Hudson Ranch: A 1,600-Acre community resource Permanently PROTECTED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 20th, 2024
Contact: LeeAnne Sanders
communications@rmfu.org
(720) 408-4669

Hudson Ranch: A 1,600-Acre community resource Permanently PROTECTED

(March 21, 2024 – Beulah, Colo.) On the edge of growth and development in nearby Pueblo, the 1,600-acre Hudson Ranch has been permanently protected from development or subdivision. This significant conservation effort was made possible through a partnership between Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Foundation, the Pueblo County 4-H Foundation, and Colorado Open Lands.  Protecting this land will forever ensure the future of community recreation spaces and diverse ecosystems for people and wildlife.

Tony Caliguiri, President of Colorado Open Lands, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Foundation and the Pueblo County 4-H Foundation in the conservation of Hudson Ranch. This collaboration demonstrates the power of community-driven conservation efforts, ensuring that this treasured land remains protected for generations to come.”

Owned and operated by Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Foundation and the Pueblo County 4-H Foundation, Hudson Ranch serves as a hub for agricultural education and treasured community activities. The decision to pursue a conservation easement with Colorado Open Lands secures the future of the ranch, contributing to wildlife habitat preservation and maintaining the area’s scenic beauty.

Chad Franke, President of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, sees the conservation of Hudson Ranch as a tangible result of the organization’s vision. “At the Farmers Union, we are working to create a society in which farmers, ranchers, and their communities thrive. The conservation of Hudson Ranch, and the educational opportunities it provides for our Foundation are an exciting step toward that goal. We extend our thanks and gratitude to the organizations involved in this project, as well as the ranch managers who work tirelessly to move this project forward.”

On a portion of the ranch but just outside the boundary of the protected area sit community amenities including a cowboy church, an outdoor arena, and a model rocket launch site. These facilities have become a beloved gathering place for both locals and visitors.

“Conservation Easements are a great tool to preserve the land, water, mineral and wildlife in their most raw and natural state.  I am extremely grateful and proud of the members of the Colorado Open Lands, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Foundation, and the Pueblo County 4-H Foundation who worked so hard to make this dream become a reality.  The serene and natural beauty of the Hudson Ranch will now live on for future generations to enjoy forever,” said Matt Braunschmidt, President of the Pueblo County 4-H Foundation.

John and Helen Hudson’s generous donation of the land made possible their vision for agriculture, education, and community use. The conservation easement guarantees that the property will remain open in perpetuity, aligning with the Hudsons’ wishes and ensuring a lasting legacy for the community.

About Colorado Open Lands

Colorado Open Lands is a private, nonprofit land trust that works to enhance Colorado’s quality of life by protecting its most treasured asset: open lands. Since 1981, COL has helped landowners conserve over 680,000 acres around the state and fostered partnerships responsible for critical innovations in conservation funding, water management, and more.

About Rocky Mountain Farmers Union:

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union is a grassroots family farm, and ranch organization that supports members through legislation, cooperation, and education. Covering a three-state region serving Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico, RMFU has been representing family farms and ranches at both the state and national levels for over 100 years.

About Pueblo County 4-H Foundation:

The Pueblo County 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial support for local Pueblo County Colorado 4-H youth.  The Foundation primarily helps defer costs for youth to attend camps at the local, district, state, and national level.  Each camp has different objectives and goals, however, at the end of the day, they hope to create values in youth that will help them be great leaders and contributors to our communities tomorrow.  The Foundation also helps sponsor a year end achievement night where 4-H youth are recognized for their 4-H projects and involvement for the past year.  The Foundation recently started a “high need fund” to help support families who may have special circumstances where they cannot afford costs associated with the 4-H program.