Winter/Spring 2014 Newsletter - Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas

Winter/Spring
2014
Issue 19
Serving Lake, Chaffee, Fremont, Saguache, and Park Counties
Land Trust Completes Two of Largest Deals in Its History
Campbell Conservation Easement — Part of our Poncha Pass Initiative.
S
ometimes good things take time. This is true for a
conservation easement we closed in October 2013.
Working with the Campbell Family and the Trust for Public
Land, we protected 660 acres of a stunning landscape
straddling the county lines of Chaffee and Saguache on top
of Poncha Pass. It only took four years of work for
everyone involved. But, in the end, it was worth every
second to know that this property will keep intact some
very special conservation values. Funding for the project
was provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Habitat
Protection Program, Natural Resource Conservation
Service Farmland and Ranchland Protection Program, and
Chaffee County.
Entering the Campbell Ranch, the road travels through
a mature aspen grove, glowing gold in the fall, into rolling
hills punctuated by towering high peaks. The air is filled
with the sweet smell of sage over miles of grass and shrubs,
the higher hillsides covered in aspen and conifer trees. It is
your classic Rocky Mountain scene, one that never tires the
senses. Hidden behind the folds and ridges of the hills are
five springs and corresponding drainages.
This conservation easement is the first project to be
completed as part of the Land Trust’s Poncha Pass
Initiative. We started this initiative after realizing the importance of Poncha Pass as a major wildlife corridor with a
longstanding ranching heritage. Poncha Pass straddles the
Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch Mountain Ranges, making it
uniquely situated as an area critical for the movement of
wildlife populations from one range to the other. Many of
our wildlife species need
large areas to roam and highelevation passes are important
bottlenecks, funneling wildlife through the area. Black
bear, mountain lion, elk,
mule deer and pronghorn
find the space they need here.
The Canada lynx is Federally
listed as a Threatened species
and travels these highelevation forests. Without
places like the Campbell
Ranch, lynx would not have
The Land Trust protected
the habitat needed to
Canada lynx habitat with both
prosper.
of our new conservation
Easements continues on p. 3
easements.
Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas
Page 2
contacts
Office:
PO Box 942
128 East First Street
Salida, CO 81201
719-539-7700
[email protected]
www.ltua.org
Board of Directors
Michael Scott
President (Salida)
Dave Moore
Vice-President (Salida)
James F. Keil
Treasurer (Cotopaxi)
Richard Cuyler
Secretary (Salida)
Robert White
(Salida)
Hayden B. Mellsop
(Salida)
Daniel Larkin
(Salida)
Matthew Coen
(Salida)
James Culbertson
(Buena Vista)
Gary Mason
(Poncha Springs)
Raquel Wertsbaugh
(Salida)
Paul Gregg
(Salida)
Staff:
Andrew J. Mackie
Executive Director
[email protected]
Lucy Waldo
Conservation Director
[email protected]
Julie Richardson
Membership and Common
Cents Coordinator
[email protected]
Ann Marie Swan
OSM/VISTA Volunteer
[email protected]
Outgoing Board President Mellsop Considers Achievements
by Hayden B. Mellsop
As the outgoing president of the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas Board of Directors, the four years of my tenure seem to have literally flown by. As is often the case
when you are busy putting one foot in front of the other, it is not until you take pause
to stand back and look around that you appreciate the length and breadth of the journey
and its achievements.
In that time, the Land Trust has become a more professional, accountable and effective organization. I feel both honored and fortunate to have been president at a time
when the Land Trust has enjoyed and benefited immeasurably from the vision, energy
and leadership of Executive Director Andrew Mackie. I was also privileged in that time
to be supported by an energetic board, which was not afraid to move in new directions
when necessary to ensure our continued growth in both capacity and relevance to our
community.
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, so too does it take the support and input of
many to create and sustain an effective conservation organization. To all the staff,
board, volunteers and supporters, I would like to say a big Thank You for everything
you have contributed to help get us to where we are today. I have every confidence that
great things will continue to happen under the guidance of Michael Scott, the new
board president.
One of the unique aspects of a land trust’s nature is that there is no end point at
which you sit down and say “mission accomplished.” The work a land trust undertakes is
ongoing, and in perpetuity. I intend to continue my participation in the organization as
an active board member, and look forward to being part of the continued success of a
great organization. LTUA
Scott Takes Helm as New Board President
by Board President Michael Scott
As the new board president of the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas, I thought that
in my first column I would relate a little bit about what brought me to be involved with
the Land Trust.
Growing up, my father was a rancher in
“The Land Trust is moving
the San Luis Valley. He raised cattle for a
into
the future by deploying
time, but mostly concentrated on growing
a mixture of traditional and
alfalfa. I spent the summers and alternating
innovative conservation
school holidays on the ranch. I have many
strategies.”
memories from that time, some fond, some
—Michael D. Scott
not so fond, but mostly I remember a lot of
really hard work. A few memories that stick
out include, with my sister, pulling a calf from a first-time heifer that decided to go into
labor when my father was gone for the day. Another time, I frantically threw irrigation
tubes to avoid blowouts as the ditch quickly filled, then fixed the blowouts with tarps
and whatever else was nearby. I was also the only 12-year-old from my school to drive
tractors and trucks.
Ultimately, I decided not to follow in my father’s footsteps. While I do not regret
Scott continues on page 6
foregoing a life in the San Luis Valley,
Winter/Spring
Winter/Spring 2014
Page 3
Easements from page 1
Restoration Program and Great Outdoors Colorado.
