Snodgrass

In 2015, 1% for Open Space pledged $125,000 to the Crested Butte Land Trust’s Snodgrass project. This land conservation effort will permanently preserve 110 acres on the eastern flank of Snodgrass Mountain as well as access to the Snodgrass Trailhead. The entire project consists of Parcels 1 (96 acres) and 2 (9.29 acres) of the Promontory Ranch as well as the new addition of the Ingraham Parcel (4.95 acres).

1% believes the Snodgrass project carries the same value and magnitude of importance as that of the Lower Loop. The organization is thrilled that access to the trail head will forever be preserved but of equal value, however, is the gorgeous land that stretches north of the trailhead. Here are expanses of wildflower meadows, aspen forests, streams and views from Gothic Mountain to Bellview. 

For 1% for Open Space, the project addresses several of the core values that guide their funding decisions. In this project, access to recreation is the big one with the Snodgrass Trailhead. But the project also preserves land important for resting, foraging and migration habitat of many animals including the endangered Canada lynx. Watershed integrity is preserved through the three streams protected in this area that serve as tributaries to the East River and into Washington Gulch. And large open space view sheds are preserved as the property borders Gunnison National Forest and creates a buffer between the town of Mt. Crested Butte and the Gothic town-site.