What We Do
The mission of the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy (GRCL) is to create a legacy for future generations by conserving ranchlands and preserving ranching in the Gunnison Country.
GRCL, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, does not hold easements itself. Rather, it acts as an advocate for conservation-minded landowners. Services offered by GRCL include:
- listening carefully to understand landowner goals;
- helping landowners assess their needs and future plans;
- explaining the intricacies of the easement process;
- assisting with selection of an appropriate land trust;
- obtaining funding for conservation easements and associated costs; and
- completing legal and technical aspects of the transaction.
The preservation of intact landscapes that results from conservation easements provides significant benefits:
- families know their land is available for agricultural production in perpetuity;
- land is reduced in value for estate tax purposes;
- water rights as historically used are attached to the land; and
- payments from conservation easements allow families to remove generational debt burdens.
Conservation easements provide opportunities for families to continue into the next generation, with more affordable land values.
There is more stability in the agricultural industry because the land base is predictable.
Improvement in the viability of agricultural operations adds to Gunnison County's economic base, protects the area's natural resources, and contributes to the scenic beauty that the local community and visitors value.
