Great progress has been recorded developing a captive breeding program at the Ladder that will provide animals for restoration throughout the species historical range in the southwestern U.S.  We have for the first time achieved successful breeding in steel stock-water tanks, as well as prolific egg mass production in the Ladder’s captive ranarium facility.  Additionally, notable progress has been recorded documenting the extent of the resident population at the Ladder (largest population in New Mexico) and conducting fieldwork to promote the growth and areal distribution of frogs there.  Our work on the Ladder Ranch ties together many disparate aspects of the federal Chiricahua leopard frog Recovery plan and is fast becoming the nation’s most notable conservation effort on behalf of the Chiricahua leopard frog. MORE DETAIL

Throughout much of the 20^th century, public fish managers and private landowners stocked other, non-native species of trout (brook, brown, and rainbow) across the range of cutthroats in order to diversify trout populations and provide angling opportunity. Unfortunately these non-natives have out-competed and hybridized with native Rio Grande cutthroat trout in many cases. These interactions, coupled with habitat losses due to land management practices, development, and resource extraction, have resulted in the loss of Rio Grande cutthroat trout from approximately 90% of their historic range. In 2008 the US Fish and Wildlife Service determined that Endangered Species Act protections were warranted for the species and added the species to the candidate list. Colorado and New Mexico, as well as the US Forest Service, recognize the Rio Grande cutthroat trout as a species of concern and are working diligently to reverse the decline and provide the public expanded opportunity to enjoy this fish. Activities include implementing protective regulations, surveying watersheds to document and preserve native trout populations, improving habitat, genetic testing, removing non-native trout in selected areas, and restoring Rio Grande cutthroat trout populations across their historic range.

Two Turner properties, the Vermejo Park and Ladder ranches are located within the historic range of Rio Grande cutthroat trout.  We believe the species is a key component of the native communities on these properties and have made it a priority to conserve and restore populations of Rio Grande cutthroat trout.  We have partnered with state and federal agencies to manage existing populations and restore populations where they have been displaced. Significant, collaborative conservation efforts are underway at both the Vermejo Park and Ladder ranches. MORE DETAIL