The Crested Butte Land Trust was founded in 1991 and works to protect the many ways of life in Colorado’s Gunnison Valley by conserving open lands for vistas, recreation, wildlife and ranching. As they say it, they’re working to preserve the present for the future. This local nonprofit has preserved 6,000 acres of land in perpetuity, including some of the iconic vistas around Crested Butte. Some of these areas include Long Lake and the Slate River Valley—scenic places where conservation, agricultural, residential, and recreational interests collide. This effort preserves the land by collaborating with willing land owners, local ranchers, government entities, fellow nonprofits and committed community members. 

The Crested Butte Land Trust’s website is full of information on a wide range of current and past land conservation projects. Check out maps of their conserved properties, and learn more about ongoing projects like the Slate River Working Group and the Glacier Community Farm. Check out some of their past projects, which protect some of the most popular recreation spots near Crested Butte. Follow the CBLT on Facebook or Instagram, or subscribe to their email newsletter to stay in touch. 

The Crested Butte Land Trust hosts several annual fundraising and awareness-building events, including the Caddis Cup Fly Fishing Tournament and the Starry Evening Gala, both in July. Can’t make it to a live event? Consider giving a one-time or recurring donation. 

Check out the other organizations in the Gunnison Valley that help make the land and the people here thrive. 

• Gunnison Trails
• Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association
• Gunnison Public Lands Initiative
• Crested Butte Avalanche Center
• Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee
• High Country Conservation Advocates 
• Gunnison Nordic Club