Slash LD Ranch

Colorado’s western heritage spans generations for many families across the state. Working lands and family ranches have been passed down as a way of life, providing jobs, sources of food, and an appreciation for nature’s power and beauty. We believe in the benefits of nature, which is why Trust for Public Land has worked with Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) on a 20-year initiative to conserve the critical natural resources in the San Luis Valley—and the Slash LD Ranch builds upon this incredible work.

Slash LD Ranch spans 1,550 acres in Saguache County, bordering Bureau of Land Management lands to the east and offering sweeping views to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In 2021, the Pridemore Family purchased this ranch and under their careful stewardship, the land has flourished and regained much of its health that was lost due to poor management in previous years.

Trust for Public Land helped the Pridemore Family secure a conservation easement on this land so it can continue to flourish for years to come. Slash LD Ranch holds access to water that nearby public lands rely on, and our work will help maintain the health of these lands and preserve wildlife habitat and the rural character of the valley forever.

“Water is the lifeblood for the San Luis Valley, its farms and ranches and its local communities,” said Jim Petterson, Mountain West Region vice president for Trust for Public Land. “This project builds on a 20-year collaborative initiative designed to ensure that the water, wildlife and way of life in this corner of the Valley survives and thrives for generations to come. We celebrate the vision and commitment of the Pridemore family, and all the partners that brought this project to life.”