The Colorado West Land Trust has entered into the public phase of an initiative to raise $1.8 million to bolster conversation efforts in Western Colorado.

“The future of our region is inextricably tied to the health of our lands and waters, and today we are confronted by unparalleled challenges threatening our landscapes,” said Rob Bleiberg, executive director of the Colorado Land Trust based in Grand Junction.

“In this pivotal moment for Western Colorado, the land trust rises to the occasion through the Forty Forever campaign, marking a crucial and distinctive chapter in our commitment to safeguarding the natural treasures that define our region,” Bleiberg added.

Nearly $1.5 million — more than 80 percent of the goal of the campaign — has been raised. The land trust has called on the public to help raise the remaining amount.

As part of the campaign, Carlson Vineyards has released a limited edition Forever West Oak Chardonnay. Proceeds from sales of the wine will support the Forty Forever campaign. Bottles will be available for purchase at the end of February at Carlson Vineyards locations at
461 35 Road Palisade as well as 545 Main St. in downtown Grand Junction.

The Forty Forever: Seeding the Future campaign will address five areas — land conservation, restoration and resilience, water, community connections and organizational readiness and regional capacity.

Efforts will include filling in existing protected areas and conserving new areas along waterways as well as protecting productive agricultural lands along with water rights, big game and endangered species habitat and scenic and climate-resilient landscapes.

Colorado West Land Trust has conserved a total of more than 133,500 acres in Mesa County and five other Western Slope counties.

For more information about the Colorado West Land Trust Forty Forever campaign, visit http://cowestlandtrust.org/forty-forever-campaign-seeding-the-future.