Private landowners in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico are raising funds to support responsible land stewardship in a region that spans the San Juan and Rio Grande watersheds and contains headwater forests that provide drinking water for a third of New Mexico.
A benefit raffle with two unique prizes is supporting the work of the Chama Peak Land Alliance: a trophy elk hunt on Banded Peak Ranch, and a fly fishing adventure on the Rio Chama at Troutstalker Ranch. Tickets are $100 for the elk hunt and $50 for the fishing trip — paltry sums for such opportunities.
The elk hunt is rifle or archery during the peak of the season at Banded Peak Ranch in Colorado. One hunter and one guest will experience nonstop hunting thrills on a five day/six night trip, either Sept. 21-25 for archery or Oct. 22-27 for rifle. The bull is free range, and the prize includes lodging and meals for two, one bull license, and one professional guide.
The fishing prize includes two nights of fishing for four anglers on the Rio Chama at Troutstalker Ranch. Two fishermen will fish with a guide on the Rio Chama, while two fish the 11-acre “Arrogant Goose Lake” and three-acre “Muchas Truchas Lake,” with the two groups alternating locations. Anglers can fish between May and October 2016, arriving in the late morning, fishing the afternoon, next morning, and the next day, before leaving on the third afternoon. The ranch is private and non-commercial, affording excellent fishing for the prize recipient.
The Chama Peak Land Alliance was founded in 2010 and is an association of conservation-minded landowners working collaboratively to practice and promote ecologically and economically sound land management in the southern San Juan Mountains of Colorado and northern New Mexico.
Some of the most biologically diverse lands in the West are in private hands, providing habitat for nearly two-thirds of all federally listed species. The nation’s rural landowners — its farmers, ranchers, and forest owners — provide not only food and fiber for the world, but also a host of environmental benefits, including clean water, wildlife habitat, and economic activity that results in sustained growth for local communities.
“Funds from the benefit raffle will support the Chama Peak Land Alliance and its work to restore, connect, and conserve wildlife habitat for a variety of species including native trout, mule deer, and elk,” said Monique DiGiorgio, Executive Director of the non-profit organization. “Many of our landowners have restored riparian areas and headwater forests to improve habitat for wildlife, which is a benefit for all Coloradans and New Mexicans.”
According to a study recently completed by the Chama Peak Land Alliance, mule deer and elk populations are in decline; private landowners and other partners can play a key role in restoring habitat and providing opportunities for wildlife to thrive, thereby supporting the environment and economy.
To read the report and buy raffle tickets, visit chamapeak.org/raffle. The winning tickets will be drawn May 1, 2016. The hunter then has seven days to decide if they want a rifle or archery hunt.
Don’t miss out on your last chance to support a great cause and win a trophy elk hunt or fishing adventure in northern New Mexico!