State Route 91 northeast of Leadville follows the East
Also taking advantage of this mountain sage land is a
Fork of the Arkansas River. Approaching the origin of the
large chickenlike bird dependent upon sage, grasslands and
river, Headwaters Ranch parallels the road. This 600-acre
riparian areas. The Gunnison Sage-grouse is a unique speproperty is long and thin, and includes the river and surcies found only in Colorado and Utah. Poncha Pass is home
rounding wetlands. The river is shallow and narrow this far
to one of the seven subpopulations of this bird, and the
north, but full of life. Beavers rule the river in this section,
Campbell Ranch is Sage-grouse habitat. Currently, the
Gunnison Sage-grouse is highly controversial. The U.S. Fish constructing dams and changing the character of the water.
Ponds are created, providing habitat for other creatures.
and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the species under
Dams blow out and are rebuilt or abandoned. The open,
the Endangered Species Act. Ranchers across its range are
nutrient-rich ground gives way to sedges, grasses and,
concerned about new regulations and limitations on their
eventually, shrubs.
livelihoods. A final
Songbirds find food
decision is slated for
and shelter in the
May 2014. It says a lot
newly created habitat.
that the Campbell famMink and river otter
ily is protecting land
hunt in the shallow
for Sage-grouse and
pools. Moose and elk
other species on their
browse the lush vegeown. Like many ranchtation.
ers in Colorado, they
Working with the
love and respect their
landowners
of Headland and want to mainwaters Ranch, we are
tain the integrity of the
able to protect this top
property in perpetuity.
stretch of the Arkansas
The Campbell
River. Protecting these
Ranch is a privately
waters has ripple efowned, active ranch.
fects downstream,
The family runs cattle
Headwaters Ranch Conservation Easement.
keeping
clean, clear
in cooperation with
water flowing into the
several neighbors, moving the animals between properties
next
counties,
including
Chaffee
and
Fremont. As part of
to rotate the grazing pressure. This sound management
the conservation easement, lands along the river are also
keeps the grass and land healthy and provides high-quality
protected, such as the spruce/fir forest covering the slopes
habitat for wildlife. Now, the Campbells can continue
above the valley bottom. The forest provides homes for
ranching for years to come. And, as if this were not
Canada lynx, mule deer, black bear, Dusky Grouse, Northenough, the Campbells also want to make it possible for
ern Goshawk and many other species.
disabled veterans and youth to hunt on the property. We
Lake County and the Lake County Open Space Initiaare working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on the detive
(LCOSI) ranked Headwaters Ranch as one of their
tails. No public access is allowed but, rest assured, the prohighest priorities for conservation. We worked closely with
tection of this property will benefit everyone by keeping an
LCOSI to complete top-priority projects, with Headwaters
important wildlife corridor open between two mountain
Ranch as our main focus. Any time we can protect several
ranges.
miles of the Arkansas River, it is a good project. The ownAt the end of February 2014, the Land Trust closed on
ers of the ranch also were extremely generous by allowing
Phase II of the Headwaters Ranch conservation easement.
public access to the river for fishing. In the future, parts of
This was also a partnership with the ranch owners, Trust
for Public Land and the Land Trust. Last year, we closed on the conservation easement will be open for walk-in fishing.
The Land Trust has submitted a grant proposal that would
Phase I of the conservation easement, protecting 175 acres.
help us develop a parking area and partner with Colorado
Phase II added another 200 acres. Funding for Phase II was
Parks and Wildlife on this public access.LTUA
provided by Natural Resource Damage Assessment and
Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas
Page 4
Hutchinson Finds More Freedom with Ranch in Conservation Easement
by Ann Marie Swan
R
anchers occupy a unique place in the world of
teacher as she does during the school year. In the afternoon
fashion, with their big black hats, leather belts,
she was back at the ranch. It’s calving season, her favorite,
and chaps, wearing it all with a certain swagger. When
with new babies arriving, needing a lot of attention. She
Salida-area rancher Abby Hutchinson saddles up to move
checks on them at midnight and hires a hand for the 3 a.m.
cows, her long golden hair spilling out of her ball cap, she
shift. “It’s the start of a whole new process,” Hutchinson
doesn’t fit that stereotypical cowgirl look. She does,
said.
though, have that swagger.
Her least favorite chore on the ranch is putting up hay.
That swagger comes from knowing her way around a
It’s not even the hay, but the long hours upon hours sitting
ranch from a very young age. Sixth-generation rancher
on a tractor and dealing with expensive machinery when it
Hutchinson, 32, grew up in Mesa Verde National Park with breaks. “I’m not a mechanic,” Hutchinson said.
her parents, U.S. National Park Service employees, but
Hutchinson gets up from our conversation to tend to
spent childhood summers at
her grandpa, who is sufferher grandparents’ ranch
ing this day with an earbetween Salida and Poncha
ache. A caregiver checks in
Springs. Oftentimes, she
with Hutchinson about the
accompanied Dr. Wendell
plan of action. The grandHutchinson to check on
daughter green lights the
cows or make veterinary
strategy, adding a suggescalls all hours of the night.
tion to reposition her
He called her A.B.,
grandpa’s pillow to make
which sounded more like a
him more comfortable.
boy’s name than Abby,
“I haven’t thought of
more like a future rancher.
changing professions,” she
And she dressed the part,
said. “I bought a house
cutting her hair short when
nearby. I’m fully commitshe was about 7 years old.
ted to doing the same
“I really loved it,” she said.
things my great, great unAbby Hutchinson and her grandfather, Wendell Hutchinson,
After graduating Colocles did.”
receiving the Land Trust’s Conservationist Award.
rado State University in Fort
Hutchinson’s roots run
Collins with a degree in animal science in 2005, Abby Hut- deep in this more than 800-acre patch of ground that stradchinson returned to the family ranch to put up hay. She did
dles U.S. Highway 50. The Hutchinson family first settled
this for about a year before heading back to Fort Collins,
in the Upper Arkansas Valley in 1867. Their ranching opthen to Wyoming to work on a huge cattle and horse ranch. eration grew to 5,000 head of cattle that ranged from the
In Wyoming, on someone else’s ranch, Hutchinson had the San Luis Valley to South Park, and from Leadville to Westepiphany of settling on her own family’s ranch. And she’s
cliffe. Ranch succession through the generations with differnever looked back.
ent relatives taking the lead at different times is a model of
One strong reason for coming home was to be near her hanging onto heritage.
beloved grandpa. Hutchinson said she wanted to show him
As a kid, Abby and her sister, Erin, and their two best
“someone is willing to carry it on.” While Hutchinson was
friends spent the night in great, great Uncle Art’s cabin.
away, it was a question that had remained unanswered.
