Colorado Open Lands is pleased to continue our partnership with Central Colorado Conservancy on this important public access project. This latest phase adds 74 acres to bring the total protected area to 345 acres, encompassing nearly all of the private lands in this stretch of the canyon along nearly three miles of the Arkansas River. In spring of 2025 the preserve is expected to be opened to the public, providing access to gold-medal trout fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The preserve is visible to drivers on US HWY 24, the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway.
In this phase, Central Colorado Conservancy purchased two additional private parcels on and near the river, connecting the previous phases and putting a total of 20 previously subdivided parcels back together. The property is valuable to wildlife, with habitat for bighorn sheep, elk, beavers, ospreys, golden eagles, and numerous other species. The preserve connects the river to lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and San Isabel National Forest, creating a large contiguous protected area.
“Lake County is honored to be part of this monumental step in protecting our precious and invaluable resources. We are proud to partner with Central Colorado Conservancy and Colorado Open Lands to protect and steward this land and are so grateful to the funders and partners over the last several decades who have made this possible. The ARC Preserve is a testament to what intention, collaboration, and dedication can bring to fruition for current and future generations. With this next phase of land acquisition, we continue building upon the legacy of innumerable partners and countless hours of commitment to forever protecting the natural, historical, cultural, and recreational benefits this space offers to our community,” said Jane Schaefer, Deputy Director of Open Space for Lake County.
See more from the Chaffee County Times here!
Funding was provided by GOCO, the Natural Resource Damages Trustees, and private donors.