Colorado West Land Trust announced Seth Urbanowitz is its new Water Program manager, and it welcomed five new members to its board of directors.

Urbanowitz brings to his new job more than 15 years of agronomy experience in the Intermountain West, with a background in agricultural consulting, farmer support and university extension. He has led irrigation evaluations and on-farm research and helped quantify the environmental benefits of working agricultural lands.

His experience working directly with agricultural producers will support Colorado West Land Trust’s efforts to explore practical conservation opportunities that benefit working lands and the water resources connected to them.

The new board members are Zach Eyler, Jacquie Chappell-Reid, Angela Dye, Chele Hawks and Kirsten Kurath.

“These five individuals bring a tremendous range of experience and a strong understanding of Western Colorado,” said Rob Bleiberg, executive director of Colorado West Land Trust. “We’re glad to have their perspectives and leadership helping guide the organization in the years ahead.”

Local businesses invest in conservation

Colorado West Land Trust also announced Mt. Garfield Wealth Management renewed its lead sponsorship in 2026 at the $20,000 level, and the land trust welcomed Timberline Bank as a new platinum-level supporter with a $5,000 sponsorship.

“Local business sponsorships allow CWLT to advance our mission to protect the places that matter most,” said Paige Byron, development director at Colorado West Land Trust. “Local businesses like Mt. Garfield Wealth Management and Timberline Bank share our vision for communities connected to nature, cultural traditions of agriculture and ranching, and vibrant wildlife habitat across Western Colorado.”

Mt. Garfield Wealth Management has been a sponsor of CWLT since 2020.

“We are pleased to support Colorado West Land Trust’s work, because we know that the work they do improves the lives of our clients and residents throughout the Western Slope,” said Linda Mendenhall, branch manager of Mt. Garfield Wealth Management’s Grand Junction office.

For more information about sponsorships, go online to cowestlandtrust.org.