The Forest Guild ‚ Land Stewardship

A river runs through a ranch managed by the Trust.

A river runs through a ranch managed by the Guild.

Fall colors in New Mexico.

Responsible ownership of forests and range lands requires a host of specialized skills. The Forest Guild's stewardship program has helped private property owners throughout the country to protect their lands, reduce management costs, and improve the condition of natural resources.

The Guild has administered lands from Hawaii to Virginia, with a focus on the southern Rocky Mountains. Currently, the Guild administers 26,000 acres in New Mexico and Colorado and has planned thinning harvests for forests on several ranches in those states. The Guild lays the groundwork for long-term forest care while ensuring that the ranches continue producing income for their owners.

The Guild also works with private landowners, community groups, and local governments in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado to respond to large-scale timber harvests that threaten vital forest resources. For example, the Guild provided expert analysis and testimony concerning the controversial Taylor Ranch case in Costilla County, Colorado. This effort helped to end destructive logging in the treasured San Luis Valley watershed.