Public-Private Partners Join Forces to Protect Historic Colorado Ranchland

Bureau of Land Management, City of Aurora and The Conservation Fund Announce Preservation of 1,411 Acres at Hayden Ranch

Denver, CO (September 26, 2005) -- With the transfer of more than 1,400 acres of sweeping ranchland to public ownership, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), City of Aurora and The Conservation Fund announced today the permanent protection of the west parcel of the Hayden Ranch south of Leadville.  Nestled at the base of Colorado’s two highest peaks, the newly protected property is a keystone piece of a visionary open space initiative, safeguards scenic vistas and historic resources, and preserves habitat for elk.

“The transfer of this land to the BLM represents years of planning and effort by an extraordinary coalition of partners,” said The Conservation Fund’s Colorado representative, Christine Quinlan. “Thanks to the leadership and vision of the City of Aurora and Lake County Open Space Initiative and the commitment of the BLM, a balanced conservation solution has been reached that preserves this spectacular landscape and vital wildlife habitat while supporting the local tourism and outdoor recreation economy.”

The acquisition, funded through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, is part of a visionary public-private partnership to preserve wildlife habitat, scenic vistas and recreation areas within the Upper Arkansas River Basin and along the Top of The Rockies National and Historic Scenic Byway (U.S. 24).  Launched in 1997, the Lake County Open Space Initiative (LCOSI) brings together two dozen public agencies and private organizations that have thus far helped to protect 9,000 acres of open space in the foreground of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive’s majestic peaks.

According to Mike Conlin, LCOSI Coordinator, the initiative was triggered when the City of Aurora purchased the Hayden Ranch for its water rights, and in an unprecedented move, invited the local community to participate in a planning effort to determine how they would like to see the surplus lands used. A poll of the local community indicated that 91% of the local population supported the acquisition of the Hayden Ranch for preservation as parks and open space.

“The sale to the BLM marks the culmination of over seven years of work by the LCOSI partnership to place the property under the stewardship of an entity that could satisfy the community mandate and ensure its status as open space in perpetuity,” said Conlin.

Designated as a keystone property for the initiative by county, state and federal officials, the historic Hayden Ranch is one of the oldest mountain ranches in Lake County.  Its rolling meadows and grasslands blanket the Arkansas River south of town and include wetlands, winter range for 600 elk and habitat for 200 species of migrating birds.

"We're just tickled," said Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer. "It is exciting to be part of this partnership. Win-win is so overused, but it is exactly what we have here. You can't find a better vision than what we've seen in Lake County."

BLM’s Royal Gorge Field Manager, Roy Masinton said, “The transfer of this land to BLM is important because it maintains critical elk habitat and recreational opportunities while keeping the land as open space.”

According to the BLM, management of this land will be guided by the Lake County Open Space Initiative Ecosystem Management Plan and the BLM Resource Management Plan and will help continue the ranching lifestyle of the area. 

“We appreciate working with The Conservation Fund and all the participants in the Lake County Open Space Initiative to jointly make this project a success,” added Masinton.

The newly protected parcel adjoins some 3,000 acres of ranchland already managed by the BLM.  In addition to protecting vital habitat for fish and wildlife, the acquisition ensures that the ranchland will be open to the public for hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing. 

Earlier this summer, 36 acres of the original homestead parcel of the Hayden Ranch was acquired by Colorado Preservation Inc.  With a grant from the State Historical Fund, the group is working to stabilize the most significant buildings, starting with the ranch house, bunkhouse and barn. In collaboration with Colorado Mountain College, the buildings will be used as an outdoor laboratory for a training program in historic preservation.

The Conservation Fund is the nation’s foremost environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting America’s land and water legacy for current and future generations. Seeking innovative conservation solutions for the 21st century, the Fund works to integrate economic and environmental goals. Since its founding in 1985, the Fund has helped its partners safeguard wildlife habitat, working landscapes, community greenspace and historic sites totaling more than 4 million acres. With 1% fund raising costs and 96% program allocation, The Conservation Fund is recognized as the nation’s top rated environmental nonprofit by the American Institute of Philanthropy. 

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