About the Lecture

We’ve all traveled over Trout Creek Pass, taking in its spectacular views while navigating its notorious curves. With towering rock formations above and lush beaver ponds below, the landscape is striking—but it wasn’t always this healthy.

After decades of damage to the watershed, local ranchers and land managers came together to restore it. Join us to learn how their collaborative efforts transformed Trout Creek and helped restore the landscape we see today.

Meet the Speakers

Bruce Cogan

Bruce Cogan was born and raised on his family’s Chaffee County ranch, established in 1889. He has served with Search and Rescue and participated in several county and community boards and associations, including county planning and local cattlemen’s groups.

Now retired from ranching, Bruce enjoys hiking, running, spending time outdoors, and being with his wife, Stacey, and their seven grandchildren. His sons and their wives continue the family’s ranching operations.

Jeff Keidel

Jeff Keidel is a retired Buena Vista High School science teacher. He and his wife, Kathy, have lived in Buena Vista since 1984, where they raised their two children and now enjoy spending time with their two grandsons.

Jeff continues to study the natural history of the Upper Arkansas Valley. Local rancher Joe Cogan first introduced him to the ecological changes occurring in the Trout Creek watershed in the early 1990s. Today, Joe’s son Bruce continues to share his family’s history and knowledge of the area with Jeff.