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Introduction


In 2025, Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) engaged its board and staff in a facilitated planning process to chart the organization’s next chapter. Building on the successes of the 2020–2024 Strategic Direction, this process reaffirmed AVLT’s mission and values, while adapting to new realities – growing pressures on land and water, shifting demographics, and the need for organizational resilience. ​

The result is a clear set of strategic outcomes and objectives that will guide AVLT’s work over the next three years and position the organization for long-term impact. 


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​The conditions we face


​The valleys of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River remain home to landscapes that are vital to agriculture, wildlife, and community life. Yet these valleys face urgent challenges: ​
  • Increasing population growth and development pressure. 
  • Fragmentation of wildlife corridors and habitat loss. 
  • Extreme weather and climate change. 
  • Pressures on water supply and quality. 
  • Rising housing costs and community displacement. 
  • Lack of access to experiential opportunities in nature for the broader community and public schools.  
  • Transitioning agricultural land ownership, lack of access to affordable land, and increasing costs and pressures on producers. 
  • Regional food insecurity.  
  • Uncertain future of Colorado’s conservation easement tax credit. 
  • Threats to conservation, public lands, and traditional funding sources for conservation because of federal cuts. ​
In response, AVLT must continue to conserve high-value lands, foster trusted relationships with landowners, and ensure that all communities see themselves reflected in conservation. 



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Vision for the future


​AVLT seeks a future where land, wildlife, and people flourish together, and where conserved lands are treasures to be passed on forever. What that looks like to us: ​
  • Wildlife, Water, and People. Healthy lands, waters, and wildlife, with ample opportunities for people to connect with nature. 
  • Striking a Balance. Land use decisions that respect habitat, agriculture, housing, and recreation needs. 
  • Sustainable Agriculture. Thriving working lands that protect water, soil, and food security. 
  • Stewardship and Restoration. Strong partnerships with landowners to restore and enhance conserved lands. 
  • Community. A trusted, visible partner, integral to the multicultural and civic fabric of the region. ​




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​Mission

Aspen Valley Land Trust protects the special places and open spaces of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys for wildlife, agriculture, and community, forever. 

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​Values

  • Respect – For the natural world and for all people who share it. 
  • Commitment – To perpetuity, excellence, and accreditation standards. 
  • Community – Ensuring conservation reflects and benefits our diverse community. 
  • Resilience – Conserving lands and building an organization that endures. 
  • Trust – Honoring relationships with landowners, donors, and community partners. 

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Our niche and record of success 


​AVLT is the only local, non-partisan nonprofit dedicated to conserving private land forever in the Roaring Fork and middle Colorado River valleys. Since 1967, AVLT has conserved more than 70 square miles of land, including over 104 miles of river frontage, 33 miles of public trails, 10 public parks, and thousands of acres of wildlife habitat and agricultural land. 

​Ambassador Property successes—such as Marble Basecamp and Coffman Ranch—demonstrate AVLT’s unique ability to conserve land while serving as community anchors for outdoor education, agriculture, and stewardship. 




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Strategic outcomes (2026–2028) 

Through the 2025 board and staff retreat, AVLT identified six strategic outcomes to anchor our work for the next three years: 
  1. Strategic Conservation – AVLT balances ecological and community priorities by using both proactive planning and responsive action. 
  2. Trusted and Recognized Community Partner – AVLT is a visible, credible voice across the valleys and a trusted landowner resource. 
  3. Healthy Landscapes and Ecosystems – Priority lands are restored, stewarded, and resilient, serving as models for ecological and agricultural health. 
  4. Broader and More Community Access – Communities of all backgrounds have opportunities to connect with and benefit from conservation. 
  5. Systems and Staff Capacity Strengthened – AVLT has the internal systems, staff, and culture needed to thrive. 
  6. Expanded, More Stable Funding – AVLT secures sustainable, diversified revenue sources and donor commitments. ​​
The following goals align with AVLT’s four strategic pillars –Protect, Steward, Connect, and Commit – and are supported by three-year objectives and key results. 




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​Protect


​Steward
Protect the special places and open lands of our region to ensure they remain vital for wildlife and communities. ​

Engage

Connect diverse communities to conservation to promote broad-based understanding and support. ​
Steward the special places and open lands of our region to ensure they remain vital for wildlife and communities. ​

Commit

Commit to building an organization capable of fulfilling its mission in perpetuity. 


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​This Strategic Direction provides AVLT with a roadmap for the next three years through 2028. It reflects our shared mission and vision, responds to the conditions we face, and sets ambitious but achievable goals. With trusted partnerships, strong organizational capacity, and a clear focus on outcomes, AVLT will continue to protect, steward, connect, and commit—ensuring land, wildlife, and people flourish together, forever. 
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We hope you join us in our mission to forever protect, care for, engage, and commit to these valleys.

For more ways to help protect this land, sign up for our email list.
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