MLT 2014 Annual Report

Lands for Tomorrow
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
It is my great pleasure to share this Annual Report with you. The Land Trust has much
to celebrate, and I trust you will enjoy reading about the places your support has
helped conserve and the people that make our work more meaningful.
More than a generation ago, Harry and Bonnie Talbott protected their first peach farm,
an orchard perched on a bluff above the Colorado River. They entered into one of the
Land Trust’s first conservation easements at a time when this was nearly unheard of in
Colorado. Harry and Bonnie took this unprecedented step to secure the future, that of
the peach industry, a way of life, and their family. As fourth generation fruit growers,
they understood the need to think about the long term.
Fast forward 32 years. Harry and Bonnie recently sold this farm to their grandson, the
sixth generation of Talbott orchardists. It was no accident that they sold this particular
property. The conservation agreement brought the land’s price down to its agricultural
value so that it was affordable to a beginning farmer. The easement also ensured that
regardless of ownership, the farm will always remain available for agriculture, an overriding goal for Harry and Bonnie.
I share this story because our work is not just beautiful places, productive landscapes,
and wildlife habitat, but also about the generations of people whom our work impacts,
not just today but into the future. In the pages that follow, you will learn about how
conservation means both preserving family heritage and instilling values in the next
generation.
As visionary as their action was, I don’t suspect that Harry and Bonnie foresaw one day
selling that farm to a grandchild whose birth would not occur for a decade. Nor do I
suppose that they anticipated that their 1982 conservation agreement would lead to
200 more protecting over 100 square miles.
But I do know that like so many of us, the Talbotts saw the importance of conserving
land that represented not just the past but also opportunities for the future.
Of course, none of the Land Trust’s work would be possible without your support.
Thank you. I am grateful for the generosity of this community and humbled to be able
to work with so many to shape a legacy for generations that follow.
Warm Regards,
Rob Bleiberg
Executive Director
Our Mission
To conserve agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, and scenic natural lands in and
around Mesa County to benefit the community at large.
Glade Park, Photo by Malcolm G. Childers
Board of Directors
Van Graham, President
Steve McCall, Vice President
Barbara Chamberlin, Secretary
Gus Sublette, Treasurer
Belle Chesnick
Pam Childers
Sandie Cooper
Margery Fillinger
Chuck McDaniel
Guy Parker
Bill Prakken
Jane Quimby
Janine Rider
R.B. “Mike” Sewell
Max Stites
Russ Walker
Emeritus Directors
H. Lee Ambrose
Victor Bernhard
Doris Butler
John Butler
Blaine Derrick 1919-2012
Elvis Guin 1928-2007
Mike Mechau
Skip Mottram 1940-2011
Ivan Wood
Staff
Rob Bleiberg,
Executive Director
Libby Collins,
Project Coordinator
Diana Cort,
Stewardship Director
Mary W. Hughes,
Development Officer
Ilana Moir,
Land Protection Specialist
Allison Rehor,
Manager of Finance and Operations
Project Contractor
Susan Lohr, Mesa County
Community Separator Program
Contact
Mailing/Physical
1006 Main Street
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Phone: 970.263.5443
Fax: 970.243.4135
www.mesalandtrust.org
1
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
Front Cover: Plateau Valley Homestead,
Photo by Malcolm G. Childers
Past Shapes the Present in the Plateau Valley
For Land Trust Board member Max Stites, conservation gets personal. Max traces his Plateau Valley roots back four generations.
Over the last decades, Mesa Land Trust has completed 31 conservation agreements, protecting over 14,500 acres of Plateau Valley
ranchland and wildlife habitat. Protected acreage includes irrigated pastures and migration corridors utilized by elk, deer, and other
wildlife species. We are delighted that Max has generously shared his family’s story with us.
“Heber Young and John Stites were big rawboned young men ready for the herculean task of homesteading in the Plateau Valley in
1885. Sage brush and cedar trees had to be cleared, endless rocks picked and removed, fields plowed and planted, ditches dug,
simple dwellings built, and reservoirs constructed on the Grand Mesa to store water.
Heber, my mom’s grandfather and a nephew of Brigham Young, left Utah
looking for a new beginning. He, his wife Lucinda, and her mother and
brothers made the trek by covered wagons, stopping just before they forded
the Grand (Colorado) River near Palisade so that Lucinda could give birth
to her first son, Clark. Lucinda’s mother, who was a mid-wife, delivered the
baby. Following a rough trail up Rapid Creek, they eventually reached the
Plateau Valley.
They homesteaded on what became known as Mormon Mesa and the
original cabin Heber built stood until fire destroyed it three years ago.
Remaining is a unique “bull” fence he built by crisscrossing cedar posts.
Two years later he moved his small family east to homestead on Kansas
Mesa. It was on this ranch my granddad, Willard Young, was born. His
memories include the story of his mother shooting at masked “night riders”
who were killing their sheep.
John Stites, my dad’s grandfather, came to the Plateau Valley with his
parents, brothers, and sisters from Kansas. Between John, his father Rufus,
and his brothers, they homesteaded nearly a section of land on what
became known as Kansas Mesa south of Collbran. My granddad, A.C.
Stites was born on his father’s homestead in 1886 and ranched until retiring
at the age of 80.
Unfortunately, none of these original homesteads remain in the family.
However, imagine my SURPRISE when in 2004 I discovered that Heber
Young’s second homestead was protected by a conservation easement under the auspices of the Mesa Land Trust. Further, I learned
my Granddad Young’s ranch, where my mom and I lived while my dad served in WW II, was also protected by an easement! It was
at that point my love affair with the Mesa Land Trust began in earnest.. I cannot help but believe my pioneer ancestors would be
very pleased.”
