Protect land, leave a legacy


​Protecting land keeps water and air clean, provides habitat and migration corridors for wildlife, and creates access to outdoor education and recreation. ​Your future way of life, generations, health, and favorite places depend on land and water conservation in Colorado.

As the oldest land trust in Colorado, we have had the honor of working with private landowners and community partners to protect the open spaces that make the Roaring Fork and middle Colorado River valleys such special places. By protecting open space, landowners are able to support family traditions, family ranches and farms, and our local health and economy. 

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A forever commitment


​Landowners committed to land protection may grant conservation easements to AVLT to guarantee their land will be protected forever.
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​​Every property is unique. We are committed to protecting land that will have the greatest impact on the health environment and community. Together, we can reverse the fragmentation of our landscapes to connect wildlife habitats, protect threatened resources and ecosystems, improve working lands, restore nature's resilience to climate change, and connect community to our great outdoors.
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"I want to make sure I am never a destroyer of land."

- George Stranahan, Lenado Mining Claims & Flying Dog Ranches
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​Common conservation easement questions


​What is a “conservation easement”?
A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and AVLT that permanently limits certain high-impact uses and development while allowing for uses consistent with conservation goals, such as farming and ranching. A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement recorded in the county records that becomes a permanent part of the title to the land, acknowledged by all future owners of the land. It can be an important planning tool for the future.

Will I still own my land after conservation easement?
Yep. The land is still yours and you are free to sell it, transfer it, or mortgage it, with the knowledge that the conservation easement will forever protect it.

Are there certain criteria for my land to be considered for conservation?
Every property is unique and, while there are no minimum acreage requirements, AVLT has adopted criteria for selecting conservation projects. If you’d like to determine eligibity, we’d love to hear from you. There is no risk or cost to inquiring.

Will my land be protected forever?
Yes. You and AVLT will create a formal agreement, called a conservation easement, which assures that the place you love will be protected. Forever. The promise of forever makes this process especially meaningful — a legacy for future generations.

See more FAQs here.

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​Interested in conserving your Colorado land?

HOW TO
Learn the steps to partner with AVLT to forever conserve your land.
COSTS & BENEFITS
See the costs and benefits to consider when conserving your land.
FAQS
You've got questions, we've got answers. Or, email Bud to learn more.​


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If you'd like to learn more, download the landowner packet​
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