The Colorado Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative is a voluntary effort to enhance privately owned grazing lands. We are taking action to ensure that Colorado's 25 million acres of privately owned grazing lands receive the attention they need. Well-managed, privately owned grazing lands are important to Colorado's agriculture and environmental quality. Forage to produce food and fiber products, including beef, lamb, mild, cheese, wool and leather Habitat for two-thirds of our wildlife Benefits for Urban and Rural Coloradoans Privately owned grazing lands grow low coast forage which animals convert to healthy beef, lamb and dairy products for our dinner tables. These lands provide habitat for wildlife, water for urban and other uses, and visually appealing open space.
Healthy rangelands reduce soil erosion and sedimentation.
Where there is lush vegetation, more water is delivered to underground aquifers and sustained streamflows. Flooding is reduced and cleaner streams prevail for fish, wildlife and recreation. The vegetation and soils on grazing lands are a great reservoir for organic carbon. Properly managed grazing lands help reduce greenhouse gas accumulation. To apply for a GLCI grant, refer to the application.