Montezuma Land Conservancy will hold its Annual Harvest Beer Festival from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Parque de Vida in Cortez.
All proceeds from the festival will benefit the conservancy, which has protected more than 30,800 acres in Montezuma and Dolores counties, according to a written statement from the conservancy. Funds will help with conservation efforts for working family farms, historical ranches, wildlife habitat and scenic open space.
The conservancy works to shape the future of our landscape and protect our rural heritage. While the sluggish economy presents a serious financial challenge for the Montezuma Land Conservancy and local landowners, it also increases the urgency and need for proactive land protection, according to the land conservancy. Generating cash flow through subdivision or sale is increasingly appealing presenting the land conservancy with a timely opportunity to offer alternative conservation options to landowners.
Since 1971, more than 36,000 acres of agricultural land in Montezuma County was converted to residential use through subdivision, according to the land conservancy. These lands contain productive soils and rangeland, important water rights, riparian habitat, big game calving grounds and migration corridors, and splendid views qualities that help define our rural community and way of life. The land conservancy addresses this loss of land by partnering with landowners who voluntarily choose to restrict development and subdivision rights on their private property to keep it open and available for agriculture and habitat.
A recently completed project protected 120 acres of productive irrigated farmland on the south side of Mancos and another 240 acres is in the works in the heart of Montezuma County on County Road 25, according to the land conservancy, which states it cant do this important work without the support of its members and the community.
Montezuma Land Conservancy invites everyone to help preserve these special places by attending its annual fundraiser, the Harvest Beer Festival. The event will feature artisanal ales and brews from 10 regional breweries and one distillery: Carver Brewing Co., Dolores River Brewery, Durango Brewing Co., Main Street Brewery, Mancos Valley Distillery, Moab Brewery, Ouray Brewery, Silverton Brewery, Ska Brewing, Steamworks Brewing Co., Three Rivers Brewery, Mancos Valley Distillery and Sodas from Zuberfizz.
Live music will be on tap from 4 to 9 p.m., featuring the cool jazz of Sound Advice, back by popular demand; and Jack Ten Hig, a Durango-based band with former members of The Badly Bent, BoXcar, Outta Hand String Band, Sourmash, and Lonesome Stew.
A sample of items from the Super Silent Auction includes a 42-inch plasma 3-D television with wall mount; framed 48 start historic American flag; hiking, clothing and travel gear from a variety of top brands; town cruiser bike and snowboard; luxurious lodging in Telluride; Wild West get-away in McElmo Canyon; ski passes to multiple resorts; restaurant gift certificates to regional hot spots; framed art and photography; romantic cabin on the West Fork of the Dolores; a variety of unique jewelry pieces; massages and yoga galore.
The family-friendly event will have kids activities. The $25 entry price includes beer tasting; $15 entry for nondrinkers. Children 15 and under get in free with a paid adult. Food is available and sold separately. Tickets are available at the door.
For more information, call 565-1664.