CASE STUDY: CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT TAX CREDIT
Landowners: John Gunn,
C.R. Hall, Clint Packo
County: Park
Acres conserved under easement: 510
Benefits: Water resource protection, wildlife habitat protection, riverbank restoration
Year conserved: 2022
Tax credits leveraged: Yes
Partner land trust: Palmer Land Conservancy
Protecting Iconic Colorado Views and Critical Water Resources – Forever
The Abell Ranch consists of about 510 acres of river and homestead property near and within Lake George. Best known for its nearly three miles of the South Platte River, it is one of the largest privately held stretches of the South Platte River in Colorado. The 400-acre river property is outstanding open space and natural habitat for several big-game species, including elk, pronghorn deer, black bear and mountain lion. Three types of wetlands provide excellent habitat for great blue heron, bald eagles, white pelican and snowy egrets, as well as the threatened Pawnee montane skipper butterfly.
“It would be an ideal place to put in several houses. The family could have sold it to a developer, but chose not to.”
Located just down the road, the ranch’s 110-acre homestead property is a relic of the region’s agricultural history and features buildings dating back to the 1870s. Rock outcroppings and ponderosa pine woodlands form the backdrop, creating the types of scenic vistas that make Colorado famous. The property connects existing protected lands, creating a mosaic of landscapes, and is home to state and globally ranked plant species such as the Rocky Mountain Columbine.
When John envisioned purchasing the ranch from the Abell family, he had his eye on protecting the river property, and the family was willing to consider his wish.
Voluntary Conservation
John had approached Palmer Land Conservancy several years ago with his desire to protect the Abell Ranch through a conservation easement. Using a thoughtful and deliberate approach to conservation, he had already worked with Palmer to conserve another property between Cripple Creek and Cañon City. His dream – and his promise to the original family – was realized in 2022. “Though it wasn’t a condition of the sale, one thing I committed to when I bought Abell Ranch was the intent to preserve it and keep it from being developed.”
Landowner Incentive: The State Tax Credit
The tax credit allowed John and his partners to move forward with donating a conservation easement – protecting Abell Ranch and three miles of the South Platte River and scenic open space for people and nature, forever.
Photo credit: Palmer Land Conservancy
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