Preserving the Land for Future Generations
At C Lazy U Ranch, we are more than ranch owners, we are stewards of the land. For over a century, our mission has been to protect, conserve, and enhance the natural beauty of this landscape. Through sustainable practices and community partnerships, we are committed to ensuring that the land thrives for generations to come. Guests visit us to enjoy the pristine mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and opportunities to relax and reconnect with nature. We aim to ensure these elements remain for future generations to enjoy.
Our Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
The C Lazy U Environmental Sustainability Committee leads our efforts with a clear mandate:
- Conserve and Restore Natural Resources: Protect the ranch’s land, wildlife, vegetation, and water resources.
- Reduce Negative Environmental Impacts: Continuously evaluate and mitigate the environmental effects of our operations.
- Enhance Positive Environmental Contributions: Identify and deploy opportunities to actively improve the environment through our work.
- Engage the Community: Inspire and involve our guests, staff, and partners in meaningful sustainability and conservation initiatives.
Our activities include everything from recycling and water conservation to habitat restoration and responsible land use. These efforts ensure the traditions of the Great American West, and the natural grandeur of the ranch endure.
Conserve and Restore Natural Resources
Preserving the magnificent natural resources at the C Lazy U Ranch has been our passion for over 100 years. The ranch now stewards over 8,500 acres of land, working closely with The Nature Conservancy through conservation easements, protecting wetlands and wildlife habitats for generations to come. Over the past 15 years, the ranch has protected 2,518 acres through these easements. Establishing conservation easements is a complicated and time-consuming process, but they protect the land in perpetuity by removing the ability for the land to be developed. To establish a conservation easement in Colorado, you must meet certain criteria, complete significant due diligence, and work with a reputable conservation organization such as The Nature Conservancy.
One of the key benefits of Conservation Easements in areas such as the ranch is protection of major wildlife migration paths. The ranch is located between Rocky Mountain National Park and the Colorado River Basin – a high-traffic migration route for elk, deer, and other wildlife. Moose, bears, coyotes, and even mountain lions are part of the natural wildlife on the property and surrounding areas, along with many different species of birds. Some may be interested to know that Sage Grouse mate in leks in some of the Ranch’s leased land from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and it is one of the furthest east areas in Colorado where this mating occurs. Leks are communal breeding grounds where male sage grouse gather to perform elaborate courtship displays for the attention of females and are crucial for attracting and selecting mates. C Lazy U Ranch guests have ample opportunities to see a wide array of natural wildlife while using our many trails.
In addition to the Conservation Easements, portions of our operation take place on public lands under special permits from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. These partnerships ensure the natural grandeur of our land remains intact for future generations to experience.
East Troublesome Fire Restoration at the Ranch
The ranch received a devasting blow in October 2020 with the East Troublesome Fire – one of the two largest fires in Colorado history, with the other occurring simultaneously further east and north of the ranch. The fire burned a staggering 193,812 acres reaching the Continental Divide and the western end of Estes Park and unfortunately, cut a path through the ranch. This was the first large-scale fire that C Lazy U Ranch has had to endure over its 100+ year history. The fire took our historic barn, eight private homes on the ranch, several smaller outbuildings and considerable wildlife that couldn’t escape the incredibly fast-moving flames. The Grand County Sheriff’s office and the local community embraced the ranch and its efforts to save buildings, land and the ranch’s herd of over 200 horses. Neighbors banded together creating a caravan of horse trailers that moved the herd away from the smoke and destruction until the ranch was once again safe for them. We’ll never forget the support and compassion of our local community in dealing with this devasting natural disaster.
There are significant wildlife and ecosystem impacts that come with massive fires – tree canopy loss, water contamination, soil erosion, wildlife loss of life and migration routes, to name just a few. In response, the ranch has created several key partnerships to mitigate these negative impacts.
Tree canopy loss, soil erosion, and migration routes
One of the most significant programs the ranch has adopted to address fire impacts has been a partnership with Land Life, The Nature Conservancy, One Canopy Nursery, and EcoCulture. Through this program, C Lazy U planted over 182,000 trees on more than 550 acres of fire-affected land in 2024, with an additional 360,000 trees to be planted over the next few years. The impacts are considerable – restored soil health, improved wildlife habitats, enhanced water conservation, and increased carbon capture. Additionally, this program has created carbon credits through our partner Land Life.
Water contamination
C Lazy U is blessed to have Willow Creek (a tributary of the Colorado River) run through the heart of the ranch, providing a fabulous fishing experience for our guests, a source of water for our fishing and hockey pond, fresh clear water for our livestock and wildlife, and endless beauty for the property as a whole. The creek terminates into the nearby Willow Creek Reservoir which is managed by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD), developed as part of the Colorado Big-Thompson Project (C-BT). More than 30 municipalities receive a portion of their water through the C-BT. Protection of Willow Creek and the reservoir has always been important for the ranch, but even more so after the fire.
Huge fires impact water quality in several ways. First, the lack of vegetation cover on burned slopes increases the risk of soil erosion and debris flows. Heavy rains no longer have vegetation root systems to slow them down and the soil is weak, bringing ash, burned branches and trees flowing down steep hillsides into the creeks and reservoirs, and often taking out large swaths of roadways as the water moves unabated creating ashen mud slides.
