Protecting Colorado's working ranches

MONTROSE  — Two years of work — traveling to the most consequential Colorado working ranches — comes to Montrose today and supports the Black Canyon Land Trust.

Nationally renowned nature photographer John Fielder shows off this hard work at the Montrose Pavilion today as part of a regional premiere of his new book, "Ranches of Colorado."

In 2007 and 2008, Fielder traveled to 50 Colorado multigenerational working cattle ranches, most of which are already protected from development through such organizations as the Black Canyon Land Trust. Among those 50 are Last Dollar Ranch, Centennial Ranch and Canyon Ranch.

"Ranches are rapidly being divided and developed for other purposes," said Barbara Hawke, executive director of the Black Canyon Land Trust in Montrose. "And though there is a positive side to development, here in western Colorado, preserving the economic base of ranching, the culture of hard work and perseverance, is critical to keeping the quality of life in this area."

In Montrose County, there is more than 6,000 acres of ranch land preserved, mostly through a conservation easement.

"(A conservation easement) keeps the land in private hands, keeps it in the tax hold and private ownership that we value. It keeps the land ownership sometimes in multi-generational families."

Fielder's book, which is 232 pages full of 375 photographs, tells this life that if fast disappearing. With the pressures to sell out to ski areas, vacation homes and shopping centers, along with the dilemma of generations no longer wanted to make a living from the land, selling becomes tempting, and in some cases, the owners' only retirement income.

But as this happens, there is also those who work and come together to protect these areas.

"We work to preserved their property for the rest of us – the great scenic views, wildlife habitats and river corridors — values that are important to us," Hawke said.

Fielder's book is playing a part in the protection of Colorado's ranches, as some of today's event proceeds go to the Black Canyon Land Trust.

"We are funded in a large part by private donations," Hawke said. "We get a small amount from local governments in our five-county serving area and some funding for the projects we complete. This is a fundraiser for us."

The main events starts at 7 p.m. with a $3 admission fee. All admission proceeds go to the land trust. Fielder will present a slide show that includes more than 200 project photos, accompanied by music from Aaron Copeland with an American frontier theme. Fielder will also talk about his experience at these ranches.

Fielder's book and calendar will also be on sale, which a percentage sold today goes to the land trust.

Prior to the slideshow (5 p.m.), VIP tickets include a chance to meet other local artists and Fielder, and bid in a silent auction for local works. The slide show also ends with a live auction including Fielder's image of Last Dollar Ranch.

For more information, contact the Black Canyon Land Trust at 252-1481.