The Aspaas Ranch, located near Hesperus in LaPlata County,was deeded to Annette Johnsen Aspaas, a Norwegian immigrant, in 1913. Annette passed in 1920, dividing the ranch among her four children and it has remained in the family since then. Historically and today, Aspaas Ranch raises cattle and allows grazing in the autumn. By 2010, Helen Ruth Aspaas finished purchasing shares from cousins and became sole owner of the property. In 2010, Helen Ruth placed a conservation easement on the ranch, held by La Plata Open Space Conservancy. The easement ensures that the property will never be subdivided and will provide wildlife protection and preservation of the historic buildings while also ensuring best practices in grazing.  In 2017, the ranch and buildings were designated a historic site by the LaPlata County Historical Preservation Commission. The property is representative of the archaeological history of the southwest, with artifacts from the Archaic Period to the Utes as well as historic artifacts from Fort Lewis, which have been documented and assessed by college field schools and local historians. The residence and outbuildings are well maintained and show significant historic value for the community. Helen Ruth Aspaas is a steward of the land, leaving a family legacy to be preserved in perpetuity.