C Lazy U established 2 programs to directly target water management issues – a partnership with NCWCD to reseed fire-devastated hill sides, and the creation of pooling or retention ponds in strategic locations across the ranch.
The reseeding program was an impressive undertaking, both in terms of the volume of seed that was dropped and the process used to do it. A nearby field served as the headquarters for several helicopters and massive piles of pine and grass seed. Work teams loaded the seed into huge nets, attached the nets to the helicopter, which then took off to methodically drop the seed over the scorched hillsides. It was an incredible scene that took place over several months during the summer and fall of 2021 on the main ranch property.
In 2022, the Ranch worked with NCWCD to seed the Hogs Back and McQuery Ridge parts of which are on the Ranch property and but this seeding also included private property and significant additional areas up the fall including Trail Creek and areas off of Highway 41. Within just a few short weeks, grass began to reappear, seedlings took hold, and the land started to become alive again with greenery. Our beautiful aspen forest is also recovering with many of the new shoots already 10 feet tall after just 4 years of recovery.
In addition to the reseeding project, the ranch and NCWCD worked together to construct a large berm along the banks of Willow Creek. The berm helps stabilize the river while minimizing nutrient loading that could be created with flash flooding after the East Troublesome Fire. It also serves a dual purpose by creating a scenic walking path along the river for guests and members. The ranch established retention/pooling ponds to hold and safely redistribute rain runoff, which in turn helps prevent mudslides, erosion, and flooding.
Guests visiting the ranch will still be able to see some of the fire damaged trees, but the landscape is restoring beautifully with vast fields of wildflowers, fast growing aspen groves, baby pine trees and clear beautiful waters. Wildlife is gradually returning, and newly rebuilt homes and buildings appear across the property. It’s an exciting time of regeneration at the Ranch.
The stunning restoration of C Lazy U Ranch, rising from the ashes after the East Troublesome Fire of 2020.
Reduce Negative Environmental Impacts
Water Conservation, Treatment, and Management
Water rights in Colorado are unique when compared to other parts of the United States. The use of water is governed by what is known as the “Prior Appropriation System,” which controls who uses how much water, the types of uses allowed, and when those waters can be used. C Lazy U has Senior Water Rights giving it increased flexibility in managing and consuming its fresh water supply. The ranch is in a remote location without access to water or sewer services typically provided through a city or municipality. Instead, the ranch sources its water independently from natural springs on Mount Baldy, along with water wells throughout the property, providing clean, fresh water for drinking, swimming, and other needs.
The ranch efficiently uses and manages its precious fresh water supply. The Ranch Operations Team manages water use and distribution for grounds, horses, the swimming and spa areas and kitchen and dining needs. Member homes have either a private or community well as their water source and guests have access to water in their cabins. Water coolers are located near dining and recreation facilities and guests are given reusable water bottles to reduce single-use plastic. According to a study from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the average hotel guest uses around 2-3 bottles of water per day. This means the ranch’s reusable water bottle program could be keeping 42,500 plastic water bottles out of landfills each year. Guests frequently comment on the spectacular hanging floral baskets and window boxes at the ranch – these, along with the ranch’s abundant hay fields and lawns, are irrigated with non-potable water rather than impacting the fresh water supply.
C Lazy U also collaborates with the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) on stream restoration projects, improving water quality in Willow Creek as well as the reservoir. These efforts enhance aquatic habitats, reduce nutrient loading, and create better fishing experiences for our guests. Nutrient loading is the amount of nutrients that enter an ecosystem, stream, or river. As mentioned earlier, this is particularly important to the ranch because Willow Creek flows through the property and into the Willow Creek Reservoir potentially impacting drinking water for both the ranch and nearby communities.
Water Treatment Facility
The ranch has recently built state-of-the-art water treatment facilities for both drinking water and wastewater. All ranch drinking water is sourced from natural springs and pristine mountain wells and then goes through a meticulous treatment process to ensure its purity for our guests and staff. The ranch treats and uses over 4 million gallons of potable water annually for guest use and operations.
Wastewater is processed on-site through the Ranch’s new Wastewater Treatment Center. Almost 2 million gallons of water go through the facility annually with the discharged water going back into Willow Creek. The discharged water is pure enough to drink. The facility has been an impressive addition to the Ranch’s infrastructure and serves as a strong statement for the Ranch’s commitment to sustainable operations.
Other Environmental Impact Initiatives
In addition to the ranch’s strong water management programs, C Lazy U has undertaken several initiatives targeted at reducing potentially negative environmental impacts. Among these efforts are manure containment, more sustainable housekeeping practices, and waste management practices.
Manure Management
You’d be amazed to learn how much manure 200 horses and 30 cows produce annually. An average horse produces 9 tons of manure per year. A herd of 200 would generate 1,800 tons per year. This volume of “output” requires daily management to reduce the odor and keep guest areas clean and accessible. The ranch team moves manure multiple times per day to temporary storage areas throughout the year as part of a manure management plan. In the Spring, the corrals are scraped, storage areas are removed, and the Ranch typically hauls over 300 cubic yards of manure. In the preceding weeks, they use a machine called a manure spreader and place 90% the manure on the upper mesa, well away from the water tributaries of Willow Creek. The remainder is placed into another identified area called the Haystack Pasture. In the Fall the same process occurs and typically amounts to 100 cubic yards.
