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In mid-June, LPOSC completed the permanent protection of a 35-acre conservation easement. Located adjacent to picturesque Lake Durango, this conservation easement encompasses expansive sagebrush and gambel oak shrublands. The property also consists of dryland pastures where cattle graze during the summer and fall.

This easement not only safeguards agricultural land, but also preserves vital wildlife habitat. The property contains winter habitat and migration routes for large game species moving between high-elevation summer territories and lower-elevation winter ranges, as well as habitat for a diversity of birds and small mammals. Situated near numerous other conservation easements, this newly-conserved property complements existing protected lands.

Calling all owners and grantors of LPOSC-conserved properties! Join us for a special event – the Landowner Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, August 10, from 4 to 7 pm. We’ll gather at the beautiful Rockin’ M Ranch at the end of Lightner Creek Road.

On Friday, June 28, LPOSC celebrated at the preserved paradise, Sunnyside Farm, to witness a unique spectacle: a rare population of fireflies illuminating the night sky. It was an enchanting evening marked by lively conversation and breathtaking vistas, and raised critical funds for LPOSC. We are so thankful for the wonderful Jerry and Karen Zink for hosting and extend a heartfelt thank you to all who joined us. We eagerly look forward to hosting this event again next year! 

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.  

• Public House 701 for treating us to wonderful hospitality, ambience, and food;
• Honey House Distillery and Peach Street Distillers for providing cocktails and tastings;
• Animas Chocolate Company for chocolates to accompany our craft cocktails;
• Star Liquors for providing wine;
• Fenceline Cider for providing cider;
• Ska Brewing for providing beer and Skagua;
• Ben Gibson for serving up Peace, Love, and 70s tunes;
• Our sponsors and silent auction donors; and
• Our Board, volunteers, and attendees.

Join La Plata Open Space Conservancy, Montezuma Land Conservancy, and the Fort Lewis College Farmer Training Program at Green Business Roundtable on Wednesday, February 14th from 12 – 1 PM at the Powerhouse Science Center to learn about efforts to improve access to land for new farmers.

WHEN:     Tuesday, February 20^th
TIME:       4-6 PM
WHERE:    La Plata County Fairgrounds
            Extension Building, Lightner Room
            2500 Main Avenue,
            Durango, CO 81303

LPCD Annual Landowner Meeting:  Will begin at 4:00 p.m.  Its purpose is to inform landowners within the District about ongoing efforts and programs, this year’s accomplishments, future plans, and for the CD’s Board of Supervisors to learn how it can better serve our constituents.  There will also be a brief presentation on the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). 

Local Work Group Meeting:  Will commence following the Annual Meeting at approximately 5:00 p.m.  The focus will be to identify existing agricultural and natural resource conservation issues in our community, and to provide information and feedback for directing USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs.

The La Plata and Pine River Conservation Districts appreciate your interest in conservation in Colorado and look forward to working with you to gather this vital information.  If you have any questions or need further information, please contact La Plata CD at (970) 422-3376 or laplatacd@hotmail.com. If you are unable to attend the meeting, we invite you to fill out our Online Survey.