Stites’ Bull Fence, Photo by Malcolm G. Childers
2
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
Preserving Land for Young Farmers
Scott and Jessica Washkowiak faced a challenge common to many young farmers. They had the passion, work ethic, and expertise
to start a family farm, but the high costs of acquiring land and equipment presented a steep barrier.
Fortunately, a conservation-easement protected farm offered a solution.
Blakely and Mike Mechau bought their farm in 1972. Framed by Mount Garfield and the Grand Mesa, the beautiful land is located
on Highway 6 in the buffer area between Palisade and Clifton. Over the decades, the property has produced peaches, apples, corn,
and hay.
Conservation runs deep for the Mechaus. Mike joined the Land Trust’s board in 1986, and was named an Emeritus Member after
16 years of board service. He and Blakely permanently conserved their land in partnership with Mesa Land Trust a decade ago.
Without children interested in farming, the Mechaus needed to find a reliable grower to lease their 20 acre property. In fact, aging
farmers and ranchers are more often retiring without a younger family member willing to take over, which results in the sale of multigeneration farm and ranch land to non-agricultural uses.
ica Washkowiak
u with Scott and Jess
Mike and Blakely Mecha
Gelatt
and son, Photo by Lee
Scott and Jessica, and their
young son Clive, have become
the younger generation for
the Mechau property. Lacking
the resources to purchase
their own farm, Scott and
Jessica began leasing land
from Mike and Blakely to
start their now thriving Field
to Fork CSA (community
supported agriculture). They
grow organic produce for
sale to individual members
and restaurants, successfully
increasing the community’s
appetite for local food.
Leasing the conserved land
allowed Scott and Jessica
to build a flourishing CSA
and transition their growing
onto the new farm they were
able to buy this past spring.
The great news is that this
farming relationship will
continue; Scott and Jessica’s
new land is just next door to
Mike and Blakely.
Mike and Blakely are
comforted by the fact that
their land will forever be
available for agriculture. The Mesa Land Trust and the Mechaus know
that protecting farm land forever is good for community, that conserved ag land builds relationships among generations of
producers, preserves heritage, guarantees locally grown food, and makes for strong communities across the Valley.
Conserving Land Between Growing Communities
In 2001, the Land Trust entered into a partnership with Mesa County, Grand Junction, Palisade and Fruita to conserve green space,
or ‘buffer areas,’ between the Grand Valley’s growing municipalities. This collaboration seeks to maintain the distinct character of
the communities by protecting farms and habitat that physically separate the cities. Mesa Land Trust pursues this goal by securing
voluntary, incentive-based, conservation agreements.
In addition to the Mechau’s farm, the Land Trust has protected 43 properties and over 1,400 acres in the two buffer zones. In doing
so, the Land Trust has raised over $10M in grants from outside Mesa County for this award-winning, public-private partnership.
3
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
A Vision for the Future: Monument Road, Three Sisters, and the Bookends
“Enjoying
the
landscapes along
Monument Road
is part of our
cultural heritage
that defines our
way of life in the
Grand
Valley.
We love playing
on the trails
with our kids
and
running
into
our
friends
and
t Mayer
neighbors out
, Photo by Ca
Reece Family
on the Three
Sisters and Lunch Loop trails. It’s a
great way for us to teach our kids to
appreciate landscapes, be healthy, and
enjoy friendships and community.” -Robb and Christi Reece
If trail use and community generosity
are any indication, the Monument Road
Corridor is one of our Valley’s most
appreciated assets. The Lunch Loop
trailhead hosts over 120,000 visits per
year and more than 1,000 donations
have been made to acquire additional
land for the public’s use and enjoyment.
Over the last four years, countless
community members have told Mesa
Land Trust that these landscapes are
important and need to be preserved
(see A Community Vision for Monument
Road on our website). The Land Trust sees
this this as an opportunity to serve the
community through land conservation
that preserves our natural heritage and
acts as a local economic driver.
By partnering with landowners, the City
of Grand Junction, the BLM, and local
organizations and businesses, , the Land
Trust is working towards achieving these
goals. With tremendous community
support, the Land Trust raised $2.3
million to preserved the Three Sisters
and the Bookends, adding almost 200
more acres of permanently protected
recreational landscape to the existing
Tabeguache and Lunch Loop trail areas
and protecting spectacular views along
Monument Road.
The Land Trust was thrilled to complete
the purchase of the Bookends, two
properties totaling 63 acres along
Monument Road, this past summer.
Known as the Bookends, these parcels
flank the 130 acre Three Sisters Property,
acquired by the Land Trust in 2012, and
the Lunch Loop trailhead.
Protecting these lands and the
spectacular views they provide benefits
the Redlands neighbors, visitors to the
Colorado National Monument, Glade
Park residents, cyclists, dog walkers,
runners, hikers, and mountain bikers of
all ages and backgrounds.
We now look towards the future, using
the community’s Vision for Monument
Road. We know that in order to preserve
time-honored traditions of enjoying
beautiful landscapes along Monument
Road for future generations, the Land
Trust will seek out collaborative and
innovative opportunities to work with
landowners.
Protecting these lands and the
spectacular views they provide benefits
the Redlands neighbors, visitors to the
Colorado National Monument, Glade
Park residents, cyclists, dog walkers,
runners, hikers, and mountain bikers of
all ages and backgrounds. Preserving
landscapes along this corridor also
protects wildlife habitat and rare plant
life unique to western Colorado. For
more information about the community’s
recreation and conservation goals, please
visit our website to view the Vision.
