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July 7, 2001
By Janelle Holden Not just one, but two executive directors have been named to lead the Montezuma Land Conservancy. Local residents Nina Williams and David Nichols were picked in June to take over for former director Kevin Essington, who helped build up the organization from its inception in 1998 into a nearly-200-member association today. Essington moved to Connecticut earlier this month. Williams’ background is in conservation and ecology. She formerly worked for the City of Boulder Open Space Department as a plant ecologist. "It was not just a research position," she explained. "We did a lot of land management. I worked with agricultural lessees to help run their leases in a way that was compatible with the area use of the open space, which included recreation, rare plants, threatened and endangered species." Williams said her experience working with farmers and ranchers was very positive. "The only agriculture that was happening around Boulder was on open space (land). These families sold their land to open space to ensure that they would be able to continue to farm and ranch." The Montezuma Land Conservancy was incorporated by concerned citizens in 1998 to help willing landowners conserve agricultural, archaeological, and natural resources through voluntary measures. The conservancy acts as a third-party negotiator between local, state, and national land trusts. Nichols co-founded the Montezuma Land Conservancy with current board president Marianne Mate. Nichols currently works as a land appraiser and owns a tree farm in Montezuma County. Mate and Williams said the land conservancy plans to continue building ties with local ranchers and farmers who want to preserve their land and also reap a tax benefit. Although growth hasn’t hit Montezuma County as hard as it has Colorado’s Front Range, the threat is imminent and Williams said those interested in keeping their land undeveloped should look ahead. "I think people in agriculture around here already see the economic pressure," said Mate. "It’s much more difficult to maintain an agriculture infrastructure. It’s so expensive." The land conservancy is funded by member donations, grants, and fundraisers. Mate said the conservancy is looking for more directors to serve on the board, volunteers, and, as always, new members. Nichols and Williams won’t officially take over the directorship until September. Volunteers are currently working on membership and fundraising efforts, and Mate said there are several conservation projects still being worked on. "I would like to see the conservancy help this community to preserve its open space, its rural character, and its agricultural heritage," said Williams. Mate said there is a misconception that the county has enough land preserved through the management of public lands, which take up two-thirds of the county. "In the riparian areas, in the river areas, there is not a lot of public land," she said. Nichols is on vacation and was unavailable for comment on Friday. To help the Montezuma Land Conservancy, call the Cortez office at 533-1058. |
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Copyright © 2001 the Cortez Journal.
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