This property south of Westcliffe in Custer County encompasses 1,232 acres. It features a mosaic of montane grasslands, piñon-juniper woodlands, stands of conifer and aspen forests, a small canyon with rocky outcroppings, and wetlands along Lapin Creek which traverses the property for one mile. The property has three springs for livestock and wildlife watering, and big views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains across the Wet Mountain Valley.
This parcel is surrounded by development on three sides and would face substantial pressure to be subdivided without the conservation easement.
This easement adds to the previously protected parcels that make up HG Vickerman Ranch. The family agricultural operation began in 1918, with parcels added over time until they totaled over 3,600 acres. This project is the third and final portion of the historic family ranch to be protected. Previous parts of the ranch were protected by San Isabel Land Protection Trust and are now under the stewardship of COL.