LAKE GEORGE, COLORADO — In a significant step toward protecting Colorado’s natural heritage and enhancing wildfire management, the USDA Forest Service, in partnership with The Conservation Fund, has acquired nearly 130 acres of land west of Divide, Colorado. This acquisition, completed on August 13, 2024, is strategically located between Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir and represents a vital addition to the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
The newly acquired land, formerly owned by the Wagon Tongue Company, is a crucial habitat for various wildlife, including elk, mountain lions, black bears, and wild turkeys. It also serves as a migratory and breeding ground for numerous bird species. The property’s acquisition is not only a victory for wildlife conservation but also for the surrounding communities, as it strengthens the Forest Service’s ability to manage and prevent wildfires in the area.
A Legacy of Conservation and Recreation
The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit organization specializing in land protection, played a key role in this acquisition. Earlier this year, the Fund purchased the property from the Wagon Tongue Company, securing it until federal funds could be allocated through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Fund then transferred the property to public ownership under the management of the USDA Forest Service.
“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,” said Kelly Ingebritson, Colorado Project Manager for The Conservation Fund. “Conserving the lands we all need and love is The Conservation Fund’s specialty — and we are thrilled this land is now permanently protected.”
Alene Patterson, whose father purchased the land in the 1950s, shared her family’s joy at seeing the property preserved. “Our goal is for the public to experience this special place now, too,” she said, reflecting on the many memories her family made while exploring the land’s natural beauty.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Supporting Community and Conservation Goals
The acquisition aligns with broader wildfire crisis strategies and supports the South Park Ranger District’s goals of protecting adjacent communities from annual wildfire threats. District Ranger Josh Voorhis highlighted the importance of the purchase, noting that the management of the area would directly contribute to wildfire prevention efforts.
The acquisition has garnered praise from Colorado’s congressional delegation, with U.S. Senator Michael Bennet emphasizing the importance of public lands to the state’s identity and economy. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen also praised the acquisition for its role in safeguarding wildlife habitats and managing wildfire risks.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
A Bright Future for Colorado’s Public Lands
Funded by the LWCF, a federal program dedicated to conserving irreplaceable lands and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities, this acquisition marks another success in the ongoing efforts to preserve Colorado’s natural landscapes. As these 130 acres are now permanently protected, future generations of Coloradans and visitors alike will continue to enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities that this land offers.
For more information, visit the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands website or contact Josh Cowden at joshua.colecowden@usda.gov.
Images courtesy of USDA Forest Service.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
