March Mountain Memo
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New Land Acquisition
The Crested Butte Land Trust is excited to announce that we’ve closed on a 5 acre parcel located near the “Y” on Kebler Pass, about 0.5 miles south of the Irwin town site, and about seven miles outside the Town of Crested Butte. This site was the former location of the Pioneer Stamp Mill which operated for a short period of time in the late 1800s, processing silver ore from several nearby sites. Following closure of the Pioneer Stamp Mill in 1882, the parcel has been undeveloped and left to return to a naturalized state. In addition to its historical value, this parcel is an important wildlife migration route and scenic corridor between Crested Butte and the North Fork of the Gunnison River.
This parcel is a private inholding surrounded by the U.S. Forest Service lands. In addition to creating traditional conservation easements with private and public landowners, the Land Trust also works to acquire backcountry mining claims and parcels that belong in the public trust. The Pioneer Millsite is one of those important parcels. The Land Trust would like to acknowledge our late friend Teddy Evans for the inspiration to acquire this parcel. Our gratitude also extends to the sellers of this parcel for working with the Land Trust on a smooth transaction.
The Herons are Back!
Keep your eye out for the early birds! Great Blue Herons are now migrating back to their breeding grounds in the Slate River Valley. These migratory birds arrive in mid-March and will stay through the summer before departing for warmer climates come mid-August. Our partners at Crested Butte Nordic have closed a portion of the Magic Meadows trail due to its proximity to the river and the heron rookery. Please also keep in mind that the upper stretch of the Slate River from Gunsight Bridge to the Rec Path bridge in town is under a voluntary no-float restriction from now until July 15, keeping the rookery safe for wildlife during this critical nesting period.
Our Great Blue Heron population is unique in its high elevation, colony size, and longevity. Please help the Land Trust, concerned citizens and other property owners along the Upper Slate protect this sensitive heron community.
PHOTO BY JERRY CLARK
Summer Events
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our summer events!
This year’s Starry Evening Gala will be held on Saturday, July 9. Join us for a catered dinner, live music, and a live and silent auction.
Click here to register and for more information.
Help us celebrate the 20th Anniversary of our annual Caddis Cup Fly Fishing Tournament on July 15-16!
Click here to register and for more information.
Partners in Conservation
Here, we highlight fellow organizations and businesses committed to preserving the open spaces that make our home so special.
Join your Crested Butte community for a screening of the film ‘High Country‘, brought to you by the Crested Butte Community Compass. The film tells Crested Butte’s story through the perspective of community engagement and conservation. Click here for tickets and here for the official trailer.
