Dear Citizens of Gunnison,
I want to bring to your attention an important proposal currently under review that directly impacts the future of VanTuyl Ranch. The plan would rezone the property from Agricultural–PUD to exclusively Planned Unit Development (PUD)
This land is more than just acreage. It is essential to our community:
Public Access & Community Use
VanTuyl Ranch is one of the rare places where agriculture, open space, and community life come together. The ranch includes a public trail system that has become part of daily life for Gunnison residents. Neighbors walk their dogs, parents push strollers, kids ride bikes, and families enjoy time together outdoors. In winter, the land transforms again as ski routes are laid across the fields, giving locals easy access to cross-country skiing without leaving town.
This kind of public access is not just about recreation—it’s about connection. Trails through VanTuyl Ranch provide a safe, scenic space to exercise, gather, and spend time in nature, which studies show improves physical and mental health. They also allow the community to witness firsthand the positive impact of working agriculture: healthy soils, wildlife habitat, and open views that define Gunnison’s character.
Water & Soil Health
VanTuyl Ranch is an active, functioning wetland that recharges Gunnison’s alluvial aquifer, the community’s main source of drinking water. Through regenerative agriculture, the ranch has built soils that are alive, covered, and rich in organic matter—conditions that directly improve water quality, biodiversity, and aquifer recharge. The City of Gunnison has already identified protecting this aquifer as a top community priority (City of Gunnison Water System Improvements & VTR Overview, 2023).
A scientific soil test found that VanTuyl’s organic matter levels are 15.72%. This is exceptionally high compared to most agricultural soils (often under 5%) and means the land has a remarkable ability to hold and store water like a sponge. The more organic matter in soil, the more water it can absorb, reducing runoff and directing that water back into the ground where it replenishes the aquifer.
Research also shows that regenerative agricultural practices like flood irrigation support recharge: these sites can contribute, on average, 12% of a river’s annual natural streamflow back to groundwater.
Rezoning VanTuyl Ranch out of agriculture would strip away these proven soil and water benefits, weakening the very system that keeps Gunnison’s land and people healthy.
Keep VanTuyl Ranch in Agriculture
In 1992, the City of Gunnison purchased VanTuyl Ranch from Ray VanTuyl with the clear intent to keep it in agriculture and open space. That intent was reaffirmed in the 2010 Management Plan and the 2012 Annexation Petition.
Will you stand with me to protect VanTuyl Ranch?
Let’s keep it agricultural and preserve it as the community resource it was meant to be—for our water, our land, and the well-being of Gunnison.
Take Action (two quick steps):
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Attend the next meeting: Oct. 28th (public hearing)
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Email City Council & Planning & Zoning >> Link to Council Members Emails
Subject: Keep VanTuyl Ranch Agricultural
Message (copy/paste):
“I oppose rezoning VanTuyl Ranch. VanTuyl Ranch is critical for protecting our aquifer, soils, habitat, and community access. Please ensure stronger language to protect this area for agricultural use”
Thank you!!
