Source: USDA.gov
In an exciting development for Colorado’s natural landscapes and communities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, in partnership with The Conservation Fund, has announced the acquisition of nearly 130 acres of land west of Divide, Colorado. This strategic purchase, made possible through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, marks a significant step in conservation efforts, wildfire prevention, and enhancing public recreation opportunities.
The newly acquired property, formerly owned by the Wagon Tongue Company, lies just south of Lake George and is nestled between the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir. The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to land protection, initially purchased the land earlier this year before working with the Forest Service and Congress to secure funding for its transfer to public ownership. This land will now be managed by the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for future generations.
“Conservation can be scenic and strategic, like the Wagon Tongue Company property,” said Kelly Ingebritson, Colorado Project Manager for The Conservation Fund. “This location has amazing views of Pikes Peak, pine forests, and a mountain meadow for wildlife. It’s also an important location for the Forest Service to prevent wildfires and support the local community. Conserving the lands we all need and love is The Conservation Fund’s specialty — and we are thrilled this land is now permanently protected.”
The former landowners, Alene Patterson and her siblings, expressed their joy in seeing the property conserved for public use. “We have wonderful memories enjoying this incredible land,” Patterson shared. “My father purchased this property in the 1950s because of its beauty and recreational values... Our goal is for the public to experience this special place now, too.”
This acquisition is not just a win for conservation but also a vital move in wildfire management. As Josh Voorhis, District Ranger for the South Park Ranger District, noted, “The management of this area is in direct alignment with wildfire crisis strategies and our agency’s wildfire management goals for the adjacent communities that often face annual wildfire threats.”
The newly protected area will serve as a critical habitat for various wildlife species, including elk, wild turkeys, mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, and mule deer. It also acts as a migratory and breeding range for numerous birds, further emphasizing the ecological importance of this land. Additionally, this acquisition will open up new hunting access within the South Park Ranger District, providing more opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Local leaders and policymakers have also applauded the acquisition. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet highlighted the importance of public lands in Colorado’s identity and economy, while U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen emphasized the role of this land in wildfire prevention and the protection of critical habitats.
This acquisition underscores the continued commitment to preserving Colorado’s natural beauty and ensuring that public lands remain accessible and protected for future generations. To learn more about this initiative and other conservation efforts, visit The Conservation Fund and the USDA Forest Service.
For those interested in exploring the area or participating in local conservation efforts, check out the community events and updates on Teller-Life.com, your go-to source for all things Teller County.
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