Preserving Recreational Open Space and Parks in Partnership with the City of Durango and GOCO
For newcomers it may be hard to believe, but Durango didn’t always have the abundance of recreational open spaces and parks it has today....
With an unmatched quality of life and the draw of a growing economy, it’s no wonder that Colorado ranks #7 in population growth nationwide, gaining over 700,000 people over the last nine years.
According to the Colorado State Demography Office, Colorado’s population could increase from 5.6 million currently, to 8.5 million by the year 2050. If these predictions are correct, the state stands to add the equivalent of another metro Denver area to our landscape, with the expected residents dispersing outside of the Denver Metro area into Ft. Collins, Greeley, Colorado Springs and the Western Slope. According to the Colorado Division of Local Affairs, the Western Slope of Colorado will witness an increase in population of approximately 67.2% over the next 35 years.
Though growth is inevitable and can be beneficial, it is our responsibility to manage it in a way that preserves our economy, our residents, our wildlife, and our way of life. Through local land trusts and conservation efforts, our beautiful state can prepare for future growth, preserve open spaces, and maintain the land that was entrusted to us for future generations.
The West Slope Conservation Partners have joined together to accomplish the following goals and
protect Colorado’s most valuable assets:
The protection of ecosystems for fish and wildlife
The preservation of land for public outdoor recreation
The preservation of open space (farmland & forest land) for scenic enjoyment & continued agricultural use
Through collaboration with local land owners, our communities, and our partner land trust organizations, West Slope Conservation Partners is making an impact on the Western Slope of Colorado,
preserving agriculture, fresh water, recreation,
wildlife habitat and migration routes, scenic views and our economy.
Through the combined efforts of West Slope Conservation Partners and local
community donors, we have been able to preserve and maintain thousands of acres
of recreational, agricultural and wildlife habitat for future generations to enjoy.
867
Number of conservation easements
Conservation easements guarantee lands are sustainable for future use, whether it be for agricultural, wildlife habitat, open space or recreational purposes.
193,238
Protected Acreage
Total acres of land preserved by Western Slope Conservation Partners.
462
Miles of Rivers/Creeks and Streams
Protecting streams, creeks and rivers helps to ensure safe drinking water for all of us as well as provides important habitat for 900 species of Colorado Wildlife.
75,971
Conserved Agricultural Acres
Nearly half of the state's 66 million acres are dedicated to Farms and ranches.
120,037
Conserved Elk Habitat
Protecting winter and summer ranges allows continued access to food and water, migration corridors, and calving grounds that are crucial to our Colorado Elk herds and other wildlife.
The combined efforts of West Slope Conservation Partners, committed local donors, and dedicated land owners have resulted in the preservation of outdoor trails, recreation areas, 75,971 acres of preserved agricultural acres and the continued use of over 120,037 acres of migration habitat for elk and other wildlife. Though the economic value of conserved land and resources can be difficult to measure, a study by Colorado State University reports for every $1 invested in conservation easements, an estimated $4-$12 of public benefits are provided. In this study, public benefits were calculated by reviewing 11 ecosystem types in Colorado and measuring the economic benefits to each system. Improvements such as filtration, purification of water, protection of wildlife, irrigation projects, and soil retention are some examples of measurable ecosystem improvements.
For newcomers it may be hard to believe, but Durango didn’t always have the abundance of recreational open spaces and parks it has today....
We are excited to announce a new alliance of Western Slope partners focused on conserving the land we love so dearly.
In 2018, the Crested Butte Land Trust (Land Trust) and the Town of Crested Butte (Town) put their best foot forward to form a working group
We have protected and built over 20 miles of natural surface trails in the Crested Butte region for passive, non-motorized recreation. A maj
Colorado West Land Trust’s purchase of the Three Sisters and other lands for trail expansion along Monument Road provides...