They mopped the floors and lit a fire to make the cabin in“Coming home gave my family, grandpa, and the commuhabitable. The girls then piled together onto a queen bed,
nity an answer to the ranch’s future,” she said.
giggling into the night. Before restoration, the nearby Old
Like all ranchers, Hutchinson’s days are long. On this
House was filled with junk and mice droppings, ratcheting
morning, she was up when the skies were still dark to check up the creepy factor. The likelihood of ghosts floating
on a newborn dwarf calf. “I didn’t know if it would live,”
through the Old House dominated pillow talk.
she said. (It did.)
Just as the sun peeked over the mountains, the sleepHutchinson then went to work at her job as a preschool challenged girls caught their horses in the pasture, jumped
Hutchinson continues next page
Winter/Spring
Winter/Spring 2014
Page 5
from page 4
Seeing mobs of strangers and their vehicles on the
ranch
can, at times, feel uncomfortable for Hutchinson. It’s
bales and ditches, and rode until they couldn’t anymore,
a
quantum
leap for longtime ranchers to get their heads
collapsing in hunger at Hutchinson’s grandparents’ table.
around the idea of occasionally opening their property to
Wendell Hutchinson donated the historic Hutchinson
the public. But sustainability is the larger issue, and Huthomestead, built in 1872, and its outbuildings to the Town
chinson appreciates this. Over the years, the Hutchinson
of Poncha Springs in 2003 for the public’s benefit. The
family has withstood tremendous pressure to sell to develranch house, or Old House, listed on the National Register
opers. Her values shape her vision. And she deals with
of Historic Places,
what’s in front of her.
is a learning center
Overall, Hutchinson said, “I’m pretty lucky.”
focused on heriThe Hutchinsons are also cooperating with the Land
tage and ranching
Trust
and its partner Collegiate Peaks Anglers Chapter of
and farming pracTrout
Unlimited in restoring and protecting the section of
tices. Salida-area
the
South
Arkansas River that flows through the ranch. This
Parks Open Space
restoration effort will improve the wildlife habitat and waand Trails, or
ter quality of the river.
SPOT, played a
The family’s ongoing work has not gone unnoticed.
major role at HutThe
Land Trust presented its 2013 Conservationist Award
chinson Hometo the Hutchinson family for
stead, raising
Abby Hutchinson said the conservation
outstanding leadership, selfless
funds for three phases of preservaeasement on the ranch "made it so you can
dedication and commitment
tion work and building the visitors
keep pouring your heart and soul into it and
to protecting the natural, hiscenter.
have something to show for it, rather than
torical and agricultural rePart of the grounds is leased to
the uncertainty of land sales."
sources.
Guidestone for its summer educaHutchinson
said
she’s
especially grateful for her
tion program, Farmhands. Farmhands offers hands-on, exhuge network of support, her extended family and friends.
periential farm and ranch-based educational opportunities
They often step up and help where it’s needed. Former
to children and families. Children learn through exploration and play, and develop an understanding of where those employee and family friend Danny Wood gave her advice
on many things related to ranching. Wood was instrumenpulled-pork sandwiches down the road originated. Huttal in her decision to remain ranching, which is intrinsic to
chinson calls Guidestone an asset, with its positive, forthe historic, economic and social fabric of the community.
ward-thinking educational approach. “It’s awesome to get
One day while working on a water tank together, Wood
those little kids out here,” she said.
made a crack about how Hutchinson could do this the rest
Wendell Hutchinson and his children Andy, Lisa, and
of her life. She took this comment to heart.
Art, Abby Hutchinson’s dad, further protected the remainHutchinson’s ideal day isn’t too far off from when she
ing ranch acreage. In partnership with multiple organizawas
a girl. She’d spend it on her bay horse Sailor in the fall
tions, including the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas, the
under aspens, gathering cattle and moving them up MarTrust for Public Land and the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agrishall Pass, where she has a U.S. Forest Service grazing
cultural Land Trust, the Hutchinson ranch is protected in
lease. She also has a Bureau of Land Management grazing
perpetuity by a conservation easement.
lease in the San Luis valley between Villa Grove and SaHutchinson said the conservation easement on the
guache. Being a good steward of public land is just as imporranch “made it so you can keep pouring your heart and soul
tant to Hutchinson as caring for private land. “We’re trying
into it and have something to show for it, rather than the
to work the land, so the land will work for us,” she said.
uncertainty of land sales.” The easement gave the family a
Professionally, Hutchinson’s strategy is working, with
nest egg and enabled them to keep ranching. But it was unher tenacity and love of the land driving it all. Personally,
clear exactly what came next.
she hopes to one day raise a family on this ranch, creating
New, diversified ventures on the ranch can be inconvenient but, ultimately, bring more financial freedom. Hutchinson memories in a story that is still being written. Maybe
they’ll add another generation, and more chapters, to the
is expanding into local, grass-fed beef. A barn and pastures are
Hutchinson family’s legacy of sustainable ranching in the
rented for weddings and parties in summer and seasonal festiUpper Arkansas Valley. LTUA
vals. And she’s open to partnerships with novice farmers.
Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas
Page 6
Land Trust Welcomes New Board Member
Paul Gregg
Paul Gregg moved to Eagle County from rural Delaware in 1974.
