Conservation of Colorado orchard adds to 6,000 protected acres
Located in the shadow of the West Elk Range, the family-owned and operated farm features orchards, vineyards, a winery, a farm market and a wine-tasting room open to the public seasonally.
This story originally appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of Saving Land magazine.
Black Bridge Winery and Orchard Valley Farms, 55 acres of productive fruit land in eastern Delta County, Colo., has been conserved by the Bradley family and the accredited Colorado West Land Trust. Located in the shadow of the West Elk Range, the family-owned and operated farm features orchards, vineyards, a winery, a farm market and a wine-tasting room open to the public seasonally.
The conservation easement adds to 27 nearby conservation easements totaling more than 6,000 acres protected for local food production, future generations of farmers, and wildlife habitat along the North Fork of the Gunnison River.
“This partnership represents our commitment to safeguarding the North Fork’s agricultural lands, precious riparian habitats and scenic landscapes,” said Colorado West Land Trust conservation manager Ilana Moir. “This conservation easement stands as a testament to the power of community-driven conservation.”
Ryan Bradley, who grew up on the farm purchased by his parents Lee and Kathy Bradley, developed his passion and vision for the future of the family farm at an early age.
“After we closed the conservation easement, my dad and I both felt a real sense of pride. We felt like we had become agricultural leaders of the Western Slope by conserving our land,” Bradley said. “To me, the pinnacle is how you manage your land and keep it that way. It’s more important than anything else.”