Funded Projects2024 Funded Project: Crested Butte Land Trust

Providing a Vital Community Resource

The Crested Butte Land Trust is a non-political nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that works to preserve Gunnison County’s unique heritage and quality of life. By protecting and stewarding open lands for vistas, recreation, wildlife, and ranching, it has served as a vital resource for Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley for more than 30 years. Initially inspired by a local builder and avid environmentalist, Norman Bardeen, the Land Trust works collaboratively with private landowners to achieve one shared vision—to preserve the present for the future.

Protecting Cherished Landscapes

By protecting the landscapes that make the Gunnison Valley so special, from iconic trails like Long Lake, Lower Loop, the Lupine Trails, and Snodgrass, to open ranchlands and vital wildlife corridors, The Crested Butte Land Trust is critical in helping preserve the local community. By partnering with willing landowners to conserve their properties, the Land Trust provides community benefits ranging from trail access to agricultural maintenance projects and everything in between. In total, the organization monitors more than 6,500 acres annually, ensuring each property is properly cared for and all easement restrictions are met. Once lands are conserved, the Crested Butte Land Trust continues to monitor and maintain these lands for generations to come, as preserving and caring for land is a constant, ever-changing task!

Investing in Water, Wildlife, and the Natural World

In honor of Chris’ adventurous spirit, love of people, and passion for travel, the Chris Mikesell Foundation aims to support organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment’s natural beauty. Since 2009, the Chris Mikesell Foundation has worked closely with the Crested Butte Land Trust, funding conservation projects that protect the land, trails, wildlife, and heritage in the community that Chris loved. This past year’s $5,000 grant to the organization was allocated to the Stewardship Fund to support land maintenance and care. The Stewardship Team then uses these funds for projects such as repairing bridges and trails, installing wildlife-friendly fences, and mitigating invasive weeds. Some ongoing stewardship responsibilities include:

• Annual monitoring of each easement and fee-owned parcel
• Managing agricultural and grazing leases
• Controlling noxious weeds
• Maintaining signage and protecting private property rights
• Protecting wildlife habitats and ecosystems
• Managing and maintaining low-impact recreational use for the public, where allowed
• Educating the public on backcountry etiquette and responsible recreation
• Removing trash and human impacts
• Restoring wetlands and streams

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