LPOSC Welcomes New Executive Director

Scott Perez is La Plata Open Space Conservancy’s new Executive Director, taking over from founding Director Katharine Roser, who retired December 31st. Scott brings extensive knowledge and valuable experience to our organization. After working for more than 20 years as a cowboy and guide, Scott earned a degree in Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, focusing on range management and environmental policy. He went on to study at Cornell University and is currently completing a doctoral program in Natural Resources. Scott is a seasoned educator and communicator with a long resume of service to nonprofit and community organizations. Please welcome Scott and his family to LPOSC and to our community.

La Plata Open Space Closes 2011 with New Conservation Easement East of Durango

Don and Margaret Ackerman had more than a 50th wedding anniversary to celebrate in December. They also drank a toast to the protection of their 245-acre ranch with a perpetual conservation easement. The Ackermans had contemplated an easement for years, and this year the time was right. Their property, a rich mosaic of forested lands and grassy meadows, is in one of the most important game migration corridors in La Plata County, and supports wintering mule deer and elk herds every year.

BP America Production Company, in an effort to mitigate impacts to wildlife from their energy development activities in the San Juan Basin, recently executed a groundbreaking agreement with the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife that calls for identifying sensitive habitats, and restricting surface occupancy and facilitating the permanent conservation of those areas. The Ackermans, LPOSC, CPW and BP America worked in partnership to design an easement that addresses the needs of all the parties, and provides enormous benefits to the public.

Join LPOSC for Our 18th Annual Snowdown Wine Tasting and Fine Art Exhibition

You won't want to miss this event! LPOSC's annual fundraiser, the Snowdown Wine Tasting and Fine Art Exhibition, promises to be better than ever in 2012. Expect to see old friends and make new ones. Enjoy fine food, wonderful wine and amazing artwork. The 2012 show features paintings, photographs, pottery and basketry by 15 of our area's finest artists, including Sharon Abshagen, Milt Beens, Mimi Bonkowske, Rob Bridges, Boots Brown, Peter Campbell, Leonard Davies, Mar Evers, Eileen Fjerstad, Elizabeth Kinahan, Rebecca Koeppen, Jane Mercer, Linda Pampinella, Ann Smith, and Lorraine Trenholm. All artwork will be auctioned to raise funds to save land, and guests will receive a signed, limited edition print of Rebecca Koeppen's vibrant pastel, "Hovering Cloud-Ship." In early January all of the Snowdown artwork will be posted on this website, and it will also be on display at the Bank of Colorado in Durango, from January 9th until the exhibition and auction.

Come and celebrate with us on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree in Durango! (If we have your mailing address, you’ve already received an invitation by mail. Please email us at info@lposc.org for additional information.)

La Plata Open Space Annual Report Available

LPOSC’s latest Annual Report, summarizing the previous year's conservation projects, events and educational efforts, legislative changes and more, was mailed to members and supporters in the Fall, and copies are still available. Please contact us for hard copies of the report (info@lposc.org or 259-3415), or download it from this website.


Land is not just another pretty space… We appreciate your support!