Grant in the Spotlight: Escalante Ranch
Image courtesy of Todd Winslow Pierce
The Wyss Foundation is excited to spotlight a $3,460,865 grant to The Conservation Fund, an organization creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action for climate protection, sustainable economies, and vibrant communities.
This grant supports the acquisition and permanent protection of Escalante Ranch, a landscape of more than 4,000 acres in western Colorado, encompassing canyon country along Escalante Creek and the Gunnison River and stretching from the Gunnison River corridor to the top of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Protections include extensive riparian habitat and wildlife corridors that support species such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, golden eagles, and black bears, as well as seven miles of the Gunnison River and eight miles of Escalante Creek. The property was acquired by The Conservation Fund and has now been transferred to the Bureau of Land Management for long-term stewardship as part of the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area.
With this transfer, Escalante Ranch has become part of the 210,172-acre Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, expanding one of Colorado’s most significant protected landscapes. This addition protects important wildlife habitat and cultural resources while expanding recreation opportunities and improving public access to thousands of acres of surrounding public lands.
“This project reflects The Conservation Fund’s ability to act quickly when extraordinary places are at risk,” said Christine Quinlan, Colorado associate state director at The Conservation Fund. “Permanent protection of the Escalante Ranch is safeguarding water resources, wildlife habitat, cultural and geological resources in one of Colorado’s most remarkable landscapes — while ensuring it can be enjoyed for public benefit for generations to come.”
“The addition of Escalante Ranch to the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is an important win for Colorado’s public lands,” said Molly McUsic, President of the Wyss Foundation. “This project protects a critical piece of canyon country along the Gunnison River corridor while expanding recreation access and connecting thousands of acres of surrounding public lands.”
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About the Wyss Foundation - The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land.
About The Conservation Fund - The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. The organization is in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action across all 50 states to protect the climate, build vibrant communities, and foster sustainable economies. They apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community, and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas, and working forests and farms.