Rep. Lukens Recognized for Local Conservation Effort

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO – Representative Meghan Lukens today attended the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) Welcome Reception at the Steamboat Art Museum where she was recognized for her bipartisan legislative efforts to expand and improve Colorado’s conservation easement tax credit law (SB24-126). 

“I would like to thank the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust for their acknowledgment of my legislative work this year under the gold dome,”  said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Many of our neighbors are good stewards of the land – and this new law makes it easier for small or family operations to access a conservation easement tax credit while preserving the beautiful spaces we call home. Together, we’re taking a strong step forward to boost local and agricultural economies by keeping families on their land for generations to come.” 

Conservation easements are used to preserve wildlife habitat, encourage watershed restoration and maintain open space. Additionally, they allow farmers and ranchers to continue sustainable operations and protect their lands from development or demolition. SB24-126 reconfigured the conservation easement tax credit program to benefit smaller or family-operated farms, ranches and private land stewards to meet the backlog of projects and the current demand for credits. 

The 2024 CCALT Welcome Reception was the opening event of the 2024 Forever Colorado BBQ and benefited the conservation of working lands.