4
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
Preserving the Past, Impacting the Future, Assuring a Legacy
“There are few things we can do today that we know for certain will positively impact the future. Putting our farm into conservation
has allowed us to do just that.” –Susan Patton
In 1972, Lola Brennan, a widow with six children, moved her family from Grand Junction to a small farm on East Orchard Mesa.
Raised on a ranch near Rifle, she longed to return to her rural roots. After researching apple varieties, she replaced alfalfa fields with
the highly productive apple trees that remain on the property today.
As her children left home Lola remained dedicated to the farm. In 1992, with daughter Susan and her husband Phillip Patton and
son Pat Brennan and his wife Susan, the family expanded the operation. They purchased an adjoining farm, planted their first
grapes, and leased their first peach orchard.
Lola passed away in 2005 but Susan and Pat have carried on the farming tradition that she began over 40 years ago. In 2012 they
purchased a 32-acre farm just across the road from their Peach Fork fruit stand and in 2014 the family worked with Mesa Land Trust
to place a permanent conservation easement on that property. Like their Mom, the younger Brennans embrace hard work. They
painstakingly rehabbed the newly acquired land—refurbishing neglected grape vines, replacing asparagus trenches with new peach
trees, and expanding grazing for their sheep.
For Susan, it is important to have a place where her extended family can connect with the land in much the same way as she has.
During the peach season five of Lola’s children and their families—three generations in all—can be seen working in the orchards.
“We can rest assured that the land we work today will remain a farm forever,” said Susan. “Most importantly, through conservation
we have assured the legacy of our mother, Lola for which we have a good deal of love and respect.”
Fruitlands Forever
The unique farmland in the East Valley underpins the community’s economy and quality of life. In 2009, the Land Trust launched
the Fruitlands Forever Initiative, an effort to conserve a critical mass of farmland suitable for growing peaches and wine grapes in the
Palisade area. With the conservation of the Patton-Brennan property in 2014, the Land Trust has conserved 47 family farms totaling
760 acres. We are three-quarters of the way to our 1,000 acre goal—a number that will provide enough land to sustain the fruit
industry into the future.
Susan and Phillip Patton
Lola Bre
nnan
Patton – Brennan Property
5
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
Welcoming Four New Board Members
Pam Childers moved to East Orchard Mesa in 2010 after living most of her life near the Atlantic Ocean. She
holds a B.A. in English and Biology, M.S. in English, M.A. in Writing and Ed.D. in Writing in the Disciplines. Pam
has taught high school, undergraduate and graduate school, and volunteered with national and international
organizations. A prolific author, she serves as Executive Editor of The Clearing House and Editor of the Excellence
in K-12 WAC Series. A workshop facilitator, presenter and consultant, she and husband Malcolm love living
on what used to be the bottom of the ocean! They enjoy traveling, hiking, giving workshops on writing and the
visual arts, and spending time with family and friends.
Sandie Cooper, a Colorado native, grew up in the Grand Valley. She has a B.A. in Computer Information
Systems from Mesa State College. After a career in the non-profit sector, she recently retired from the Colorado
Association for Viticulture and Enology (CAVE). Sandie previously served on a number of boards and committees
including the Palisade Chamber of Commerce (president), Palisade Tourism Advisory Board, Experience
Colorado Agriculture—a start-up nonprofit agritourism organization, and helped establish the Palisade Fruit &
Wine Byway. She and her husband Dave Hull live in Palisade and own a small peach orchard. They have two
sons and two grandsons. Sandie loves to hike, ski, snowshoe and embraces outdoor adventures.
Chuck McDaniel, a retired oil and gas attorney, spent 30 years in corporate law departments of oil and gas
companies. He moved to Grand Junction from Houston, Texas, in 2007 when Plains Exploration & Production
Company acquired properties in the Piceance Basin. He is currently a member of the Board of Grand Junction
Housing Authority. He graduated from Rice University and The University of Texas at Austin Law School. Chuck
and his wife, Kendra, enjoy all outdoor activities and are still exploring new places in Western Colorado. He
previously served on the Land Trust board from 2009-2012.
Jane Quimby is a retired FBI Special Agent, currently working for Colorado Mesa University as a criminal justice
instructor and public safety program director. She and her husband Gerry also have a private investigation and
consulting business. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and a law degree from Denver
University. She has been an avid supporter of the Mesa Land Trust through the Quimby Family Foundation, with
a particular passion for the Three Sisters and Monument Road areas. She also serves on the board of the Western
Colorado Community Foundation. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, biking, playing golf, and boating on
Lake Powell.