Gregg soon became active in local affairs and was elected to various
boards, such as water and sanitation districts. In 1998, Gregg was elected
town trustee for the Town of Eagle for eight years.
He worked mostly for local governments on engineering and facility
management projects, and as chief engineer for the Westin Hotel in Vail.
One of his favorite jobs was farming in North Dakota with his brother-inlaw. “I have never worked so hard for so little money and been so greatly
rewarded,” Gregg said.
His two sons were born at the St. Vincent Hospital in Leadville and
now have children of their own. They all live in Colorado. Gregg’s greatest pleasures are hiking, biking, rafting, fishing
and backpacking with his wife of 35 years and his extended family. He has been retired in Chaffee County since 2008. LTUA
Scott, from page 2
Land Trust Website Redesign Offers
Informative, User-friendly Experience
The Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas has redesigned and reorganized its website (www.ltua.org), making it more informative and
user-friendly for landowners and supporters.
The new website provides detailed descriptions of the Land
Trust’s programs, services, activities and ways landowners can protect their properties and take advantage of current benefits.
“We are leading the way in on-the-ground conservation work in
Central Colorado, protecting critical natural, agricultural, scenic and
historic resources,” Land Trust Executive Director Andrew Mackie
said. “Many people don’t realize the scope and breath of our work.
They can see what we are doing by following the news, upcoming
events or blog sections.”
The new website includes sections on working with agricultural
producers (Ranches and Farms); protecting wildlife corridors and
habitat (Wildlife); current restoration programs (Ecological Restoration); efforts to monitor our water resources (Watershed Protection);
developing targeted trails and public access (Outdoor Recreation);
long-term management of properties (Stewardship); and public programming (Education).
Visitors to the site may easily join the Land Trust through a secure
site. Ways to become involved are highlighted with specifics on
planned giving, volunteering and donating real-estate sections.
Web designer Mark Wiard and graphic designer Susan Dunn tagteamed on creating the site. Stunning images were contributed by
professional and amateur photographers, including John Fielder, Jim
Burns, Mary Cuyler and Raquel Wertsbaugh.LTUA
a magnificent and brutal place, part of me has
always felt a connection to the agricultural lifestyle. Eventually, my father sold his ranch to a
large family moving from the Front Range.
They had just sold their farm to a land developer, and my understanding was that it would
become a strip mall or housing development.
While I never knew their farm, I have become
familiar with the process of selling agricultural
land and property in a desirable location for
development purposes. I understand the impact
that can have on local agriculture, historic sites,
wildlife and riparian areas.
What really intrigues me about the Land
Trust, and the mission of land trusts in general,
is that they offer ranchers and property owners
an alternative to development. Being involved
with our Land Trust is one way to attempt to
preserve the agricultural heritage, wildlife,
natural beauty, and natural resources of the
Arkansas Valley and the surrounding areas. The
Land Trust is moving into the future by deploying a mixture of traditional and innovative conservation strategies. My hope is that during my
tenure, I can help the executive director and
staff forge ahead by fulfilling our mission to ensure that our incredible valley moves into the
future with the roots of conservation firmly established and propagating, so that coming generations can see this valley as I do.LTUA
Winter/Spring
Winter/Spring 2014
Page 7
The Board of Directors and Staff of the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas
would like to thank the following donors for their support in 2013
Individual and Family
Donors
Royal Gorge
Nancy and Richard Adkerson
Joyce Cheney
Grant Heilman
Nancy Stead and William Pincus
Doris and Cliff Wurster
Mount Massive
Anonymous – 1
Denny Arter and Tim Martin
Patricia and Boyd Clark
James V Culbertson
Kate and Dan Larkin
Pamela and Peter Mackie
John McGowan
Mount Antero
Anonymous - 3
Ellen and Don Bauder
Donna and Ted Bauer
Peter Bond
Deborah and Joseph Bowes III
Gloria and Irv Broudy
Kim Hoover and Paul Brown
Alys and Jim Bruffy
Kathleen and Paul Campbell
Doris Carney
Patricia and Boyd Clark
Pamela and Jay Close
Deanna and Mark Clouse
Betty Cole
Mary and Dick Cuyler
Carol DeStefanis
Donna and Bruce Dickinson
Lee Dodge
Lisa and Tim Glenn
Melissa and Bruce Goforth
Bill Goosmann
Ann and John Graham
Cynthia and Brett Gray
Katy and Bob Grether
Lisa and Jay Hake
Dolores and Ronald Harbeck
Cup and Harry Harrison
Cynthia and David Hearn
Nancy Hyde
Andrea Jones
Dianne and Jim Keil
Suzy and Bryce Kelly
Judith Kinzie
Frederick Lee
MaryAnn and JD Longwell
Svata Louda
Dara and Michael MacDonald
Andrew Mackie
Ann and Gary Mason
Kathlyn and Steve Matre
Carrie and Garry McClelland
Janet Franz and David Moore
Linda Mulka
Phillip Periman
Cookie Perl
Robert Postle
Fred Rasmussen
Jan and Dick Scar
Lacey and Michael Scott
Marsha and EJ Sherry
Brita and Mike Sugaski
Jane Templeton
Nancy Tatge and Norman Vieira
Jennifer and Josh Visitacion
Sally Waterhouse
Frances Black and Forrest Whitman
Cathy and David Wood
Doris and Cliff Wurster
Jeanne Younghaus and
Lyndon Berry
Pamela Miquelen
Alison and Eric Ramsey
Pat Riley
Paula and Chris Schirmer
Bruce Scott
Jon Sirkis
Roberta Smith
Ann Marie Swan
Martha and Tom Thomas
David Tipton
Ann and Norman Wells
Bonnie Wiesel
Family
Business/Corporate Donors
Independence
Anonymous - 1
Marybeth and Lynn Anderson
Evelyn and Keith Baker
Sharon and Fred Balmos
Traci and Danny Beck
Mo and Butch Butler
Jane Carpenter
Mike Coast
Brenda and Dennis Dempsey
Ann Dukett
Kristy Falcom
Linda and Michael Forman
Scott Hartman
Katherine Henley
Anne Marie Holen
Ellen and Donald Hopkins
Doann Houghton-Alico
Sandee and Sigurd Jaastad
Christina and Joseph Jordan
Chris and Drew Ludwig
Nancy and Steve Oswald
Lou Ann Pfeifer
Julie Richardson and John Russell
Elizabeth Ritchie
Vickie and Frosty Roe
Wendy Rombold
Wayne Sawyer
Patricia and Larry Smith
Larry Soukup
Timothy Sprouse
Gail Stitt
Dave Taliaferro
James Van Every
Individual
Anonymous - 3
Scott Adams
Sheryl and Al Archuleta
Rebecca Biglow
Roman Borgerding
Janet and Mark Boyle
Claudia Campbell
Kathryn Coit
Claude Dean
Alex Drummond
Linda Erickson
Tom Eve
Mark Goosmann
Jeanne Kostelic
Joseph Lyford
Tracy McConathy
Donald McLaughlin
Melanie Milam
Virtuosity Gallery/Joshua Been
Trout Creek
Pinon Real Estate Group, LLC
Powell & Murphy, P.C.
