In March 2022, COL and Westervelt Ecological Services officially closed the Front Range Mitigation Bank conservation easement in Morgan County. This 104-acre parcel lies just east of Fort Morgan and adjacent to I-76, and features a channel of the South Platte River. It provides a mix of historic wetlands which support local and migratory waterfowl, including bald eagle, wild turkey, and red-tailed hawk. Due to past management practices, the riparian corridor has become channelized and disconnected from the flood plain, resulting in the loss of wetlands. Now that the easement has closed and the permits have been approved, restoration can begin.
The landowner will improve the health of the wetlands, remove noxious weeds, reconnect the river corridor for flood mitigation attenuation, and provide greater scenic enjoyment for motorists along I-76.