In December 2020, the Southern Plains Land Trust began a brand-new conservation bison herd with ten American plains bison (hence Bison bison bison) on the shortgrass prairie of southeastern Colorado. The land trust also added another ten bison that went to its sanctuary herd. Now, you may be wondering, why do they have two separate herds? Why not keep them together? To answer that question, we must go back in time to fully understand the complexity of the answer.
The Mt. Harris ranch is nestled in 17,000 acres of conserved land within Routt County, Colorado. Just 18 miles west of Steamboat Springs and bordered by the Yampa River, the ranch is an outstanding wildlife habitat. Greater Sandhill Cranes and bald eagles forage here. Both are species of Special Concern, and preserving freshwater wetlands, including marshes, wet grasslands and river basins for these birds ensures their survival.
The La Jara Cañon Creek ranch in Capulin, Colorado has 840 acres of working ranchlands and provides public fishing access to local residents, many of whom are underserved or low-income community members. The creek is a gold medal fishing spot, especially for brown trout. Like most fish, the brown trout cannot regulate body temperature, so they need cold waters to survive. The cold waters of La Jara Creek furnish a perfect home for the "brownies."
The signs along the county road make it clear: no weed spraying is allowed near the property. This is a slice of pollinator paradise. Wedged between expansive farm fields near Bayfield, Marikay Shellman’s 40-acre property is a lush haven of willow and fruit trees where a variety of birds, insects, and plants enjoy the leafy protection.
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