Ranchers across the American West have been given a unique opportunity… not only to work the land, but to also conserve and protect it for future generations.
By embracing conservation as a core tenet of ranch ownership, these stewards of the land have realized both the environmental impact they can make, alongside the financial reward.
Here’s Why and How:
‘not keen on reading – listen here instead’
The Origins of Conservation
Conservation within the American West brings one name to mind “Teddy Roosevelt”; he protected over 230 million acres of land through national parks, national forests, and game preserves. As one of the greatest champions of conservation, his actions ensured that future generations would have the chance to experience the beauty of the American West.
Teddy Roosevelt was not only a steward of the land but also preserved the west to what we know it today. When you look around and see the raw landscape as it was thousands of years ago it is because of Conservation and the preservation for future generations in perpetuity “the life of the land”.
Could you imagine several generations from now looking back and saying this land is exactly the same as when my great great grandfather roamed the earth.
His achievements in conservation included the following:
- Establishing 150 National Forests across the American West
- Creating the first 55 Federal Bird Reservations and Game Preserves
- Establishing the first 18 National Monuments, alongside signing the Antiquities Act of 1906 (giving presidents the power to designate national monuments)
- Adding Land to the Yosemite National Park
The impact of these achievements is immeasurable, his foresight ensured that the land, its natural resources, ecosystems, and wildlife would be protected “in perpetuity”… meaning forever!
This legacy serves as a blueprint for how conservation can be used as a powerful tool, to preserve the natural environment and add value to your investment.
The Value Through Conservation
For ranch owners, conservation isn’t just solely about protecting the land for future generations, it’s also about enhancing its immediate and long-term value.
Conservation efforts, such as conservation easements or implementing wildlife management programs, can significantly increase the desirability and value of the land. These efforts help to create an environment where ecosystems can thrive, which ultimately drives more attention from buyers who place a premium on sustainable and preserved landscapes.
Throughout the west several organizations ie: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Nature Conservancy and many others have the same narrative that the owner has through keeping the land in Agriculture status and keep from further development for future generations.
Financial Value
In financial terms:
- Land that’s conserved often appreciates in financial value; especially as open spaces become increasingly scarce
- Several grants are available through conservation organizations to increase the habitat through ponds, food plots and other great wildlife management programs
- Ranches with conservation easements can also qualify for tax benefits, further adding to their financial value
- Through conservation easements, you can also do a 1031 exchange with the proceeds to add additional acreage to the ranch
- Ranchers can also create a residual income by embracing conservation; wildlife preservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable land management are all ways to generate revenue while maintaining the natural beauty of the land
- Hunters, photographers, and nature enthusiasts are also drawn to properties that prioritize conservation, providing ongoing opportunities for ranchers to capitalize on their efforts
Spiritual Value
Beyond financial value, the spiritual and emotional rewards of conserving ranch land are profound:
- Ranching and conservation go hand-in-hand, offering not only a livelihood but a way of life that is deeply tied to the land
- As we enter this “woke” world its a good reminder through Gods creation that the master architect created this raw beauty and breathed life into it. It is our civic duty to protect this for our future generation
- For those who have had the chance to sit on a porch overlooking hundreds of acres of wilderness, listening to the sounds of elk calling through the night, there’s an undeniable connection to something greater
- As ranchers grow older, many ask themselves ‘How can they leave a lasting legacy’
- Conservation is one of the most meaningful ways to ensure that the land will remain wild and beautiful for generations to come. It allows ranchers to protect the landscapes they love, not just for their children, but for their grandchildren and beyond
Conservation Examples
Many modern ranchers have taken Roosevelt’s lead and applied conservation to their land, preserving the natural environment and adding value to their investments.
Examples include:
Forbes Trinchera Ranch
Louis Bacon, a financier and philanthropist, purchased this sprawling 90,000 Acre property in Colorado. Instead of developing the land, it was placed under a conservation easement, ensuring that it could never be developed and would remain a refuge for wildlife.
Bacon’s efforts not only protected the land from commercial development but also enhanced its value. The ranch became a sanctuary for animals such as elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorns.
By maintaining the natural beauty and ecological integrity, the land became even more desirable for those seeking a pristine, untouched wilderness.
In a similar story, a farmer from Ohio who assembled 9,000 acres in New Mexico has transformed his land into a haven for wildlife through conservation. After installing water tanks and maintaining natural habitats, this ranch now supports hundreds of elk, allowing them to thrive in their natural environment.
The land, originally bought for $400 an acre, has since tripled in value—yet to the owner, the property is priceless because of the legacy it represents.
The Future of Conservation
As we look to the future, the importance of preserving the wilderness cannot be overstated.
Every rancher has the opportunity to be a part of this movement, ensuring that the American West remains as wild and beautiful as it was when Roosevelt first set eyes on it… protecting not only the landscape but the wildlife as a whole.
By conserving the land, ranchers are investing in their land, alongside the future of the West itself.
Author: Dan Murphy
Dan Murphy, ALC (Accredited Land Consultant), Broker, Partner, has called the mountain west home his entire adult life. Dan’s extensive and diverse business experience reveals a track record of success. His service on numerous organizational boards throughout the mountain region demonstrates a commitment to improving communities through an applied, big-picture perspective. He has served on the Colorado DOW’s Big Game Allocation Program (BGLAP), the Colorado Wildlife Federation Board of Directors, the Colorado Outfitters Association, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Advisory Board, and is a founder of Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation.
Dan also dedicates much of his time and effort building relationships within the Realtor Land Institute, serving as Colorado President in 2021- 2022 (National Chapter of the Year), National RLI Vice President in 2022-2023 to over 2,100 of the top land agents across the country. And now serving as the National RLI President from 2025.
M4 Ranch Group
At M4 Ranch Group, finding you the perfect piece of land is our top priority, alongside securing you a lasting legacy. Our dedicated brokers are ready to assist you in realizing your dream
View our Colorado Ranches For Sale, New Mexico Ranches For Sale and Wyoming Ranches For Sale
A Sample of Ranches For Sale
Endless Creeks Ranch
$19,900,000
Endless Creeks Ranch is a remarkable property spanning 5,709.3± deeded acres. With an extensive water supply, diverse wildlife, and direct access to public lands, this property offers a rare opportunity for hunters and ranchers alike. Includes 1.25± miles of year-round Ault Creek and 2± miles of West Muddy Creek, with historic water rights of 12.25± c.f.s.
Arrowhead Ranch
$14,750,000
Arrowhead Ranch is an outdoorsman’s paradise with five magnificent Heritage Ranches that can be bought individually or as a whole. Superbly located in Central Colorado, Arrowhead is ideal for ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and hunters alike. Nearly seven miles of trout stream meander through the idyllic grassland plateau with picturesque snow-capped peaks surrounding you.
Grand Mesa Ranch
$14,500,000
Grand Mesa Ranch is one of the most unique, private, and scenic properties in the North Fork area – Located in Hotchkiss, Colorado. This ranch contains 4,338± acres within GMU 52 & 521 and is allotted landowner Elk & Mule Deer Tags. There is water abound with water rights, ponds, lakes, a reservoir, and live water.