Land Trust Luminaries, Board Members Past and Present, From Left to Right:
John Butler, John Pabst, Doris Butler, Lee Ambrose, Barb Chamberlin, Harry Talbott, Bonnie Talbott, Gus Sublette, Kathryn Stubler, Nancy Wilson, Max Stites,
Nancy Ellyson, Steve McCall, Pam Childers, Bill Prakken, Janine Rider, Guy Parker, Angelina Salazar, Chris Muhr, Sandie Cooper, Mike Mechau, Margery Fillinger,
Ivan Wood, Herman Allmaras, Van Graham
6
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
2013 - 2014 Fiscal Year Financials
Sources of Funding
Project Income,
$67,167.00
Contract Income,
$73,953.00
Sources of Funding
Project Income,
$67,167.00
Contract Income,
$73,953.00
Private Grants,
$109,600.00
Private Grants,
$109,600.00
Public Sector Grants,
$181,300.00
$23,922,264
Individual and Business
Contribuons,
$126,938.00
Public Sector Grants,
$181,300.00
Individual and Business
Contribuons,
Special Events,
$126,938.00
$12,634.00
Interest and Investment In-Kind Support,
Income, $12,714.00
$36,407.00
Special Events,
$12,634.00
Interest and Investment In-Kind Support,
Income, $12,714.00
$36,407.00
Outreach and Educaon
$74,022.00
Outreach and Educaon
$74,022.00
Expenses
Management and Board
$114,058.00
Fundraising and
Markeng
$89,980.00
Easement Acquision
$289,246.00
Expenses
$2,414,272
Operating Expenses
Management and Board
$114,058.00
Easement Acquision
$289,246.00
Fundraising and
Markeng
$89,980.00
Easement Value
Over the past 5 years, for every $1 spent
on operating costs, we conserved $10 in
land value.
Stewardship
$125,011.00
Stewardship
$125,011.00
Leaving a Legacy Through Planned Giving
By including Mesa Land Trust in your estate plans, you can invest in the future of Western Colorado and create a personal giving
legacy. Please let us know if you have already made arrangements to include Mesa Land Trust in your estate planning, so we can
include you in our Legacy Society.
We are pleased to accept gifts of stock, mutual funds, and insurance. We would also be delighted to talk to you about a real estate
gift or help set up a charitable gift annuity. If you would like more information regarding planned giving or other ways you can give,
please contact Mary Hughes at 970.263.5443 or [email protected].
Gary and Deb Stetler, Monthly Sustaining Partners
As new residents to the Grand Valley, Gary and Deb Stetler were thrilled to find out that
Mesa Land Trust is working to preserve the scenic natural beauty, rural character, and sense
of community that they love about the area. Without hesitation they became MLT Monthly
Sustaining Partners and they encourage you to do the same. “By signing up online and having a
specified amount charged to our credit card each month, we don’t have to worry about whether
we are up to date on our contributions and we are giving throughout the year an amount that
the organization can count on. We encourage you to join the growing number of Land Trust
members who are extending their support through Monthly Giving,” said Gary.
If you would like to join our growing list of Monthly Sustaining Partners, visit our website or
call 970.263.5443.
In Memory
The Land Trust is sorry to report the passing of two of our Fruita landowners, who were among the first to participate in the “Buffer”
or “Community Separator” program. We are grateful for their work to conserve the farming heritage of the Lower Valley. We were
privileged to know them and they will be missed.
Betty Cordova (May 12, 1929 – October 13, 2013) placed a conservation easement on her 39-acre property in 2003. She wanted
to preserve the farm that she and her late husband Danny lived on for decades and enjoyed many happy times with their large
extended family.
Goldine Franklin (May 31, 1923 – October 6, 2014), along with her husband Clint, conserved their 118-acre farm in 2004. She
also worked as a nurse and nursing educator for many years. Clint and their two sons still operate the family farm.
7
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
Contributions
Thank you to Our Donors and Partners in Conservation! We recognize the following gifts received between October 1, 2013 and
September 30, 2014. We apologize if we have omitted or misspelled your name. Please feel free to call Mesa Land Trust and let
us know!
Event Sponsors
Platinum Underwriters
All Metals Welding
Atlasta Solar Store
Chevron Corp.
Grand Junction Subaru
Oakley, Wanebo, Love, Mendenhall,
Keller(Wells Fargo Advisors)
Safari Ltd.
Withers, Seidman, Rice & Mueller,
P.C.
Gold Underwriters
Chadwick, Steinkirchner, Davis &
Co. P.C.
Moody Insurance Agency, Inc.
Silver Underwriters
ANB Bank
Hoskin, Farina & Kampf, P.C.
Rider & Quesenberry, LLP
Rocky Mountain Orthro-Bionomy
Center, LLC
Ruby Canyon Engineering
Bookends Challenge Match Funder
Alpine Bank
Private Foundations and Funds
The Agua Fund, Inc.
The Alchemy Charitable Foundation
The Arches Foundation
Colorado Riverfront Foundation, Inc.
The Colorado Trust Directed
Contributions-Program, at the request
of Mr. John P. Hopkins
Community First Foundation,
(Colorado Gives Day)
Gates Family Foundation
The Goodwin Foundation
Mike O’Brien Living Trust
The Norcross Wildlife Foundation
Scattered Seeds Foundation
Specialized Bicycle Components
Telluride Foundation
Western Colorado Community
Foundation
Wilson Family Foundation
Public Sector Partners
Bureau of Land Management
City of Fruita
City of Grand Junction
Great Outdoors Colorado
Mesa County
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
National Park Service (Rivers, Trails,
& Conservation Assistance)
Town of Palisade
Gold Belt Tour National Scenic
Byway
Business Partners
American Rental Specialties
Bin 707
Canyon Wind Cellars
Carlson Vineyards
The Daily Sentinel
Dos Hombres
Kannah Creek Brewing Co.
Laughing Dog Coffee House
Mountain Khakis
Main Street Bagels
Pablo’s Pizza
Palisade Brewing Co.