Hayden
Insight Database Design &
Consulting
Jess Campbell Family
Cottonwood
Marty Frick and Paul Snyder
Maysville Builders
Moonlight Pizza
Pinon Real Estate Group BV
The Book Haven
Common Cents for
Conservation Partners
Amicas Pizza
Bead Song
Dvorak’s
Fattees
Kym and Hayden Mellsop
In the Current Imports
Laughing Ladies
Lifestream Water Systems
Monarch Mountain
Mountain Bohemian
Palace Hotel
Salida Mountain Sports
San Isabel Bed and Breakfast
Snowy Peaks RV Park
Susan Dunn, Grand Slam Design
The Adventure Company
The Book Haven
The Trailhead
Annual Event Sponsors and
Silent Auction Contributors
Central Colorado Title and Escrow
Pinon Real Estate Group LLC
Powell & Murphy, PC
American Adventure Expedition
Ella Barnett
Boathouse Distillery
Brady’s West
Breckenridge Distillery
Butterfly Pavilion
Clear Creek Ranch
Clyfford Still Museum
Denise Culver
Currents Steak and Seafood
Denny Arter and Tim Martin
Denver Art Museum
Denver Museum of Nature
& Science
Denver Zoo
Carol DeStefanis
Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge
Railroad
Dvorak’s
Eagle Optics
Echo Canyon River Expeditions
Elizabeth Rundle/Jane Sanborn
FishPond
Georgetown Loop Railroad
GoldZero
High County News
Integrate-Mind, Body, Fitness
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa
Kroenke Sports/Colorado Avalanche
LTUA Board of Directors
Andrew Mackie
Gary Mason
Sally Mather
Hayden Mellsop
David Moore
Liz Morgan
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
Mt. Shavano Ski Rental
Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply
Natural Habitat Adventures
Osprey
Patagonia
Pilates Studio
Ploughboy
Prana
Fred Rasmussen
Rescue Essentials
Julie Richardson
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center
Wendy Rombold
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
John Russell
Salida Mountain Sports
The Book Haven
The Warehouse Restaurant
Norman Vieira
Woods High Mountain Distillery
YogaTonic
Zapata Ranch
Government, Foundation,
and Organization Grants
Chaffee Country
City of Salida
Collegiate Peaks Anglers
Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Friends of the Steam Plant
Intermountain West Joint Venture
Kachemak Heritage Land Trust
Land Trust Alliance
Salida Sunrise Rotary
Tax Credit Connection
Trust for Public Land
Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas
Page 8
in brief...
Connecting conservation to economic development lecture, lunch
Meet us for lunch as Colorado State University Professor Andy Seidl, Trust for Public Land state Director Tim
Wohlgenant and Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas Executive Director Andrew Mackie talk about the connection
between the value of land and water conservation and economic development. Thurs., May 2, noon to 1 p.m.,
Salida Community Center, 305 F St., Salida. Free with optional $7 spaghetti lunch.
Land Trust Members’ Picnic celebrates conservation week
Celebrate Colorado Land Conservation Appreciation Week with us! Meet like-minded supporters of the Land Trust at a
summer evening picnic at the beautiful Hutchinson Ranch. The Land Trust will provide grilled burgers, hot dogs and
dessert, and members are asked to bring a side dish or salad. Throw some horseshoes, take a birding walk or relax with a
cold beverage as you visit with old friends and meet new ones. More details to come. Let us know if you’d like to be on our
list to receive more information. Wed., June 18, Time to be determined. Hutchinson Ranch, U.S. Highway 50, Salida.
ArkValley High Rollers to present Land Trust with $300 at derby bout
Check out our local women’s roller derby as the Ark Valley High Roller Community Partnership presents the Land Trust
with a $300 check during halftime at the bout against the Cheyenne Capidolls in July. We’ll need volunteers to staff this
event: please let us know if you can help. Sat., July 19, Time to be determined. Chaffee County Fairgrounds, 10165 CR
120, Salida.
Donor offers matching gift for Arkansas River Preserve
The Arkansas River Preserve, a key piece of property in Southern Lake County, is the Land Trust’s first property that we
own and manage. The Arkansas River and the historic Leadville Stage Road pass through the property. The preserve is
undeveloped and will be kept in a natural state. In the past,
mining operations occurred on adjacent properties. Currently, we are developing a management plan and restoration strategy for the in-stream and riparian areas of the River.
