Large Conservation Easement Established Near Steamboat Springs
- posted: Nov. 21, 2025
Throughout Colorado, more than 3 million acres of land are now subject to conservation easements. While some landowners who have entered into agreements have subsequently expressed concerns about the limitations imposed by easement holders, organizations such as the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) continue to complete major easement deals. Recently, the CCALT announced another substantial conservation easement at the base of the Little Flattops west of Yampa.
The Fish & Cross Ranch is a working cattle operation owned by the Snyder Family. CCALT has finalized a 2,348-acre permanent conservation easement with the Snyders, adding to other preserved lands, which include federal properties and parcels that are part of the Routt County Purchase of Development Rights Program. Sections of the ranch, located near Steamboat Springs, adjoin areas controlled by the U.S. Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management.
According to the CCALT website, the organization has secured easements covering more than 800,000 acres of property within the state. Perpetual conservation easements are generally recorded as deed restrictions that run with the land. This means that the land cannot be developed without approval of the CCALT, even if the Snyders sell to new owners. In return, property owners typically receive some sort of compensation from a government authority or land trust.
If you’re considering granting an easement or purchasing a parcel of land that is subject to one, there are several concerns you should address with a qualified attorney. An expert appraiser should evaluate the value of the development rights that have been, or would be, extinguished. Access to water and minerals might also be critical in your decision-making process. Some landowners are looking to accept the payment, tax break or charitable deduction that accompanies an easement, confident that they would not subsequently use the land for any purpose that would harm the environment. However, later on they learn that they and the easement holder have different ideas regarding acceptable uses. As this occurs after they’ve given up legal control, the owner often must accept the easement holder’s decision.
Heckman & O’Connor P.C. handles issues relating to easements and other land use matters for clients across the Vail Valley and other parts of Colorado. Over decades of serving communities such as Vail, Eagle, Gypsum, Avon, Minturn and Leadville, we have helped individuals, families and businesses maximize the value of their real estate holdings. For a consultation, please call 970-926-5991 or contact us online. Our office is in Edwards.
Large Conservation Easement Established Near Steamboat Springs
- posted: Nov. 21, 2025
Throughout Colorado, more than 3 million acres of land are now subject to conservation easements. While some landowners who have entered into agreements have subsequently expressed concerns about the limitations imposed by easement holders, organizations such as the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) continue to complete major easement deals. Recently, the CCALT announced another substantial conservation easement at the base of the Little Flattops west of Yampa.
The Fish & Cross Ranch is a working cattle operation owned by the Snyder Family. CCALT has finalized a 2,348-acre permanent conservation easement with the Snyders, adding to other preserved lands, which include federal properties and parcels that are part of the Routt County Purchase of Development Rights Program. Sections of the ranch, located near Steamboat Springs, adjoin areas controlled by the U.S. Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management.
According to the CCALT website, the organization has secured easements covering more than 800,000 acres of property within the state. Perpetual conservation easements are generally recorded as deed restrictions that run with the land. This means that the land cannot be developed without approval of the CCALT, even if the Snyders sell to new owners. In return, property owners typically receive some sort of compensation from a government authority or land trust.
If you’re considering granting an easement or purchasing a parcel of land that is subject to one, there are several concerns you should address with a qualified attorney. An expert appraiser should evaluate the value of the development rights that have been, or would be, extinguished. Access to water and minerals might also be critical in your decision-making process. Some landowners are looking to accept the payment, tax break or charitable deduction that accompanies an easement, confident that they would not subsequently use the land for any purpose that would harm the environment. However, later on they learn that they and the easement holder have different ideas regarding acceptable uses. As this occurs after they’ve given up legal control, the owner often must accept the easement holder’s decision.
Heckman & O’Connor P.C. handles issues relating to easements and other land use matters for clients across the Vail Valley and other parts of Colorado. Over decades of serving communities such as Vail, Eagle, Gypsum, Avon, Minturn and Leadville, we have helped individuals, families and businesses maximize the value of their real estate holdings. For a consultation, please call 970-926-5991 or contact us online. Our office is in Edwards.
