Funded Projects2022 Funded Project: Crested Butte Land Trust

Protecting the Crested Butte Community

To continue providing assistance to organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment’s natural beauty, the Chris Mikesell Foundation is proud to provide continued support to the Crested Butte Land Trust. The organization protects and stewards open lands for vistas, recreation, wildlife, and ranching, contributing to Gunnison County’s unique heritage and quality of life. In addition to helping the community by protecting the Gunnison Valley’s breathtaking beauty, agricultural heritage, wildlife habitats, and access to trails for year-round public recreation, the Crested Butte Land Trust has successfully completed numerous conservation projects over the past 32 years. Some of their most notable projects include the protection of Long Lake, the Lower Loop Trails, Lupine Trails, Smith Hill conservation area, Gunsight Bridge, and the Slate River Wetlands.

Conserving Our Way of Life

In their most recent efforts, the Schutt Wetlands Conservation Project will place a conservation easement on 107 acres of critical wetlands along 1.2 miles of the Slate River. This project intends to protect a fragile wildlife habitat, migratory corridor, and water resources and ensure public access to summer and winter trails that connect the town of Crested Butte to neighborhoods and trails to the south. The Crested Butte community, economy, and way of life are defined by abundant open space and amazing access to recreational opportunities, and this easement will allow the Schutt Family’s property to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Furthering a Long-Lasting Partnership

Since 2009, the Chris Mikesell Foundation has built and enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Crested Butte Land Trust, helping fund conservation projects that protect the land, trails, wildlife, and heritage in the community that Chris loved. In recent years, the Crested Butte Land Trust has raised over $1.6 million in cash through grants and donations from a variety of generous partners to aid in the Schutt Wetlands Conservation Project. In 2022, the Chris Mikesell Foundation provided a $7,000 grant to the organization to help acquire the conservation easement on the Schutt Family’s property to help make the project a reality.

To see a comprehensive history of organizations and causes the Foundation has supported, see all Funded Projects.