Recently, the Land Trust was approached by one of our
strong supporters, Joyce Cheney. Joyce is interested in making a sizable contribution to the Land Trust as a matching gift
toward our Arkansas River Preserve in Lake County. If we can
raise $1,000 this spring, Joyce will match this with $3,000!
With your help and Joyce’s generous matching offer, we can
take a major step forward in protecting and restoring this
area for generations to come. We can only do it with your
support. Please help us reach this goal and make a special
gift for the Arkansas River Preserve. You can get us to the
goal of $1,000 and with the match, triple the impact of your
donation!
Arkansas River Preserve, Lake County.
I would like to make a donation toward the Arkansas River Preserve in the amount of:
$10
$20
$50
$75
$100
I would like to keep this donation anonymous.
$200
Other $_______
Name: ________________________________
Email: ________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________
Make checks payable to LTUA. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Return to LTUA, Arkansas River Preserve, PO Box 942, Salida, CO 81201.
Winter/Spring
Winter/Spring 2014
Page 9
Land Trust, GARNA partner to Host Wild & Scenic Film Festival
The Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas and the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) are partnering to host the Wild & Scenic Film
Festival 2014 on Thursday, April 10, 6:30 p.m., at the Salida Community
Center. The film festival will screen 10 environmental and adventure films,
including a local one, that showcase the earth’s beauty, challenges facing our
planet and work communities are doing to protect the environment.
Through these films, Wild & Scenic informs people about the state of the
world and inspires them. The film fest is a fundraiser and membership drive
for the Land Trust and GARNA. “High Altitude Fish Hunters” was filmed
near Salida by Sam Bricker, Nathan Ward and Claude DeMoss. The film
takes viewers on a journey seeking wild and elusive high-altitude Greenback
Cutthroats.
Local film producer Beda Calhoun took care of behind-the-scenes business
for “Cascada,” stunningly filmed in the remote Mexican jungle where paddlers search for the perfect waterfall.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and $8 for children. Join the Land Trust and GARNA with a combined individual membership of only $25 for one year, and pick up a discounted film fest ticket for $10 until 3 p.m. on Thursday, April
10. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ltua.org/wild-scenic-film-tour-2014/ and www.garna.org/events/film-festival2014/ or in the LTUA offices at 128 East First St. Doors open at 6 p.m., and beer, wine and popcorn will be available.
State updates Conservation
Easement TaxTax-credit Application
Snapshot: Land Trust in the Community
The Colorado Division of Real Estate has created
a new application process for landowners to be
issued a tax-credit certificate for conservation
easements. The Division of Real Estate will review
applications on the purpose of the easement and
the corresponding appraisal. After a successful
review, the division will immediately assign a tax
certificate to the landowner. Under this new
process, the Division of Real Estate has sole responsibility to review the application and, once
approved, the easement can’t be denied by the
Colorado Department of Revenue for conservation purposes and the appraisal.
The Division is offering an optional Preliminary
Advisory Opinion (PAO) for conservation easements. The PAO determines whether an anticipated donation is likely to be approved for a
Colorado state tax credit. Landowners donating a
conservation easement can request a PAO for the
conservation purposes or the appraisal or both.
New fees also apply under this process. For more
information, go to the Division’s website at: http://
cdn.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/DORA-DRE/CBON/DORA/1251623056787.
Violet Vogel of Salida spreads the message of land and water
conservation by posting a bumper sticker near the boat ramp.
Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas
Page 10
Common Cents for Conservation™ Partner Profile:
by Ann Marie Swan
The Book Haven
O
said. “It was brand new.”
Marvel inserted her personality into the business, organizing literary events. “The books were certainly a draw,
but I also wanted to create a hub for literary dialogue,”
Marvel said. “This community is full of gifted writers, poets,
intellectuals and readers.”
The Book Haven soon became a place for people with
like interests to come together. Marvel said she remembered
someone talking about a particular book, saying it was about
relationships. Another person nearby asked, “What book isn’t
about relationships?” This exchange stuck with her.
“Books allowed me to explore humanity, whether it’s
people or people in places or spaces in spiritual realms,” she
said. “I love to hear what other people think of what is written. Books open up the world of communication in their
own particular way.”
After three years, Marvel moved across F Street to her
modern yet historically intact unit. Wunderlich and her husband, Joachim, own the building and Marvel’s sister is her
business partner. Inside the soaring front-glass windows,
displays on wheels move handily to accommodate a crowd.
Sofas and throws create a snug nest in the back, inviting customers to sit with a book and cup of tea. An enclosed area is
a perfect nook for kids to huddle on the floor over books.
Classical music plays in the background in this warm space
The Book Haven
with terra-cotta and sage-colored walls.
135 F Street
The Book Haven is magnetic to local and regional auSalida
thors and their readers. Dies Librorum, Latin for Festival of
(719) 539539-9629
Books, is a monthly event, featuring three or four authors,
www.thebookhavenonline.com
food, music and conversation. On the day of Dies Librorum,
the aroma of homemade chili or stew wafts through the
bookstore as Marvel preps in the back kitchen. Guests who
The timing was key for the sisters. The previous summer,
they lost both parents, who died within three months of
share a love of the written word contribute ideas and exeach other in Hastings, Neb. Wunderlich spent time in
plore literature at this nonstuffy, informal party. SomeSalida as the sisters mourned their loss, trying to move for- times, a nationally popular, celebrated writer on a book
tour stops by. The event has caught on and attendees must
ward. “I wanted some sort of job, a semiretired position,”
Marvel said. “We both needed something to give a little bit RSVP for a spot. A waiting list is not unusual.
more meaning in our lives. And it wasn’t just for me, it was
“I have always felt honored to be welcomed into the
community of Salida, so I feel particularly compelled to
for both of us. The bookstore answered that.”