In addition to moving the manure from the main ranch compound, the Ranch is building fencing around the river to keep the horses from entering the water. By doing this it eliminates manure from getting close to, or in the river, and it also prohibits the horses from entering the water and stirring up sediment. With 8,500 acres of land, there are ample locations available to spread the manure, enriching the soil across large swaths of land and keeping our guest areas smelling fresher and looking clean. Horse manure contains nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur and micronutrients, and is high in organic matter. The fields (and wildflowers and grasses) love it.
Housekeeping and Facilities
Our housekeeping team encourages guests to recycle and to reuse towels in the guest cabins. Additionally, recycling bins are available across most guest areas and a large single stream recycling crate container is accessible for both Ranch Staff and Members. Ranch Creek, our local Waste and Recycling Company, picks up waste and recycling weekly. The ranch sees additional opportunities in this area as we develop a new waste management program.
C Lazy U Ranch is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint by installing two electric vehicle charging stations on the property. This initiative supports the ranch’s eco-friendly values and provides a convenient amenity for guests and staff who drive electric vehicles, promoting a cleaner transportation option.
Property Management Team
Additional efforts include energy programs and the use of Beetle Kill Pine in construction projects. We now have 2 electric car charging stations at the ranch and have replaced most standard light bulbs with energy efficient LEDs. Several of our private homes are using solar panels to supplement their environmentally friendly propane heating and cooling power. Propane burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, producing fewer pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, and is non-toxic, making it a safer option for the environment. Many areas of the western U.S. have endured the Mountain Pine Beetle, leaving the mountain areas devastated with dead trees and providing ample fuel for huge fires such as the East Troublesome Fire. The ranch was no exception. We abundant supply of dead Lodgepole pine trees that we clear, pile, and then reuse as we have the opportunity. We use them for fences and even interior trim – helping us reduce forest fire risks and promoting healthy re-vegetation.
Waste Management Project
C Lazy U Ranch has partnered with Think Zero, a waste consultant, to conduct a comprehensive waste audit at their Farmbox facility. The audit team will perform a representative waste assessment to identify key metrics, including estimated waste tonnage, material weights, and contamination rates. Through this audit, Think Zero aims to provide actionable insights and diversion strategies to help C Lazy U Ranch optimize its waste management practices and reduce its environmental footprint.
Enhance Positive Environmental Contributions
Many of the projects described in the previous content serve multiple purposes. Not only are negative environmental impacts reduced, but positive ones are enhanced. For example:
- Reseeding project that restores and enhances the damaged hillsides and improves water quality in Willow Creek and the Reservoir
- Conservation easement program that preserves migration routes for wildlife
- Protection of a specific location on the ranch that is used by the Gunnison sage-grouse for breeding
- The berm along Willow Creek that now serves as a beautiful walking path for guests to enjoy the property
- Strong manure management program that enriches the soil across large expanses of our grasslands
We look forward to expanding our positive environmental impacts as we further develop our sustainability program and identify opportunities to not only improve the ranch but share our learnings with others.
Engage the Community
The last key pillar of the ranch’s Sustainability and Environment Program is engaging the community. When we say community, we mean not only our staff and guests, but also local businesses, our neighbors, and our sustainability program partners.
Staff and Guests
We have already increased engagement with our staff and guests through the work we’ve completed to date and by the creation of our two sustainability committees. The first committee is driving the strategy and initial program development, while the new employee committee will implement many of the programs as well as further drive staff and guest engagement. We anticipate great ideas coming from a team of employees that live our daily operations and can identify a range of opportunities to pursue. Simply creating an infrastructure for sustainability support and talking about our efforts on our web site demonstrate our commitment to improving our sustainability performance and impact.
Local Businesses
The ranch has partnered with several local businesses such as providing a bee yard for a local honey provider and purchasing locally sourced meat for our 5-star guest dining experiences. We were early adopters of a FarmBox Foods system, allowing us to grow fresh greens throughout the year for our team of chefs.
The Farmbox is revolutionizing the way we think about farming with its cutting-edge hydroponic facility. This year-round, indoor growing operation produces a diverse array of fresh vegetables, showcasing the versatility of hydroponics. By leveraging advanced technology, C Lazy U Ranch Farmbox is able to cultivate high-quality crops in a controlled environment. The result is a consistent supply of nutritious, locally grown produce throughout the year.
Neighbors and Partners
As mentioned earlier, we have strong partnerships with local law enforcement, the Bureau of Land Management, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, The Nature Conservancy, the many partners in the tree replanting program, and now Think Zero. We anticipate further leveraging these partners as well as new partners as our sustainability journey progresses.
In addition, we use timber from beetle-killed Lodgepole pines in construction that were harvested on the Ranch. This sustainable practice not only repurposes damaged wood but also reduces forest fire risks and promotes healthy re-vegetation.
