Join LPOSC for an enchanting firefly viewing party and dinner on Friday, June 28th. Hosted graciously by Jerry and Karen Zink at their preserved haven, Sunnyside Farm. The event promises a rare chance to witness the fleeting beauty of fireflies, exclusive to Southwest Colorado for a brief period each year. Revel in the company of friends, great food, and refreshing drinks amidst nature’s spectacle.

Tickets are priced at $100 per person, with the added perk of return visits with children and guests to the property on evenings from June 29 to July 5. Donations encouraged for the later visits. 

LPOSC, in collaboration with Visit Durango, Durango Trails, and San Juan Mountains Association, has formed a “Care for Durango” team. Our collective mission is to inform both trail users and visitors in the Durango area about preserving Durango’s beauty and charm for years to come. On busy weekends such as Memorial Day or Fourth of July, ambassadors will be present at trailheads, providing guidance on Leave No Trace principles, proper trail conduct, and much more!

LPOSC participated in ambassador activities at two of our city’s conserved properties—Oxbow and Dalla Mountain Park—over Memorial Day weekend, also making an appearance at the Durango Farmers Market! Either our partners or LPOSC representatives will be at the farmers market every Saturday from 8 to 12, so feel free to drop by and say hello!

This ambassador work highlights the chance for locals and visitors alike to marvel at these conserved lands and a beautiful reminder that many of these areas are under easement and are conserved for future generations, forever.

Left: LPOSC Ambassador work at Oxbow Park and Preserve. Right: LPOSC at the local farmers market.

Senate Bill 24-126 represents a noteworthy achievement for Colorado’s conservation efforts. By elevating the annual tax credit cap by $5 million to reach $50 million, it addresses the pressing need and widens the scope of conservation across the state. Additionally, alongside increasing the cap, the legislation revised the program to include vital oversight measures and to alleviate the financial burden on landowners who opt to conserve their land voluntarily.

These adjustments are essential for upholding the integrity and efficacy of the tax credit program. We eagerly anticipate the beneficial outcomes this legislation will bring to our conservation endeavors!

Rep. Mike Lynch, R-Wellington states: “For over 20 years, hard working people around the state have generously shared the fruits of their labor for the benefit of all Coloradans. It is important that those contributions are not only rewarded but further incentivized. Our bill will ensure that good work can continue, and that the Colorado we know and love is conserved for generations to come.”

In short, SB 24-126:

✅ Raises the tax credit cap to $50 million.  

✅ Eliminates the waitlist.

✅ Enables landowners to receive a maximum of $200,000 in a tax refund in all budget years.

✅ Eliminates the repeal date of the Conservation Easement Oversight Commission and the Certified Holder program, and it creates a new seat on the Conservation Easement Oversight Commission.