Kikel Lot 3

In September of 2021, 1% for Open Space granted the Crested Butte Land Trust $115,000 for the land acquisition and stewardship of the third and final Kikel property. This 59 +/- acre parcel sits on the southwestern flank of Smith Hill in the renowned Slate River Valley. This land is almost entirely surrounded by conserved land and had it not been conserved in this effort, posed a significant risk of being developed. The effort to conserve this property is part of a 30 year long effort of land conservation in the Gunnison Valley with a large portion of this conservation effort focused on the Slate River Valley.

1% for Open Space unanimously voted to fund this project for many reasons. Not only does this project align with our mission 100% but the property itself is of incredibly high conservation value. Being almost entirely surrounded by already conserved land, being home to a local elk herd, holding access to the Gunsight Connector trail from Lupine Trail, providing one of the most scenic views in Crested Butte and also allowing grazing rights, this conservation project really checks all the boxes. As always, we could not fund this project were it not for our partnering businesses who collectively raised the funds to support this project.

Photo: Xavi Fane