In 2021, San Isabel Land Protection Trust formally joined Colorado Open Lands. San Isabel had been operating to protect land, water, and wildlife in the Wet Mountain Valley region for 25 years. Colorado Open Lands operates at the statewide level, having led the protection of over 717,000 acres of the best land and water across Colorado.
In Custer County, Colorado Open Lands now stewards over 80 distinct conserved properties, permanently protecting over 31,000 acres. Our work safeguards Colorado’s natural bounty – the scenic vistas and wildlife we enjoy and the ranching community we support by limiting development that risks our precious water resources, open space, and rural character.
Land. Water. Agriculture. People. Wildlife.
Why do you live in the Wet Mountain Valley? Perhaps your family has been here for decades or even a century, taking part in the rich agricultural traditions of Custer County. Maybe you stumbled upon Westcliffe and fell in love with the stunning natural beauty and wide open views, and decided to stay. If you live here, or even just visit, you know that this place is special. And it all starts with the land and water.
But open vistas and productive ag lands don’t happen by accident. They require the support of the community. We’re as invested as you are in maintaining the Wet Mountain Valley as a beautiful, productive, fertile landscape that supports healthy agricultural economies, thriving wildlife and plants, flowing water, and views that take your breath away. In partnership with local landowners, we protect land and water permanently, so that future generations can enjoy the same benefits we do today.
Since 2021 when Colorado Open Lands permanently partnered with the Westcliffe-based San Isabel Protection Trust, we have maintained a local office and staff to promote and support conservation in the Wet Mountain Valley. We pledge that every dollar raised in this community is invested in this community.
Thank you for your love of the land and water of the Wet Mountain Valley!