Montezuma Land Conservancy protects over 5 miles of Mancos River

The conservation project was 24 years in the making, thanks to local landowners

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:07am

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The Montezuma Land Conservancy (MLC) has announced the completion of a conservation project on the West Fork of the Mancos River in Colorado, protecting over 5 miles of the river's pristine riparian corridor. The final 165-acre property, which shares a northern border with state land, joins a series of conservation easements started in 2002, creating a contiguous protected area for the benefit of local wildlife.

Why it matters

The MLC's mission is to permanently restrict development along the Mancos River in order to preserve the natural habitat and water quality for the diverse ecosystem of plants and animals that depend on this vital waterway. By working with local landowners to acquire development rights, the organization is ensuring the long-term protection of this important natural resource.

The details

The MLC's latest conservation project involved acquiring a 165-acre property that completes over 5 miles of contiguous protected land along the West Fork of the Mancos River. The organization worked with willing landowners to sign away their development rights, which will prevent any future construction or disturbance of the land. This allows the river and surrounding habitat to remain in its natural state, supporting the health of the entire Mancos watershed.

  • The Montezuma Land Conservancy started this conservation project in 2002.
  • The final 165-acre property was secured at the end of March 2026.

The players

Montezuma Land Conservancy

A local land conservation organization that works to protect natural areas and wildlife habitats in Southwest Colorado.

Molly Mazel

The deputy director of the Montezuma Land Conservancy.

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What they’re saying

“It really leaves the wildlife undisturbed and able to thrive without vegetation coming down, without the river becoming polluted. It keeps the stream species healthy, which keeps the predators and browsers and grazers all coming.”

— Molly Mazel, Deputy Director, Montezuma Land Conservancy

“Having now five conservation easements in a row protecting more than 5 miles of the river right below state-managed land is really – we feel – a huge win for the Mancos watershed as a whole.”

— Molly Mazel, Deputy Director, Montezuma Land Conservancy

What’s next

The Montezuma Land Conservancy will continue to monitor the protected properties to ensure the land and river remain in pristine condition for the benefit of local wildlife.

The takeaway

This conservation project highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in preserving critical natural habitats. By working collaboratively with willing landowners, the Montezuma Land Conservancy has been able to create a contiguous protected corridor along the Mancos River, safeguarding this vital waterway and the diverse ecosystem it supports.