Surrounded by the national forest along the Uncompahgre Plateau, Stan Galley’s grandparents purchased the land in the 40’s by paying the back taxes owed on the property. Stan Galley’s dad, John, purchased the ranch in the 1960s. John, who was called Buck, and Stan both want to keep the land the way it is. “Coming down the plateau weaving in and out of the switchbacks, the view is amazing. Why would you want to spoil that?”
To avoid the hassles that come with inheriting the land, Stan and his dad formed Galley Ranch Partnership in 1998. Three years ago Stan’s dad decided to come off the partnership and Misty, Stan’s wife was added. Stan and Misty are a young couple with 2 daughters ages 6 and 1 ½ and a son who made his appearance in early June. Stan and Misty’s passion for saving their land is apparent and they hope the ranch will be passed down from generation to generation, keeping the land they love preserved forever.
Galley Ranch consists of approximately 1,700 acres located near the Town of Nucla. The ranch is used for hay production and livestock cattle grazing. There are some unique water rights that come from Sheep Creek and Tumble Creek. This water helps to irrigate approximately 250 to 275 acres of the land.
Stan and Misty completed their second donation in 2013 with Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust.