Trampe Ranch Conserved

The final piece of the puzzle

Supporting our partners to conserve Trampe Ranch

In a time of increasing national divisiveness and rancor, we have great news to share with you. The Trampe Ranch, 6,000 acres of scenic ranchlands spanning from Gothic to Gunnison, will be conserved forever. The Land Trust added the final financial piece of the puzzle to make this project a reality.

CLOSING THE FINANCIAL GAP

After months of campaigning, the project still lacked the money to be completed. That’s when Jeff Hermanson and Margery Feldberg stepped in, ensuring the protection of some of Crested Butte’s most ecologically and economically important lands. Their gifts, made through the Crested Butte Land Trust, cap an incredible effort from both national and local organizations and individuals, and continue the strong legacy of conservation in the Gunnison Valley.

INDEBTED TO RANCHERS

Margery, a Land Trust board member, runs a small cattle operation in Connecticut, where she produces grass-fed, pasture-raised beef cattle. Through that work, she has realized something that cattle ranchers in the Gunnsion Valley have known for generations – ranchers are incredibly important in land conservation.

“At the start of my time with Land Trust, I heard Bill Trampe make the simple point that no one has done more to preserve open space in Gunnison Valley than the ranchers. I was immediately struck by the simple, compelling truth of that statement,” Margery said. “I know ranching to be difficult and relentless, and we are all indebted to ranchers for continuing to commit themselves to this demanding work from which the rest of us benefit so profoundly. For Bill to have done this for a lifetime, and then to cap off his commitment with this gift to the community is truly singular and spectacular. I am honored and thrilled that Jeff and I had the opportunity to play any role in this absolutely historic, landmark transaction, let alone a key role.”

THREE STEPS TO TRAMPE RANCH

The conservation of the Trampe Ranch will take place in three steps, which will hopefully be completed by spring of 2018. The first stage was completed last month, protecting 1,447 acres at the Trample Home Ranch.

“This land has been the heart of our ranch for more than 100 years,” Bill Trampe told the Crested Butte News. “The meadows and pastures are the resource base for ranch production, and also provide habitat for Gunnison sage-grouse and other wildlife species. Conservation of our home place means this land is available forever for agriculture.”

From our clean mountain water and incredible views, to our economy based on ranching and recreation, lands like the Trampe Ranch are the heart and soul of the Gunnison Valley. These working lands protect our natural resources and form the backbone of our culture and our heritage. We are thrilled to play an important role in keeping these lands in productive agriculture, forever.

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