.5 miles north of the town of Gunnison. The land was originally hunting grounds for the Ute tribe, then used as a coalmine in 1920, then purchased and used for grazing cattle in 1981. The land abuts National Forest on all four sides, meaning that the conservation easement preserves open space between National Forest in perpetuity. The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust holds the conservation easement.

1% for Open Space was happy to play a part in securing this conservation easement for many reasons. The value of preserving the property’s open space is quadrupled by the fact that it is surrounded by National Forest and is a gateway to the West Elk Wilderness. As there was, and still is, considerable development pressure in the Ohio Creek Valley it was necessary to preserve land higher up in the valley to protect the uninterrupted open space, wildlife habitat and migration corridors. The many ecosystems that make up the land are unique for grazing because of their high altitude. Between 9,200 and 10,000 feet the property provides a habitat for many high alpine species and is home to many high alpine flora. Lastly, the easement allows for cattle grazing on the property in perpetuity, protecting the Gunnison Valley’s ranching heritage.