Rib City
Rockslide Brewery
Ruby Canyon Cycles
Talon Wines
Two Rivers Winery
Wolcott, LLC
In-kind Support
Allen Beezley
Bud’s Signs
Barbara and Ed Chamberlin
Malcolm Childers
Jim Cox
Jim Fuchs
Lee Gelatt
Hawk Greenway
Mike Grode
Paul Hackbert
Jim Hewitt and Lynn Perez-Hewitt
Neal and Anne Morris
Powderhorn
Bill Prakken
Max Stites
Summit Canyon Mountaineering
Westwater Engineering
Wolcott, LLC
Easement and Stewardship
Fund Donors
Pat and Susan Brennan
Phillip and Susan Patton
Daniel and Constance Williams
Annual Picnic Host
Lynette Richardson
Volunteers
Fran Brown
Kason Frigetto, Eagle Scout
Hilltop Youth Corps and David
Livingston
Dave and Torrie Holloran
Alberta Husch
Barbara Johnson
Donna King
Sherry Schenk
Janice Shepard
Carol Scott
Sue Smith
Wayne Westerson
Memorial and Honorary Gifts
In Memory of Beulah Bleiberg
Fred and Kay Covey
R. Mike and Jean Sewell
Nancy and Robert Wilson
In Memory of Denzel Hartshorn
R. Mike and Jean Sewell
In Memory of Karen and
Don Kinney
Clint and Erin Kinney
In Memory of Megan Mattingley
Robin Gilman
In Memory of Leroy Nelson
Julie Sabin
In Memory of Carl Ownbey
Mary McCutchen
In Memory of Tim Sewell
Helen Love
In Memory of Jody Valente
William and Carol Scott
In Memory of Robert Wagner
Rick Wagner and Jean Reynolds
In Honor of Kirk Apt
Anonymous
In Honor of Josh Duval
Rose Marie Gonzales-Nielsen
In Honor of Duane and Violet Engler
Hoppe and Cindy Southway
In Honor of Kat and Rob Pierce
Bill and Jane Hassell
In Honor of Charlie Quimby and
Susan Cushman
Jane Quimby and Gerry Cowhig
In Honor of Jane Quimby and
Gerry Cowhig
Charles Quimby and Susan Cushman
In Honor of Katya and Andrew Scott
William and Carol Scott
In Honor of Gary Stetler
Robert Bein
Tony Brake
Goeffrey Herrig
Mark Johnston
Chris Link
Kim Pierpoint
Sean Shelby
Joanne Snowden
Gary and Deborah Stetler
Eve Verderber
Claire Zilber
In Honor of Max and Vicki Stites
Verda Patterson
In Honor of Nancy Wilson
Robert and Sally Hahn
Members and Contributions
Benefactor
Lee and Kay Ambrose
Anonymous Donor
Herb and Laura May Bacon
James Bowers
Dr. Charles and Robbie Breaux
Christine and Baird Brown
Phyllis Brownson
Grand Junction Subaru
Dr. Calvin Cruz and Jane Kuenzel
East Orchard Mesa LLC,
(c/o Conservation Partners)
Joan Fay
Ruth and Pat Gormley
Mark and Catherine Green
Chris Herrman
Hilltop Community Resources
Harry and Joann Hotimsky
Edward Hurley and Karen Knox
Hurley
Ken and Rose Marie Johnson
Dale and Jan Jones
Ann Litke and Ed Haenlin
Helen Love and Arvid Koppang
Mark and Karen Madsen Family Trust
Chuck and Kendra McDaniel
Joseph and Linda Moreng
Della Mottram
Chris Muhr and Jen Taylor
Jan Muyskens
Peter Nichols
William and Judith Prakken
Gudrun Rice and Charles Kerr
Monthly Sustaining Partners
Our Monthly Sustaining Partners are providing a regular source
of income that Mesa Land Trust can count on month after
month. Your contribution can be automatically and securely
made through your credit or debit card or your bank account.
To enroll, visit www.mesalandtrust.org and click on Donate
Now Through Colorado Gives or call 970.263.5443.
Gene and Arlene Albers
Miffie Blozvich
Duane and Arleta Carr
Zach Eyler
Victoria and David Holloran
Paul and Kaci Knaysi
Ann Kuhlman
Thomas and Benita Phillips
Janine and Kirk Rider
Gary and Deb Stetler
Max and Vicki Stites
Gus and Gwen Sublette
8
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
Contributions (cont.)
