Colorado family protects 684-acre ranch after 90 years; old cabin was ranger post

A Colorado family has protected a 684-acre historic ranch after more than 90 years of family stewardship, ensuring that its agricultural landscape, water resources, wildlife habitat and historic character can remain safeguarded for generations. Known as Ute Ranch, the property in western Montrose County has been placed under a permanent conservation easement through the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust. Owner Kathy Cooper donated the conservation easement rather than selling the ranch, allowing the land to remain privately owned while limiting future development. The property contains irrigated hay meadows, a reservoir, livestock infrastructure and historic buildings, while its past includes service as a U.S. Forest Service ranger station, postmaster’s station and seasonal cow camp. The ranch continues to support agriculture while providing habitat for wildlife.Colorado family protects 684-acre ranch after 90 yearsCooper’s family has cared for Ute Ranch for more than nine decades, with generations maintaining their connection to the property and its landscape. According to the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Cooper’s grandparents and parents worked hard fo...