The 1,360-acre Vogelaar Ranch is located in southeastern Montrose County on Horsefly Mesa, approximately 20 miles southwest of Montrose. The estate of Anita Vogelaar, whose parents bought the property and operated the ranch for decades, donated the Vogelaar Ranch to Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT), which then simultaneously conveyed an easement to Colorado Open Lands for its protection.
The ranch consists of natural habitats that include montane meadow, Gambel oak woodland, sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrubland, willow riparian areas, and aspen woodlands, all of which provide food and cover for a variety of game and nongame wildlife species. Several springs and seeps are present across the property, creating small micro-habitats dominated by willow and providing additional water resources for livestock and wildlife.
Preservation of the ranch supports ongoing protection efforts in the area. Approximately 88,000 acres of public land and over 7,000 acres of private land protected under conservation easement are within 10 miles of the property.
“The Vogelaar family’s generosity ensures the permanent conservation of the ranch while also providing critical resources to advance future land conservation efforts. We are thankful for their belief in our mission and for our partnership with Colorado Open Lands to protect this special place,” said Ilana Moir, Conservation Manager, Colorado West Land Trust.
Photos courtesy of CWLT.
