Delhi Ranch Project

About This Project

• Protects more than 27,000 acres of endangered prairie ecosystem across Iron Springs Ranch and UE Ranch in southeastern Colorado, preserving one of the largest remaining stretches of shortgrass prairie and piñon–juniper woodland in the state. With nearly half of Colorado’s shortgrass prairie already lost, this project helps conserve a globally threatened landscape.
• Prevents destructive land conversion and protects critical soil carbon through a permanent no-till conservation easement that prohibits conversion to cropland. By preventing tilling and intensive crop production, the project avoids the release of significant belowground carbon stores into the atmosphere.
• Supports sustainable ranching through rotational grazing practices that improve rangeland health, restore native vegetation, prevent overgrazing, and ensure the long-term economic viability of local ranching operations. This balanced approach benefits both the environment and ranching communities.
• Delivers measurable climate impact through ongoing monitoring and carbon finance. Regular project monitoring and rangeland health assessments ensure conservation goals are met, while carbon credit revenue provides essential funding to maintain project activities and strengthen resilience during drought conditions.
• Preserves critical wildlife habitat and landscape connectivity within one of the largest unbroken grassland corridors in the United States. The protected landscape supports mule deer, elk, antelope, mountain lions, burrowing owls, swift foxes, golden eagles, plains leopard frogs, and other high-priority species.
• Protects important cultural and recreational heritage by conserving land crossed by the historic Santa Fe Trail, preserving both ecological value and public access to a significant piece of American history.

Project Verification | Validation Report