What conservation easements mean for that perfect Palisade peach

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13min 45sec
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The Government Highline Canal, a Palisade peach orchard, and the bone dry haunches of Mt. Garfield.

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John Garlich, his wife Ulla Merz, and their dog Sophie, photographed in the Bookcliff Vineyards, Palisade, Sept. 8, 2025. They have worked out a conservation easement deal through Colorado West Land Trust.
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A Colorado West Land Trust sign greets visitors to the Avant Vineyads in Palisade, Sept. 8, 2025
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Riding the Monument Trail, which connects downtown Grand Junction with the Lunch Loops trailhead near Colorado National Monument, Sept. 8, 2025. Colorado Western Land Trust played a role in its creation.

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Peach trees and cliffs at Ranch Durazno in Palisade, Sept. 8, 2025
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Malbec grapes in the Bookcliff Vineyards, Palisade, Sept. 8, 2025

A vast blue sky and fruit orchard
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A giant Palisade peach
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