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In a groundbreaking agreement in Park County, Colorado, rancher Dave Gottenborg has partnered with two conservation organizations to enhance the migratory path of thousands of elk across his 3,000-acre Eagle Rock Ranch. The initiative aims to facilitate safe passage for the elk during winter months while providing financial support to Gottenborg for his cattle grazing lease costs.
The arrangement, brokered by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) and the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), marks a new approach to conservation that balances agricultural interests with wildlife needs. Under this agreement, PERC will cover more than two-thirds of Gottenborg’s lease costs for five years, contingent upon maintaining open access for elk.
Gottenborg has long been committed to wildlife conservation, routinely removing sections of his barbed wire fencing to allow elk to migrate freely. This year, the financial assistance will help mitigate the impact of the elk, which can consume significant amounts of forage. The agreement provides a unique solution without permanently restricting Gottenborg’s land use.
PERC, known for its market-based approach to environmental challenges, emphasizes that the goal is to create incentives for ranchers to participate in conservation efforts without compromising their agricultural viability. This innovative model aims to attract other ranchers in Colorado, highlighting a potential shift in how conservation partnerships are structured.
As part of the agreement, compliance will be monitored through technology such as trail cameras and drones, ensuring that the elk can traverse the ranch while still benefiting from the land. The arrangement is seen as a win-win for both wildlife and ranchers, with the potential to serve as a blueprint for future conservation initiatives involving migratory species across public and private lands.
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