Janine and Kirk Rider
Janet Scheevel
Dr. Kenneth Scissors and Mary Thom
Roger and Rita Shenkel
Helen Stenmark
Gary and Deborah Stetler
Charles and Carolyn Stratton
Harry and Bonnie Talbott
Anne Tally and Jason Broidy
Russ Walker and Laura Cummins
George Wheeler
Nancy and Robert Wilson
Patron
Charlie and Janice Ashton
Rob Bleiberg and Sheri Covey
David and Ann Brach
Chris Brooks and Marion Reid
Larry and Fran Brown
Robert and Holly Brownson
Christian and Beth Buys
Parker and Mary Carlson
Clay and Harriet Carpenter
Colorado Components, Ben and Jodi
Johnson
Matthew and Angela Deeths
Evan and Kim Ela
Susanne Feller and Toni Davison
Norman and Margery Fillinger
Rebecca Frank and George Orbanek
Tim and Christy Fry
Richard and Jean Gauley
Lee and Patty Gelatt
Russell and Julie Gillis
James and Marjorie Golden
Van and Mary Ann Graham
James and Betsy Greslin
William Hamann
Janice Harshman
Dr. Steve and Robin Heil
Annie Hughes, Erin Hubbard
and Pat Hubbard
Kristine and Gregg Kampf
Richard and Kimberly Krueger
Brian and Linda Mahoney
David Mayer
John McBride, McBride Family &
Aspen Business Center Foundation
Steve and Ruby McCall
Mary McCutchen
Neil and Linda Mendenhall
John and Cathey Pabst
Paul and Barbara Preston
Anthony and Sally Prinster
Charles Quimby and Susan Cushman
Clark and Kathleen Rieves
Jack and Jan Roberts
Sue Samuelson
R. Mike and Jean Sewell
Max and Vicki Stites
Gus and Gwen Sublette
Rick and Deanna Taggart
Susan Treece and Allan Wise
Barry and Gail Tuohig
Lenna and Steve Watson
Ivan and Jane Wood
Donor
Steve and Debbie Allerton
Maxine Aubert
Marcia Bilbao, MD
Phillip and Fran Born
9
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
Kelley and Nancy Burford
John and Doris Butler
George and Judy Callison
Don and Carol Campbell
Ben and Maxine Carnes
Barbara and Ed Chamberlin
Malcolm and Pam Childers
Karen Combs
James and Janet Comerford
Keith Dickerson and Teresa Keating
Lammot duPont
Sherrie and Joe Frye
Lee and Sally Gaglione
Susan and Allan Gamble
Barbara and Kim Garcia
Natalie and Randall Gehl
George and Gayle Gerson
Ann Gibson and Arthur Smith
Bill and Mary Graham
William and Glenda Haggerty
Robert and Sally Hahn
John Hall
LV and Nancy Hanson
Dave and Chele Hawks
Bill and Jill Hilty
Victoria and David Holloran
Steve and Nancy Johnson
Pat and Cindy Kennedy
Theresa Kupecz-Louden and Charlie
Louden
Ernie and Katie Langelier
Albert and Terry LaSalle
Barb Leopoldt
Barry and Susan Lowe
Don MacKendrick
H. Glenn and Nancy Martin
Joe Martinez and Anne Korstvedt
Josh McDaniel and Deb Kennard
Stan McNeese and Sherri Helms
Mike and Blakely Mechau
Stephen Meyer and Elizabeth Waters
Steve and Anne Meyer
Walt and Lucy Morrison
Mark Mountford
Verda Patterson
Dr. William and Donna Patterson
Lynn Perez-Hewitt and Jim Hewitt
Wanda Wray Putnam
Rare Earth Science, LLC
Margaret Rawlins
William Robinson
Illene Roggensack
William and Carol Scott
Verne and Diana Smith
Ellen Susman
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
Nancy Terrill
Mary Thom
Richard Van Gytenbeek and Jane Hilt
Eve Verderber
John and Pamela Waage
Rick Wagner and Jean Reynolds
Wagner
Jacob Webel
Kate Weissenburger
Wayne Westerson and Alberta Husch
Amanda and Jeffrey Widener
John and Roxanna Wolcott
Friend
John and Katharine Achziger
Joseph and Marilyn Aieta
Scott Aker and Amy Carmichael
Gene and Arlene Albers
Ivan Alkes
Lawrence and Ruthmary Allison
John and Diane Anglim
Nancy and Tom Anson
Kathleen Arnett
Samuel Baseler
Dr. Joel and Betty Bechtel
Virginia Beemer
Allan Beezley, P.C.
James Bellamy
Bruce and Vicki Benge
Drew and Carrie Bennett
James and Brenda Billings
Tilman and Pat Bishop
Lawrence Bleiberg
Miffie Blozvich
Carol Bonnet-Butler
James and Lynn Bragdon
Tony Brake
Jill and Joseph Breman
Sharon Brennan
Myles Brown
John Bruno
Bob and Judy Bubel
Catherine Burkey
Darren Caldwell, Conquest
Construction
Michael Cammann
Denis and Katherine Campbell
Stanley and Cindy Carlson
Duane and Arleta Carr
Kenneth and Nancy Carter
Chamberlin Architects
Jacquie Chappell-Reid and Erle Reid
Belle and Tom Chesnick
Philip Coebergh and Kayla Dodson
Charles and Sue Cooke
Fred and Kay Covey
Marla Covey and James Marra
Foster Covington
Kathy Crane
Walter and Janet Cummings
Matthew Cuneo
Scott and Amy Czarnecki
Kate Denning
John and Kathy Drogos
Henry and Dodie Dusenbury
William and Shirley Ela
Elizabeth Elam and Robert Johnson
Frances Ellinwood
Nancy and Wallace Ellyson
Steve and Lysa ErkenBrack
Zach Eyler
Keith Fife and Kathy Portner
Bill and Jane Findlay
John Flanagan
Randal and Mary France
Lyn Fraser
Judy Frisk
Fuoco Motor Co.
James and Donna Gardner
Gay Johnson’s Inc.
Heather Gerson
Dennis and Ruth Ann Ghigla
Dr. Neal Gilman
Robin Gilman
Amy Golden and Robert Goodson
Rose Marie Gonzales-Nielsen
Lucy Graham and Paul Padyk
Harry and Joanie Griff
James Grisier, CPA
Douglas and Christine Grodt
Donald Gutentag and Traci Simms
Daryl and Kristi Haan
Dennis and Joan Haberkorn
Kathy Hall and Ken Leis
Betty Hall
James Haptonstall
Dean and Mary Harris
Amanda Harter
David and Kathan Hartle
Bill and Jane Hassell
Jim Hays and Beverly Biggs
William Hays and Shawn M.
