The recent announcement from The Nature Conservancy and Palmer Land Conservancy regarding the permanent conservation easement on the Silver Mountain Preserve is a major win for Colorado’s working lands, wildlife habitat, and rural heritage.
While Mirr Ranch Group was not directly involved in this easement transaction, we have a long-standing connection to this remarkable property. In 2017, our brokers – Jeff Hubbard and Pat Lancaster successfully marketed and sold Silver Mountain Ranch — a sweeping 15,000-acre property nestled against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near La Veta, Colorado. The ranch offered a rare combination of production, recreation, and wildlife habitat—from irrigated hay meadows and senior water rights to big-game habitat supporting elk, antelope, mule deer, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Jeff and Pat spent extensive time on the ground with the owners and community, gaining a deep understanding of every facet of the landscape, which made the property one of the most memorable Colorado ranch sales of its time. Source: The Land.comNetwork
A Win for Conservation, Agriculture, and Community
The new easement ensures that Silver Mountain Preserve will remain undeveloped and ecologically intact in perpetuity, preserving ranching traditions, wildlife corridors, and watershed functions across its diverse terrain.
We also want to recognize the outstanding conservation work of The Nature Conservancy, whose leadership has protected thousands of acres of working lands across the West. Their approach demonstrates how conservation easements can balance productive ranching and land stewardship, preserving both economic value and ecological value across large landscapes.
Partnerships that Matter
Mirr Ranch Group has been proud to work with TNC on multiple conservation-oriented transactions, including collaborations on Dawson Elk Valley Ranch and JE Canyon Ranch, where shared goals helped align landowner vision with stewardship outcomes.
Seeing Silver Mountain — a property Jeff and Pat brought to market in 2017 — receive this long-term protection is especially meaningful to our team. It’s tangible proof that thoughtful transactions can lead to enduring conservation impact.