Join EVLT and Eagle County Open Space for a morning of fence removal at Eagle River preserve in Edwards from 9:00 am to 11:30 am on Friday, August 4th. Old fencing inhibits wildlife by causing injuries and limiting their movement, and removing it from the landscape has tangible and rewarding results. Come help remove some fencing and support our local wildlife.

When: Friday, August 4, 2023, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am

Where: Eagle River Preserve

Join the Eagle Valley Land Trust and the Town of Eagle for an evening of debris cleanup at the Spud Cellar property in Eagle from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, August 8th. Debris exists across the property, including impromptu forts and old fencing. Help cleanup and beautify the property located right next to several recreational areas and housing communities in the town. It’ll also be an excellent opportunity to connect with Town and EVLT staff and learn about what’s happening in the open space community.

When: Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Where: Spud Cellar with parking at the Pool and Ice Rink.

Duck Pond Open Space is a beautiful and easily accessible open space, and includes access to the Eagle River, the bike path, and some hunting opportunities. In recent years usage has increased, leading to many impacts, such as increased trash. As a result, Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) and Eagle County Open Space are working together on this project to help solve these issues.

When: Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Duck Pond Open Space

We are saddened to say goodbye to longtime EVLT Board Member and local conservation leader, Stan Cope. Stan leaves behind many fond memories from board members and peers. His enthusiasm for all things EVLT was infectious - quick with a genuine smile and laugh - he was always eager to step up and help. Some of our favorite memories include his hosting the annual EVLT holiday party, his humor at Farm to Fork, and above all his desire to keep things positive and fun.

Stan was admired by all for his infallible sense of humor, generosity, intelligence, fairness, sincerity, and passion for all things outdoors.

Join us in remembering Stan and honoring all he has contributed to our lives and the lives of others. We will miss you and be thinking of you - especially at our holiday parties.

The last three years have been a wild ride for Eagle County’s real estate market by any measure. But what does that mean for conservation? A lot, actually. Despite an uncertain economy and swelling land values, land conservation surged. Why? Partly because landowners have been able to take advantage of high property values by working with land trusts to protect their land.  

Conservation easements are a completely voluntary private property right. The conservation easement document is a voluntary legal agreement between a willing land owner and a willing land trust that permanently limits development on a property in exchange for generous tax benefits provided by Colorado and the federal government.

According to Keep It Colorado, a nonprofit, statewide coalition of conservation partners, approximately 60% of land in Colorado is privately owned. Over the past 40 years, land trusts and partners across the state have conserved more than 3.2 million acres of working lands, wildlife habitat and open spaces. The Eagle Valley Land Trust, a nationally accredited land trust, has protected over 14,000 acres in Eagle County. 

A special shoutout and BIG thank you to our legal intern this summer, Addy Stearns!

An Edwards native, Addy graduated from CU Boulder in 2021 with a degree in E+ Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Policy. After working at Muller Engineering Company (environmental permitting and NEPA processes), Addy decided to attend law school to pursue her interests in Environmental Law.

Addy wanted to give back to the community she grew up in - and that's exactly what she did! As a Fellow in the Greater Colorado Law Student Experience program, Addy spent three days a week working in the 5^th Judicial District and the rest of the week doing volunteer conservation easement legal work with EVLT. This included reviewing conservation easements, researching Safe Harbor Provisions, developing legal communication materials for landowners, and going on site visits.

Great job, Addy! Thank you for all your hard work.

Eagle Valley Land Trust's Farm to Fork

August 23, 2023 | 5:30 - 10 PM

Copper Bar Ranch, Edwards, CO

You're invited to EVLT's signature fundraising event and gala of the season! Enjoy culinary delights with farm fresh foods, fine wines, live auction, and a night to celebrate conservation in the Eagle River Valley.

Tickets start at $300, table sponsorships at $5,000.

Limited tickets remain - to reserve your seats, please contact Brittany Bobola at brittany@evlt.org or (970) 748-7654.

Nearly two years after the announcement of Colorado's 43rd State Park at Sweetwater Lake, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT), and USFS White River National Forest (Sweetwater Partnership) reflect on collaboration efforts in preparation of starting the next step in long-term management planning for Sweetwater Lake, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. 

Since 2022, the Sweetwater Partnership has worked closely with the Town of Gypsum, Eagle and Garfield counties, the local Sweetwater community, and the greater public to gather input on short and long term management strategies. Representatives attended County Commissioner meetings, met with local and county officials, and held a series of public engagement opportunities.

Three initial public meetings were held in person as open houses in Sweetwater, Eagle, and Glenwood Springs at the end of January and first part of February of 2022. The purpose of these meetings was to inform the public of the partnership and their goals, share information about the site, and gain input on desired future recreation activities at Sweetwater Lake. The partners heard about the importance of continuing recreation on site, specifically equestrian day use and overnight camping as well as maintaining unique characteristics of the area and its history. The meeting series also underscored the value of engaging the local community in the planning process.