Southwest
About the Southwest Region
Working in a rapidly developing part of the country, land trusts in Texas, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico have significantly increased the number of acres conserved in recent years. In fact southwest land trusts lead the country in terms percent increase in private land conservation in the last decade.
In this often arid landscape, water issues are a major factor in most if not all conservation projects. Biodiversity is also critical as is the need to protect family farms and ranches. Southwestern land trusts have successfully demonstrated that the two aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, the southwest is home to the first cattlemen’s land trust association in the country.
In one area of the Southwest that has faced challenges, Colorado has been has been a powerful leader influencing public policy.
Regional Conservation Success
Photo courtesy of Aspen Valley Land Trust
Saving the Old West
Drive down White Hill Road in Carbondale, CO, and look east. You’ll be treated to a beautiful vista, reminiscent of the Old West and uninterrupted by the signs of development that have become common in this part of the state. Stretching before you is Carbondale’s East Mesa – 3,000 acres of working ranchland and wildlife habitat that connect to the public lands at the base of snow-topped Mount Sopris. Read more
Read more success stories from the Southwest region.
We'd Love to Hear From You
115 North Fifth Street, Suite 500
Grand Junction, CO 81501-2679
Phone: 970-245-5811
southwest@lta.org
