Fall 2022 Newsletter
A Note from MALT Executive Director Jeanne M. Beaudry
As Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT) rounds out its 30th anniversary year, we give thanks to the thousands of people who have given so generously over the last three decades.
Colorado is an exceptional place and both residents and visitors live and recreate here to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. We are proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to fostering new partnerships with landowners, private and public entities and our community.
Our mission continues as we work to save natural areas, wildlife habitat, streams and rivers, working ranches and historic lands for the benefit of the community and as a legacy for future generations. In 30-years, MALT has conserved nearly 25,000-acres of land and water, including 93 private voluntary Conservation Easements.
We are grateful to staff, Board members, landowners, partners and you – our amazing community of supporters. Watch your mailbox for MALT’s year-end appeal, and please consider supporting us this Giving Season.
2022 MALT Voluntary Land Conservation Easement Success
As our 30th year draws to a close, we are proud to add new private voluntary Conservation Easements in Boulder and Park counties; bringing the total to 93 Conservation Easements.
A special thanks to Keep It Colorado and Park County Land and Water Trust Fund for transaction cost funding for the Sacramento Preserve Conservation Easement.
Remember MALT on Colorado Gives Day
Featuring a $10,000 Matching Gift and Happy Hour Celebration
It is the season of giving! We hope you will consider a gift to MALT between now and December 6 – Colorado Gives Day. Thanks to the Community First Foundation’s $1.5 million dollar incentive fund and the generous support of three anonymous MALT donors who have collectively donated a $10,000 matching opportunity, your gifts are MORE than doubled!
As a thank you and to celebrate the generosity of our community, we invite you to join us for a Colorado Gives Day happy hour on December 6, 2022 from 5 – 7 p.m. at MALT headquarters (908 Nob Hill, Suite 200, Evergreen). A special thanks to MALT Board member Kevin Larson and the Tectonic Management Group for sponsoring this event. Please RSVP to Lynn if you can attend at Lynn@Savetheland.org.
An Economic and Ecological Valuation Study of the North Fork of the South Platte River
Colorado State University Masters of Conservation Leadership Student Sara Vaughan recently completed her capstone project, Economic and Ecological Valuation Study of the North Fork of the South Platte River.
The study focuses on the community of Bailey, Colorado and its dependence on the flows of the North Fork, which is supplemented by diversions out of Roberts Tunnel, operated by Denver Water. When the tunnel shuts off, the stream flow plummets, killing fish and disrupting habitat.
Her project includes survey findings of how the water flow impacts businesses, research into the Blue Water Decree and proposed recommendations. MALT appreciates Sara’s commitment to this project and invites you to read the complete study here.
Bird Monitoring Plan and Workshops
Colorado State University Masters of Conservation Leadership Student Logan Haynes selected MALT for his capstone project, and MALT is grateful for his research.
Logan created a Bird Monitoring Plan for MALT. This is a guide for an adaptive bird conservation strategy intended to foster long-term stewardship practices throughout Park County in high elevation locations.
Additionally, MALT and the Evergreen Audubon led an informational introduction to birding program with staff and volunteers that began at Sacramento Creek Ranch and ended at Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area, two MALT-owned properties that provide unique habitat for birds and wildlife. On the “Birders Eye View” tour, excursionists discovered 20 species of birds including the Belted kingfisher, Broad-tailed hummingbird, Pygmy nuthatch, Hermit thrush and White-crowned sparrow.
The “Birder’s Eye View” summer workshops were the result of funding MALT received from the Cornell Land Trust Small Grant program, the South Park National Heritage Area and a partnership with Evergreen Audubon and Colorado State University’s Master of Conservation Leadership program. Read about this discovery excursion here.
Windmill Operating Again Thanks To You
After waiting months for parts and a repair person, MALT is pleased to report the Sacramento Creek Ranch (SCR) windmill is back online. The windmill provides electricity to SCR, a 71-acre MALT property that encompasses an off-grid residence, barn, creek, wooded landscape, wetlands and nature trails near Fairplay. Many schools, universities and partner organizations utilize SCR for recreation, education and to conduct high altitude scientific research.
We are incredibly grateful to Al and Terry Hershey, the original owners of SCR, for donating $12,500 towards repairs, and to MALT supporters that generously helped to underwrite the remaining costs.
MALT’s Gone Batty!
Do you know what to do if you find an injured bat or one hanging out in your home?
Colorado BatCREW does! This organization is a local resource dedicated to helping bats and people thrive together. Thank you to Colorado BatCREW Licensed Rehabilitator Kathy Estes and her husband and MALT Board member, Rod Morgan, for hosting an educational event about bats. We loved hearing the facts, myths and information on why MALT’s land and water conservation work is so important to these unique creatures.
Land Trust Reaccreditation
Every five years, land trusts complete an accreditation program, which recognize land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. MALT is pleased to announce the completion of its application.
Over the next three months, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, will review MALT’s application comprised of policies and programs to ensure we meet the highest standards. This accreditation is vital to building a strong organization; fostering public confidence and ensuring the long-term protection of land. We are among hundreds of accredited land trusts across the country.
A special thanks to MALT staff and volunteer Steve Rinella for his support with this important effort.
Remember MALT This Shopping Season
When you shop with Amazon, you can do your shopping and support MALT at the same time. MALT is participating with the AmazonSmile Foundation, which donates 0.5% of the price of your purchases to MALT.
Just shop at Smile.Amazon.com instead of the Amazon website to make your purchases. You can use your existing Amazon username and password to log-in and the websites are identical. The first time you log-in, you will be prompted to select a charitable organization you want to support. Search for Mountain Area Land Trust and select it. Once this is set, MALT benefits every time you shop.
Grateful appreciation to our partners in conservation!
