The Campaign to Preserve Centerville Ranch got a boost toward its $100,000 community fund goal this week when local donors Pam and Don Dubin together with another anonymous donor, came forward to announce a $25,000 match donation. The dollar-for-dollar ‘Keep It Country’ Challenge, will match any amount up to $25,000 for donations received through August 1.
“The Conservancy is grateful we could come to an arrangement with the owner of Centerville Ranch that addressed the concerns of the public and keeps this property in working agriculture, protects the scenic views and helps wildlife,” said Executive Director Andrew Mackie. “Our three matching donors are making an amazing show of support for what we hold dear in Chaffee County.”
Centerville Ranch, along U.S. 285 in the very center of Chaffee County, became the focus of public concern in early 2019, when developer Jeff Ince announced plans for a subdivision that contained more than 200 homes. He worked with Central Colorado Conservancy to establish an alternate plan, that would place a conservation easement on 650 acres of the nearly 1,000-acre ranch. This represents protection of nearly 75 percent of the property, allowing for a much smaller housing component than originally presented.
Ince agreed to donate roughly half the value of the estimated $2.6 million development rights. The Conservancy now needs to raise $1.3 million. While the bulk of that will be raised through grants, eligibility for grants will hinge on local community funding commitment. Such local support from residents and businesses is considered necessary to establish the validity of the project to granting organizations; in this case, $100,000 in community member donations.
Centerville Ranch is considered an important component of Chaffee County’s ranch landscape, hosting a view corridor that stretches from Highway 285 on the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway, across green hay meadows to Browns Canyon National Monument and the Arkansas River. It contains a wetland with multiple springs that provide considerable wildlife habitat, and the land is part of a regionally important deer and elk migration corridor.
The conservation easement, once established, will protect forever the 650 acres and support local agriculture by maintaining 400 acres of irrigated hay meadows. As well, it will keep the ranch’s three water rights intact so that local waters stay in the area.
“I hope the community will realize what a special opportunity we have to protect this property,” Mackie added. “And keep the heart of the County for all these special values, important to all of us that live here. I am encouraging the community to step up to this amazing challenge set by these donors so the Conservancy can get this project done!”
Those considering participation in the Centerville Ranch Keep It Country Challenge, should contact Central Colorado Conservancy at info@centralcoloradoconservancy.org or call (719) 539-7700. Online donations can be made at www.centralcoloradoconservancy.org.
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