FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Darryl Seibel, Darryl@ccalt.org , 720-557-8266

August 4, 2025

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is pleased to announce the completion of a conservation easement on Ute Ranch, a 684-acre historic property situated just north of the town of Ute in Montrose County, Colo. The ranch, owned by Kathy Cooper and stewarded by her family for more than 90 years, now joins a thriving corridor of conserved working lands in the region. This easement not only conserves open space and agricultural heritage, it also honors the legacy of a site that once served as a U.S. Forest Service ranger station, postmaster’s station, and as a seasonal cow camp.

“Ute Ranch is the quintessential representation of classic Colorado,” said Erin Quinn, Senior Conservation Manager. “We are proud to have played an important role in ensuring this land is now conserved forever.”

Today, Ute Ranch supports a seasonal grazing lease with the neighboring Galley Family. Existing ranch structures include a barn, corrals, shed, bunkhouse, rustic cabin, and remnants of the original homestead. Two building envelopes totaling approximately 7.5 acres will allow continued use and maintenance of these structures while preserving the broader landscape.

“This land is my go-to place, my happy place,” shared Kathy Cooper. “To destroy all of our memories and heritage for the all-mighty dollar, does not appeal to me. My grandparents and my parents worked way too hard for this beautiful place and I frequently tear up at the thought it is mine now. But the best part about Ute Ranch is sharing it with family and friends, now and forever. CCALT addressed my entire project and family goals with professionalism and respect.”

Beyond its agricultural utility, the ranch provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife including mule deer, elk, and migratory birds, contributing to the ecological richness of Montrose County’s western corridor. With nearby properties also conserved, Ute Ranch strengthens a growing mosaic of protected lands—supporting both working agriculture and biodiversity. This transaction was completed as a donation. CCALT is deeply grateful for Kathy’s vision and generosity in placing this meaningful landscape under easement. By conserving Ute Ranch, Kathy also helps conserve a living link to Colorado’s rural past—honoring nearly a century of stewardship and the site’s unique role in local history.

About the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust

The mission of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is to conserve Colorado’s Western heritage and working landscapes for the benefit of future generations. Since 1995, CCALT has partnered with over 400 families to conserve more than 810,000 acres of Colorado farmland, ranchland, open space, and wildlife habitat.  In 2025, CCALT is celebrating its 30^th Anniversary of service to Colorado’s agricultural and conservation communities.

Members of the media: for more information, please contact Darryl Seibel, CCALT Director of External Relations, at (720) 557-8266 or darryl@ccalt.org.