Carstensen Hays
Mark and Sara Hermundstad
Dennis and Kathryn Herzog
Joe and Frances Higgins
Bob and Laurie Hill
Dr. Barry and Patricia Holcomb
Karen Holt
Jay and Sheila Hosburgh
Doug and Kathryn Hovde
John and Jackie Howard
Anita Johnson
Braeden Johnson
Brann Johnson and Leslie Randolph
Shad and Nattana Johnson
Mark Johnston
Douglas and Laura Johnston
Edward Kallio
Kannah Creek Brewing Co.
Dave and Becky Karisny
Kent Keith and Meridith Aldrich
Tom and Joan Kenyon
Michael and Cinda Kerbein
David and Deborah Kirch
Paul and Kaci Knaysi
Sandi and Knute Knudson
Nic and Mary Korte
Don and Shirley Kramer
Edwin and Suzane Krebs, CPA
Ann Kuhlman
Margaret Lamm
Danni Langdon and Carl Jacobson
Douglas Larson
Ron and Judy Lease
Peter Lindstrom
Chris Link
B.J. Longnecker
Jamie and Kristen Lummis
Dick and Jan Maynard
Clifton Mays, Sr.
James and Debra McCurter
Kathleen McGinley
Janet McRae
Tim and Debra Menger
Mesa Monument Striders
Bill and Ginger Mitchell
Monument Graphics
Chris Morstad
Bob and Juanita Moston
Melvin and Eleanor Muhr
Keith Mumby
Jack and Jolene Neckels
Janet Nelson
Gerald Nelson and Laurian Unnevehr
Dean and Diane Nelson
Dr. Kenneth and Sandra Nelson
Kurt Neuswanger
Pam Nicholls
Gordon Nicholson and Lay Chin
Chew-Nicholson
Todd Ousley
Tom and Jean Paradis
Contributions (cont.)
Guy and Lori Parker
Farlie Pearl and Patrick Kiernan
Thomas and Benita Phillips
Rob and Kate Pierce
Kim Pierpoint
Ken Pill and Marilyn Kastens
Martha Potyondy
Patricia Powell
Jane Quimby and Gerry Cowhig
Shari Raso
Mel and Maurine Rettig
Lynette Richardson
Catherine Robertson
Leslie Robinson
Michelle and David Rohrbach
Julie Sabin and Bill Taylor
Tim and Allison Sarmo
Buzz and C.J. Schoenbeck
Guido Schulte
Joseph D Schwarz
Tom Scruton
Judith and Dilworth Sellers
Bob and Judy Silbernagel
William and Jeanne Sisson
Richard Smith
Michaelle Smith
Phillip and Rollee Smith
Bob and Kate Stokes
Keith and Paula Struckman
Robert and Adele Suydam
Polly Tackett
Dr. Larry and Sharon Tice
Helen Traylor
G.A. and Pat Tucker
Phyllis Turner
Christine Tuthill
Richard Vernimen
Carol Wagner
Jean Waid and Jerry Fuxa
David Wean
Anne Wenzel and David Miller
Michael and Patrice Whistler
Malinda Winter
Susan Yeager
Aaron Young
Claire Zilber
Supporter
Gene and Diann Admire
Landon and Patricia Aldridge
Cheryl Alpha
Daniel and Sherri Arosteguy
Fred Barbero
Cecilia Barr
Eleanor Batt
Robert Bein
Benet Hill Monastery
Lewis and Vicki Blaylock
John and Marcia Borgen
Dean Bressler and Lesley McWhirter
Brown Cycles
Mr. Lynn Brownson
Mary Buss
Dr. Dave and Nancy Cale
Sarah Catlin
Deborah Colby
Kathleen Conway
Paul and Lorraine Cooper
Sally Crum
Ronald Degeus
Kent Diemer
Matthew Diers
Greg and Jean Dillon
Tom Ela
Jerry Fay
Michael Fitzmorris and Pamela
Mueller
Roger Frazier
Liz and Ivan Geer
Richard and Aylene Gerhardt
Ann Gibson and Arthur Smith
Greg Gnesios and Amy Gibbs
Alfred and Laura Goffredi
Judy Goodhart
Craig and Lauren Goodknight
Ken Graven
Hawk Greenway
Denis Grisak
Mary Hajoglou
John and Linda Halvorson
Ray Hamdorf
Myrtle Hardesty
Barbara Hartshorn
Richard Hecker
Angela and Todd Hegstrom
Goeffrey Herrig
David and Bethany Hoffman
Aaron Hofman
Josh and Kate Holmes
Richard and Mary Janson
Anna Jensen
Phil Jessen
Dr. Paul and Marilyn Jones
Brad Junge
Dave and Teresa Kareus
Michael and Gladys Kelher
Clint and Erin Kinney
Michael Kuzminski
Tom and Linda LaCroix
Gary Lake and Jane Dougherty-Lake
Dr. Kenneth and Lois Lampert
Irene Ledesma
Jeff Legg
Peggy and Tony Link
Edward and Maggie Lipton
Susan Lohr
Jim and Margaret MacQueen
Cynthia Malleck
Sarah Matchett
Lanny McCormick
Mike McGinnis
Dan and Sandy Miller
Susan Moon
Carole Moritz
Steve Morrall
Molly and Eric Moyer
Bob and Marcia Norton
Jennifer O’Donnell
Whitney Painter
Alice Frances Parker
Sue Parker
Barbara Patten
Joel Prudhomme
George and Elaine Rau
Toni Ray and Jim Cox
William Roberts
Charles and Cheryl Roy
Melanie Sawyer
Brandy Schell
Sherry Schenk
Jon and Tammy Schler
Karl and Gailen Schmidt
Melvin and Donna Scott
Clee and Mary Sealing
Holly Seeberger
Sean Shelby
Tony and Anna Smalley
Gary and Giselle Smith
Wayne and Joyce Smith
Hubert and Shirley Snyder
Monica Solawetz
Jack and Duna Stephens
Ken and Kathryn Stubler
Mountain Khakis
Janis Thayer
Stephen Vacca
Dave Vargo, Miller Orchard
Scott Vogt
Ken Walter
Timothy and Julia Waugh
Christopher and Christie Welsh
Ann Wiemert-Slater
William D. Wagner, Inc.