It was a smooth transition of pleasant dealings with Still- share space with my neighbors,” Marvel said.
water. As Marvel signed papers, she heard her deceased faBesides new books, The Book Haven has used books,
ther’s voice asking, “Lisa, do you have any idea what you’re magazines, maps, chocolate and tea and coffee—especially
doing?” “I said no, that’s why I was able to do it,” Marvel
Book Haven continues next page
wning a bookstore is a familiar fantasy for avid
readers. Imagine opening the front door to a selfmade sanctuary of books, standing at attention on display
racks. How rapturous would it be to flip through all these
tomes, stroking their spines?
The Book Haven owner Lisa Marvel didn’t necessarily
share this dream of owning a bookstore. Instead, the idea
came on rather quickly. Marvel walked into The Book Haven in Salida in January 2009 for reading material during
long winter nights. By the time she stepped out, Marvel was
intent on buying the shop from owner Haven Stillwater.
“Although I had only lived in Salida for a year, I thought this
community really needed
to continue having a
bookstore,” Marvel said.
Marvel called her twin
sister, Laura Marvel
Wunderlich, about the
possibility of becoming a
silent partner. Before
Marvel said she could
“spit out” the information, her retired English
professor sister was in.
Winter/Spring
Winter/Spring 2014
Page 11
from page 10
enticing on a chilly day. Top
sellers include Colorado authors Kent Haruf, Susan
Tweit and B.K. Loren, and
national heavy-hitters Barbara
Kingsolver and the poet
Mary Oliver. Regional guidebooks move well, along with
stories about adventure and
survival.
Most recently, the Noteworthy Music Shoppe, a music-accessory business, took
Lisa Marvel,
up a corner of the bookstore.
owner of the Book Haven
The Book Haven has become
the new conduit to school
band-instrument rentals, repairs, music books and more.
The Book Haven hosts poetry readings, house concerts
and, occasionally, art openings. The Salida Council for the
Arts meets in The Book Haven, as well as the Haven Readers, a book club that accepts new members. Marvel has
opened her doors, and her heart, to local nonprofits that
align with her values. The Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas
hosts Voices of the Valley, an evening of essays and poetry
celebrating the local natural landscape.
Marvel also steps outside of her bookstore to contribute,
making soup for the First Presbyterian Church’s Stone Soup
Kitchen, which feeds 50 to 75 people on Mondays.
This valley, with its distinctly stunning mountain ranges,
and the Arkansas River reflecting the sky’s mood, continues
to suit Marvel. Given her fondness of the area, it’s no wonder that The Book Haven is a member of COMMON
CENTS for Conservation, a collaboration that supports the
Land Trust and its work by collecting a voluntary one percent donation from customers. “It is important to me to support the protection of our natural resources and habitats, as
well as ranch land and farming opportunities,” she said.
Marvel first experienced Colorado through a child’s eyes
on summer family drives to Estes Park and Keystone. “We’d
start driving home and I’d cry,” she said. “I felt so good out
here.”
Although Marvel recalled her childhood in Nebraska as
“wholesome and foundational,” she tired of the summertime
heat and humidity. Mountains beckoned, as they do, and
Marvel landed in Salida after a career spent mostly in education in Nebraska. “I got to a place where my heart and body
wanted to be,” she said. LTUA
Our Common Cents for Conservation Program™
Program
partners with area businesses to collect a
voluntary contribution to support land and
water conservation in Central Colorado.
The following businesses are part of the Common
Cents program. They play a significant role in
supporting the work of the Land Trust. Their
participation and your patronage of these
businesses are greatly appreciated.
Thank You!
The Adventure Company – Premier whitewater rafting.
1-800-497-RAFT (7238) www.theadventurecompany.com
Amicas Pizza – Best wood-fired pizza around.
719-539-5219 www.amicassalida.com
Arkansas River Rods – Handcrafted Bamboo Fishing Rods.
719-239-0085 http://arkansasriverrods.com
The Book Haven – Our independent, locally owned bookstore.
719-539-9629 www.thebookhavenonline.com
Bead Song – Find all the beads you need for any project.
719-530-0110
Dvorak’s Expeditions – Colorado’s first licensed outfitter,
providing trips across the West.
800-824-3795 www.dvorakexpeditions.com
Fattees – The premier T-shirt shop and screen printing business.
719-539-4599 www.fattees-printing.com
Grand Slam Design, Susan Dunn – Graphic design done right.
719-395-4099 www.susandunndesign.com
In the Current Imports – Unique gifts from around the world.
719-539-2321 http://inthecurrentimports.com
Kym and Hayden Mellsop, Pinon Real Estate Group –
Meeting all your real estate needs in the Valley.
719-539-0200 http://home-waters.com
Laughing Ladies – Fine dining at its best.
719-539-6209 http://laughingladiesrestaurant.com
LifeStream Water Systems – Providing water filtration systems
worldwide.
719-530-0522 www.lifestreamsystemsinc.com
Monarch Mountain – Powder and excitement with no waiting.
719-530-5000 www.skimonarch.com
The Palace Hotel – A boutique hotel in the heart of Salida.
719-207-4175 www.salidapalacehotel.com
Salida Mountain Sports – Gear up for your outdoor needs.
719-539-4400 http://salidamountainsports.com
San Isabel Bed and Breakfast – Cozy and inviting.
719-539-5432 www.sanisabelbandb.com
Snowy Peaks RV Park – Located just north of Buena Vista,
filling all your RV needs.
719-395-8481 www.snowypeaksrvpark.com
Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas
Page 12
Landscape PhotographyWorkshop with John Fielder in the Upper Arkansas Valley
May 31 and June 1, 2014
$750 per person
(A portion of the fee benefits land conservation in the Valley)
Join Colorado’s premier landscape photographer John Fielder in
one of the most dramatic landscapes in Colorado. Mountains and
the Arkansas River make a perfect backdrop for photography.
