The Wyss Foundation has granted $3,460,865 to The Conservation Fund to support the acquisition and permanent protection of Escalante Ranch, a landscape of more than 4,000 acres in western Colorado.

With this transfer, Escalante Ranch has become part of the 210,172-acre Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, expanding one of Colorado’s most significant protected landscapes and protecting important wildlife habitat and cultural resources while expanding recreation opportunities and improving public access to thousands of acres of surrounding public lands.

The ranch is covers more than 4,000 acres in western Colorado, encompassing canyon country along Escalante Creek and the Gunnison River and stretching from the Gunnison River corridor to the top of the Uncompahgre Plateau. 

Protections include extensive riparian habitat and wildlife corridors that support species such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, golden eagles, and black bears, as well as seven miles of the Gunnison River and eight miles of Escalante Creek..  

Acquired by The Conservation Fund, an organization creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action for climate protection, sustainable economies, and vibrant communities, the ranch has now been transferred to the Bureau of Land Management for long-term stewardship as part of the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area.

“This project reflects The Conservation Fund’s ability to act quickly when extraordinary places are at risk,” said Christine Quinlan, Colorado associate state director at The Conservation Fund. “Permanent protection of the Escalante Ranch is safeguarding water resources, wildlife habitat, cultural and geological resources in one of Colorado’s most remarkable landscapes — while ensuring it can be enjoyed for public benefit for generations to come.”

“The addition of Escalante Ranch to the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is an important win for Colorado’s public lands,” said Molly McUsic, President of the Wyss Foundation. “This project protects a critical piece of canyon country along the Gunnison River corridor while expanding recreation access and connecting thousands of acres of surrounding public lands.”

The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land.