Great Outdoors Colorado's second-largest grant of nearly $7.4 million will help aid preservation efforts along the Rio Grande in the San Luis Valley. With Monday's award, the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust will be able to preserve 5,630 acres along the river in four valley counties. Through the use of voluntary conservation easements, the group hopes to keep the ranches and farms along the river in operation, preserve open space and maintain wildlife habitat. The grant was the biggest contribution the group has received since it was formed in 1999 and began working with other conservation groups in the area. 

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