East Roatcap Ranch is located in Paonia in Delta County and contributes to the incredibly scenic surroundings. Previous owners had conserved 80 acres of the ranch in 2007 with a vision for conservation of the complete property. The current owners have achieved that goal by adding 297 acres to the conservation easement, thereby protecting the entirety of the ranch. The landowners have been engaging in active land stewardship practices, including creating settling ponds and restoring nutrients to the soil that encourage native grasses and discourage invasive plants.
The North Fork Valley, where the ranch lies, was inhabited by the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people until 1880. In 2023, the landowners volunteered to provide access to members of the Ute Tribe, allowing members use of their ancestral lands for the traditional harvest of native plants. The landowners have also offered the land for the tribal members to hunt, but have seen more desire from the members to utilize the lands for foraging and harvesting.
Because one of the landowners is of indigenous descent himself, specifically from the K’úutìim’é (Cochiti Pueblo People), he has a strong desire to provide access for the indigenous community who sees this land as home.
The Ute community has expressed gratitude for having an undisturbed experience on the property and for the ability to experience the land as it was 100 years ago, untouched.
Keep it Colorado was a project partner.
