January 1, 2025 (Granby, Colo.)—Colorado Open Lands (COL) and Colorado Headwaters Land Trust (CHLT) announce today that they have merged operations, effective at midnight on December 31, 2024. The two nonprofit organizations share a goal – to permanently protect Colorado’s land and water.
Stewart McNab, president of the Colorado Headwaters Land Trust Board of Directors, said, “After almost 30 years in which CHLT has conserved over 10,000 acres, our mission to conserve and steward open lands and their natural character has become more critical than ever before. The development pressure in Grand County is at an all-time high, particularly on ranch and agricultural land which is a fundamental part of our heritage. By merging with Colorado Open Lands from our position of strength we can best meet the challenges facing Grand County and the headwaters of the Colorado River.”
CHLT was incorporated in 1995 as the Grand County Land Conservancy. Their mission is to conserve and steward the open lands and natural character of the headwaters of the Colorado River in partnership with the local community. From its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park in Grand County, the Colorado River is struggling to retain its valuable natural attributes: critical cold-water aquatic habitat, wetlands, vital water rights, working ranches, scenic open space, and world-class rafting and fly fishing.
CHLT has achieved significant accomplishments in land conservation, protecting vital landscapes, water resources, and wildlife habitats in Colorado. It has completed nearly 70 land protection projects totaling over 10,000 acres, including many of the critically important waterways, wetlands, and riparian areas within. CHLT’s conservation efforts include productive agriculture land, significant wildlife habitat, scenic viewsheds, and treasured public recreation spots.
Paul Phillips, president of the board of directors of Colorado Open Lands, said, “Grand County is home to some of Colorado’s most spectacular vistas, productive ranch lands and wildlife habitat, not to mention the headwaters of the majestic Colorado River. Colorado Open Lands is thrilled to be joining hands with Colorado Headwaters Land Trust to continue their legacy of outstanding work to protect these treasured resources.”
COL is poised to inherit the careful stewardship of landowner and community relationships that CHLT has built and will facilitate continued protection of Grand County lands and waters. COL will have full-time staff dedicated to land and water conservation in CHLT’s service area. It will also establish a local advisory board to provide area expertise and community connection going forward.
This merger was supported by a variety of public and private sources, including the Walton Family Foundation and Great Outdoors Colorado.
Header photo by Gregory Hoover, 2021, CHLT archives