APPLAUSE FOR SOME
RANCHERS
Dear
HCN:
I thought the only folks opposed to
conservation easements were greedy land developers. Not so – it
seems that reader Wano Urbonas of Durango has a “beef” with Jay
Fetcher and other landowners who look for ways to keep family
possessions in the family (HCN, 1/22/95).
I’m
definitely not the type to generally come to the defense of
ranchers and cattle. But since moving to Colorado’s Wet Mountain
Valley, I must agree that some of the best scenic beauty and
wildlife habitat is on the big valley ranches. I applaud the
ranchers who are willing to give up any future opportunity to
develop their ranches – which is what a conservation easement does
– for the benefit of some income tax deductions and reduction in
inheritance taxes.
The San Isabel Foundation, a
local land trust, is working with valley ranchers who wish to place
their ranches under conservation easement. We have found that these
landowners’ first motivation is conservation; they don’t want to
see their land subdivided – ever. They are giving something to all
of us.
As for Wano’s request for public access to
private lands, I’m sure he’s the first to open his house, car, or
any other possession to perfect strangers. Get
real.
Pari
Morse
Hillside, Colorado
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Applause for some ranchers.
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