Our Story
Stewarding the Land Preserving a Legacy
Paul & Krii Black | LePlatt's Pond at L-J Ranch
Our Stewardship
For the Generations to Come
Shaped by faith, hard work, and deep respect for tradition, this ranch represents a way of life worth preserving. By welcoming our community to gather here, we protect what makes it special and carry it forward for the next generation.
What We Believe
Rooted in Integrity
You see it in the way the land is cared for, the way people are welcomed, and in the quiet details others might overlook. Integrity shapes how we steward this place and how we serve those who gather here.
Serving with Purpose
As a family-owned and operated ranch, this land is our home. We welcome guests generously, work diligently behind the scenes, and treat every celebration held here with genuine care and respect.
Preserving What Matters
Places like this are rare and worth protecting. We are committed to stewarding this land and the traditions it represents so it may continue to be enjoyed and cherished for generations to come.
The Team
Krii Black
Owner & Venue Director
Krii brings nearly two decades of wedding industry experience to LePlatt's Pond. As owner and venue director, she is dedicated to preserving the beauty of the ranch while helping couples create a celebration that feels effortless, personal, and unforgettable.
She also leads the creative storytelling and guest experience for the venue, overseeing marketing, video, and social media while personally guiding couples through the planning process. In addition, Krii manages the ranch's Airbnb accommodations, ensuring every visitor experiences the warmth and hospitality that define life at L-J Ranch.
Paul Black
Owner & Ranch Operations
Paul oversees the daily operations of the ranch, caring for the land and the many details that keep it running each day. A lifelong Bayfield resident, he is deeply connected to the land and community that surround L-J Ranch. In addition to ranch operations, Paul manages the cattle herd, dedicating countless hours to the care of the livestock and the health of the land. His work reflects a deep commitment to responsible stewardship and preserving the traditions that help ranches like this thrive for generations to come.
Lacy Graff
Lead Wedding Coordinator
Lacy has coordinated weddings at LePlatt's Pond for many years and brings a calm, thoughtful presence to every celebration. With a background in interior design and experience designing luxury residences and hotels, she combines creativity with exceptional attention to detail. Known for her kindness, patience, and steady professionalism, Lacy ensures every wedding day unfolds beautifully for the couples she serves.
Our Story
A Stewardship Story
Paul and Krii were married in 2008 and moved onto L-J Ranch as caretakers just one week later. What began as an opportunity to help care for the property soon became a calling.
For the next decade they managed the ranch with deep respect for the land and the legacy of the LePlatt family who entrusted them with its care. In an extraordinary act of generosity, the LePlatt family eventually offered them the opportunity to purchase the ranch — a gift of trust that forever changed their lives.
Both Paul and Krii are lifelong La Plata County residents, as are their children today. While they each grew up around horses, their understanding of ranching deepened through the guidance and wisdom of multi-generational ranching families throughout the community.
Today, nearly two decades after first arriving at the ranch, their family continues to steward this land with gratitude and purpose. They homeschool their children and remain actively involved in several local nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening the community they love.
Their vision for LePlatt's Pond is simple: to preserve the ranch exactly as it is. Ranches like this are increasingly rare, and protecting this open space has become a lifelong mission. Hosting gatherings here and raising beef locally are ways they are able to sustain the land while sharing it with others.
Though they did not inherit this ranch, they hope one day to pass it on to their children and generations to come. They believe the opportunity to care for this land is a blessing and a responsibility they honor with deep gratitude.
The best way to understand this place is to experience it in person.
Come See It for Yourself
We would be honored to show you around and share the beauty of LePlatt's Pond with you.
Schedule a Tour