Private Waters Fishing, Agrarian Commons, Ska Party and more!

August 17, 2022October 16, 2024

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Fly Fish for Open Space

Are you looking for a fun way to contribute to our work conserving land and water resources? Purchase your ticket for this special opportunity to access fishing on a conserved property in a brand-new way.

Guided by San Juan Anglers, participants in this September 4th event will fly fish on the private waters of a conserved property near Durango. There are few better ways to see the impact that preserving open spaces has on our rivers than to fish them with seasoned experts! Read below to choose between four exquisite, conserved properties for a full day of guided fly fishing.

With help from experts at San Juan Anglers, we’ve selected four prime conserved properties to offer for this unique fly fishing experience. Explore these properties below.

Fishing Spot #1 – Macho Ranch

This conserved property contains approximately 194 acres straddling the Florida River northeast of Durango. This property boasts of riparian forests filled with ponderosa and fir as well as cottonwood riparian forest in the river bottomland. The Florida River flows through the eastern portion of the property, adjacent to an open meadow with breath-taking views. Tickets for this property include a full day of fishing with a guide from San Juan Anglers, lunch, and a visit with the landowners. Maximum of 2 anglers on this property.

Fishing Spot #2 – Durango Nature Studies

This property includes approximately 145 acres of conserved land within the riparian natural resource system of the Florida River drainage. The 61.7-mile-long Florida River flows into the Animas River downstream from Durango and just north of the Colorado-New Mexico boundary, near where this property is located. The release of cold water into the Florida River near this property makes it a prime location fishing location in the fall. Tickets for this property include a full day of fishing with a guide from San Juan Anglers and lunch. Maximum of 4 anglers on this property.

Fishing Spot #3 – Los Pinos River Property

This property includes nearly 58 acres of conserved land that lies on the west side of the Pine River and includes approximately 1700 feet of river frontage. The land adjacent to the river is primarily riparian forest with a mixture of cottonwood, willow, river birch, and other deciduous species. Revered by anglers in the region, this property boasts of excellent fly fishing along the riverway. Tickets for this property include a full day of fishing with a guide from San Juan Anglers and lunch. Maximum of 4 anglers on this property.

Fishing Spot #4 – James Ranch

Set in the Animas Valley, this property encompasses 238 conserved acres of prime agricultural land and a stretch of the Animas River. This property is located in the north Animas River Valley among the spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains, overlooking the gorgeous pastures of the James Ranch. Tickets for this property include a full day of fishing with a guide from San Juan Anglers, and lunch from James Ranch Grill. Maximum of 4 anglers on this property.

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Ska Anniversary Party

Beers & tunes! The ticket link for this event is still live.
Join us for Ska Brewing’s 27th Anniversary Party and Brewer’s Invitational, featuring Hepcat with special guests, Rude Girl Revue and more! Enjoy beers from 30+ breweries. Proceeds benefit our work to conserve land and water here in wonderful Southwest Colorado!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Sponsors may receive entry in marketing, social media promotion, anniversary party tickets, and more! Please contact adrienne@lposc.org for more info.

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Agrarian Commons Project

La Plata Open Space Conservancy is excited to work in collaboration with Montezuma Land Conservancy and the Old Fort at Hesperus to assess the feasibility of an Agrarian Commons model here in Southwest Colorado.

What is an Agrarian Commons?
The Agrarian Commons is a land-holding model that connects beginning farmers and ranchers to land through local nonprofits and landowners. These Agrarian Commons hold land for the purpose of affordable and equitable leases for regenerative farmers, ecological sustainability, and community benefit.

We have begun the work of identifying needs and desires of beginning agrarians in this region to imagine a possible structure for an Agrarian Commons. On August 20th, a informational session with an Agrarian Trust representative will be held at the Old Fort at Hesperus at their Farmer Training Convergence. We are eager to hear from the Agrarian Trust on ways we can re-envision land access here in Colorado.

If you have any questions about the Convergence session, email leah@lposc.org.

Monitoring Season in Full Swing

Monitoring season is in full swing! Once a year, LPOSC conducts a site visit to each of our conserved properties to ensure the mutually accepted terms of each easement are being complied with. Monitoring usually includes everything from taking GPS-linked photo points to inspecting wildlife-friendly fencing. Our landowners often tag along on these site visits to hear about what LPOSC is up to and to enjoy the land with us!

During these hot summer days, you may see Christy Curd, LPOSC’s Stewardship Director, out and about monitoring conserved properties all over La Plata County.

Pause for a Cause

Move your body for Open Space! Join us at Pause Yoga & Pilates every Thursday evening in August for $10 drop-in yoga classes. We are grateful to be the recipients of proceeds from these awesome classes.