This 3,137-acre ranch spans four separate parcels in Conejos and Alamosa Counties. It includes 1.25 miles of La Jara Creek, the associated wetlands and riparian areas, and irrigated cropland and pastures, along with native shrub and grass lands. The ranch is used for irrigated crop production and seasonal grazing. It includes significant soils and both surface and groundwater irrigation water rights.
The ranch features abundant forage, shelter, breeding ground, and migration areas for large mammals including elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black bear and mountain lions, as well as small mammals, raptors, migratory birds, waterfowl, reptiles, and amphibians. Many Colorado Species of Concern utilize the ranch, including bald eagle, greater sandhill crane, ferruginous hawk, and northern leopard frog. Additionally, suitable habitat is provided for southwestern willow flycatcher (federally designated as endangered) and burrowing owl (designed as threatened in Colorado).
The landowning family has local roots in the San Luis Valley dating back to the 1800s. They have a strong conservation ethic, having completed another easement with Colorado Open Lands in 2013.
Project partners include Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Agricultural Land Easements. This program protects the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses.