Water Rights
Owners of the ranch have conditional use of 5.8125 CFS of water for irrigation of the 190+/- acres of hay meadows and pastures. The water, which is diverted from the Little Cimarron River, is owned by the Colorado Water Trust, a non-profit conservation organization that allows the landowners to irrigate the ranch for a good portion of the growing season.
In wet years, landowners can expect to irrigate for a full season. In average precipitation years, the landowner can expect to irrigate through the end of June or July. During unusually dry years, all water must remain in the river, although only three of the past 25 years have been dry enough to warrant a full dry-up.
Follow this link to download a summary of the water rights and operational use. More detailed information, water deeds, and the recorded Operational Agreement can be provided upon request.
Aesthetic Value
Little Cimarron Valley Ranch is a classic Colorado ranch property. With its irrigated meadows, agricultural operations, location in a scenic valley surrounded by jagged peaks, and variety of Rocky Mountain wildlife, the ranch checks all the boxes of a idyllic ranch retreat. Although close enough to Montrose to have access to small-town amenities, the ranch still has a rural aesthetic that gives it a private and secluded feel.
Conservation Value
Little Cimarron Valley Ranch offers a unique opportunity to participate in a cutting-edge conservation partnership that simultaneously benefits both agricultural operations and the health of a well-known river system. The ranch’s agreements with Colorado Water Trust ensures that water will remain in the river when needed, directly benefiting the entire riparian ecosystem. When water is plentiful, particularly early in the season, water can be used for agricultural purposes, an important part of the heritage and history of this valley.
Rarely is there an opportunity to irrigate ranchland without either owning or leasing the water rights. Even more rare is the ability of a landowner to positively influence both agriculture and the local ecosystem. Yet this unique partnership with the Colorado Water Trust enables all of these benefits, a true win-win for a conservation-minded buyer.
Despite the conservation-focused water partnership, the property is not encumbered by conservation easements. Should a buyer decided to conserve part or all of the property, significant state and federal tax benefits may be available.