Explore the Valley with John and let him help you capture this
colorful and vivid world.
The workshop offers a well-rounded and significant educational
experience, appropriate for any level of outdoor photographer,
but especially for beginners and intermediates. The two-day
Sawatch Range
workshop consists of a slide-based lecture, field shoots, and inPhoto ©John Fielder
teractive critique sessions. The schedule optimizes field time and
individual attention. Limited enrollment gives participants quality
time with John Fielder and ensures that each person gets the specific instruction needed.
Saturday
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Welcome and introductions; Slide lecture “The Art of Seeing”
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch on your own
2:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Shooting in the field at locations in the Upper Arkansas Valley
Sunday
5:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
Waiting for the last light of the day
Photo ©John Fielder
Meet in the field – morning photography
Hot breakfast and critique of photos
Book sale and signing
Contact: John Fielder Photography Workshops
Andrew Mackie, Workshop Coordinator
PO Box 942, Salida, CO 81201
Phone: 719-539-7700
Email: [email protected]
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants
Price: $750 per person includes classroom sessions, snacks in the field, water,
dinner Saturday night, breakfast Sunday morning and transportation to field
sites. Tuition is non-refundable. If we cancel the workshop, your payment is
fully refundable.
Registration: Space is limited; you are encouraged to register right away.
Full payment secures your enrollment and must be received to secure your spot.
Make check payable to LTUA. Send payment to LTUA, PO Box 942, Salida,
CO 81201.
Wait List: The wait list is on a first-come basis. If space opens, we will call
the first person on the list and move down the list until the slot is filled.
Equipment: A 35mm digital SLR camera is recommended. Lenses of various
focal lengths will be helpful, especially between 28mm and 200mm for landscape photography. A tripod with cable or remote release is suggested (if you
don’t have a cable or remote release, use the self-timer on the camera). A point
and shoot camera is also a good idea for close-ups and more flexible hard-toposition compositions. A laptop computer will be needed for the critique session.
You will have a limited amount of time to edit your photos in preparation of the
critique; therefore, you should be proficient in downloading images from your
camera to the computer. Being able to process images in Lightroom or Photoshop
is helpful but not mandatory.
Accommodations: Overnight accommodations are not included in the Workshop. Contact the Land Trust for suggestions in the area.
Clothing and Personal Items: The most enjoyable part of the Workshop is
time in the field. We will be in the field at different times of day and could have
variable weather. It is important to bring appropriate clothing to remain comfortable. Creativity, mental focus and productivity are greatly affected by physical comfort.
Winter/Spring
Winter/Spring 2014
Page 13
Fun, educational NatureNature-a-thon Raises Funds to Benefit Wildlife
What is a NatureNature-a-thon? A Nature-a-thon is similar to any other “thon,” such as a walk-a-thon. In this case
individuals collect pledges or flat donations based on the total number of species seen during a 24-hour
period between Friday, May 10, and Sunday, May 18, 2014. Teams try to find and record as many wild
species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish as they can during this time period.
Purpose:
Purpose To raise money for the protection of wildlife habitat in Central Colorado.
Date:
Date Any 24-hour period between Friday, May 10, and Sunday, May 18, 2014.
Teams:
Teams Each team may consist of any number of members. Teams are encouraged to come up with a fun,
creative name. The Land Trust will recognize the team that raises the most money and identifies the most
species.
What counts:
counts Any wild species of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or fish. Teams can choose to focus on
Black-headed
only one group, such fish, by spending the day fly-fishing. Or if groups are up for the challenge, they may
Grosbeak
try to see the most species possible across all taxa in a day. There are no restrictions on boundaries, only
time. It is up to the team to determine its best route.
Education:
Education In addition to raising funds for wildlife conservation, the Nature-a-thon is a great way to learn more about wildlife
and get others more involved with wildlife conservation.
How to ask for money:
money Start with family and friends. Tell them about the Land Trust and some of the projects that benefit wildlife.
Ask if they will support your Nature-a-thon, offering ideas on the plans and hopes for the day. After the Nature-a-Thon is completed, consider sending a letter about the day to each of your sponsors. There is no minimum amount of money a team member needs to raise but keep in mind that the more funding brought in, the more we can do to protect wildlife and its habitat.
Collection of Money:
Money Checks can be made out to LTUA. Either mail (no cash) or drop off team donations to the Land Trust at
LTUA, PO Box 942, Salida, CO 81201 or 128 East First St., Salida.
Sign up:
up Email or call the Land Trust at [email protected] or (719) 539-7700.
Teams:
Teams Start your own team or join an existing team. To join a team, email [email protected] and let us know your availability during the Nature-a-thon week and what type of team you would like to join. Don’t worry, we can help with any questions!
Already a member of LTUA? Pass this form along to a friend!
Individuals and Families:
Business/Corporate:
Individual
($25)
Family
($50)
Mount Antero
($100)
Mount Massive
($500)
Royal Gorge
($1,000)
Angel of Shavano ($5,000)
Other
$
I would like to make an additional gift
in the amount of $
Cottonwood
Hayden
Trout Creek
($100)
($250)
($500)
Includes website link from LTUA page
Independence
($1,000)
Includes website link from LTUA page, press release
about gift, and special invitations to LTUA events.
Monarch
($5,000)
Includes all benefits at Independence level,
plus LTUA newsletter article about business.
Other $
Name:
Address:
City:
Telephone:
State:
Zip:
Email:
I wish to remain anonymous; please do not list my name in LTUA publications.
I am interested in making a gift of securities or real estate; please send me more information.
Please send me more information on estate planning and making a bequest to LTUA.
I am interested in volunteering with LTUA; please contact me about volunteer opportunities.
LTUA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. Make checks payable to LTUA.
Return to: Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas, PO Box 942, Salida, CO 81201. For more information call 719-539-7700.