Amie Wilsey
Malcolm and Loris Wilson
Neville Woodruff and Leslie Schiller
Member
Rick and Staci Adleman
Amy Agapito
Richard and Theresa Ahern
Paul Aieta
Susan and Richard Andrews
Susie Attaway
Stacy Beaugh
Robert and Sally Bellacqua
Bill Berryman and Nancy Fehrmann
Douglas Beus
Martin and Sylvia Bingham
Thomas Blake
Kevin and Vicky Bray
Brad and Andrea Briner
Robert and Ester Broughton
Michael and Dee Burke
Nora Burleigh
Jane Buzan
Gene and Maggie Byrne
Jerry and Sandy Carosella
Ruth and Jim Cheskaty
Ann Christensen
Deborah Colby
John and Diane Cox
Paul and Francette Didier
Sarah Dufford Shaw
Mrs. Peggy Ekrem
Mike Erskine
Carrie Fleming
Edwin Fortson
Danny and Sharon Galloway
Marge and Tom Gleason
Martha and David Graf
Kathleen Griffin
Mike Grode
Joe and Veta Gumber
Joyce Hansen
Shannon Hatch
Joni Hernandez
Roberta Hettinger
Barbara Hill
Duane and Patricia Hogue
Paul and Mary Hughes
Richard Hyland
Jennifer James
Duane and Beverly Johnson
Elise Jones
Mary and Vincent Jones
Suzanne Jones
Dennis and Pam Jorgensen
Su Kentz
Shannon and Kevin Koch
Bob Kretschman
Marian Krogmann
Marilee Langfitt
Paul Larson and Mary Shanahan
Larson
Kevin League
Eileen Lepisto
Rusty Lloyd
N Lopez
Mary Lou Martin
Laird and Barbara Milburn
Charles and Marlene Miller
Randy and Nicole Miller
Michele Murphy
Kathleen Nelson
Fini Oharek
Daniel Oppenheimer
Walt and Sue Orloff
Hope Painter
Summer-Leigh Pearce
Michael Phillips
Nina Pinette
James Pokrandt
Anna Rice
Jack and Betty Richardson
Joe Rusk
Rosemary Ryan
Kevin Sellers
Janice and Arvin Sheperd
Jack and Judy Shoffner
James and Sue Sidwell
Britt Smith Sue Harris
Joanne Snowden
Hoppe and Cindy Southway
Jennifer Spinelli
Robert Tallarico
Mrs. Margaret Taylor
Deborah Thompson
Robert Toth
Louis Villaire and Joan Axthhelm
Frank and Thea Watt
Stephen and Jeanne Wenger
Joe Wharton
Barbara and Fred Willis
Charles and Lorraine Willney
Jason and Shannon Wytulka
A Special Thank You to
Grand Junction Subaru for
the generous support of the
annual report.
10
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Grand Junction, CO
Permit #133
A Publication of the
Mesa County Land Conservancy
d.b.a. mesa Land Trust
1006 Main Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Looking Forward
Unaweep Canyon: Partnering to Protect a Scenic Wonder
With its unique geology, towering cliffs, spring-runoff fed waterfalls,
abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Unaweep Canyon must
surely rank as one of Colorado’s most spectacular scenic wonders. So
it is no surprise that Mesa Land Trust is thrilled to step up conservation
work in this incredible landscape.
On Highway 141, west of Whitewater, the Unaweep Tabeguache
Scenic Byway begins—passing through narrow vermillion sandstone
walls that mark the start of Unaweep Canyon. Sheer black and grey
granite cliffs tower above the rural landscape. A ribbon of ranches lines
the bottom of the canyon with irrigated meadows fed by waterfalls
from Glade Park and the Uncompahgre Plateau. These fields provide
excellent winter habitat to big game species like deer and elk, while
the cliff tops provide nesting habitat for birds of prey.
With a high point or divide in the middle, Unaweep Canyon is a
geologic anomaly. From this divide, East Creek flows into the Gunnison
River and West Creek into the Dolores River at Gateway. Further south
the Byway meanders through sandstone canyons and tops out south
of Naturita with views of the San Juans and Utah’s La Sal Mountains.
Mesa Land Trust has worked in Unaweep Canyon for over a decade
and has conserved over 1,800 acres of ranchland along nearly 6 miles
of Scenic Byway frontage. Thanks to generous conservation easement
donors, historic Driggs Mansion and other conserved properties along
the Byway will be available for the public to enjoy for generations to
come.
In 2011 Mesa Land Trust partnered with four other land trusts and five
scenic byway commissions to preserve the beauty and historical areas
along Colorado’s byways. Through this effort, Mesa Land Trust raised
funds to further land conservation along the Unaweep Tabeguache
Scenic Byway. Over the next few years we look forward to expanding
our work along the length of the Byway to preserve even more of this
spectacular landscape.
Thimble Rock, Unaweep Canyon, Photo by Malcolm G. Childers