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Aspen Valley Land Trust is thrilled to announce that with the support of Eagle and Pitkin Counties, AVLT is under contract to purchase the 4,251-acre Three Meadows Ranch! Shared from AVLT This sprawling Missouri Heights property off Cottonwood Pass is one of the few remaining tracts of this size in the Roaring Fork Valley and its conservation value is substantially increased by extensive borders with White River National Forest, BLM, and another privately conserved ranch. This protected stretch of land collectively protects crucial deer and elk habitat, native rangeland, and significant water resources. This time-sensitive project is one of the most important conservation opportunities in the Roaring Fork Valley and we are incredibly grateful to Eagle County Open Space and Pitkin County Open Space & Trails for their collaborative and bold leadership to make this acquisition feasible - and for supporters like you for making this work possible. Three Meadows Ranch holds immense conservation importance. Its diverse landscape, featuring sagebrush, oak, wetlands, and aspen forests is a vital ecological mosaic supporting a rich array of wildlife and critical high-priority habitat identified by Colorado Parks & Wildlife. The lush meadows attract a resident elk herd of over 300, while numerous ponds and wetlands attract a large variety of migrating waterfowl and enhance the property's natural beauty. Elevations range from 7,300 to 8,600 feet, providing expansive views of the Elk Mountain Range and roughly five miles of open space along Cottonwood Pass. The ranch also holds historical significance as well, as it was once the location of a stagecoach stopover, and has several small historic cabins remaining from that era. This project is distinctly unique from AVLT's traditional model of land conservation. This innovative and swift approach matches the momentousness of this opportunity. Upon successful acquisition, AVLT, and Eagle and Pitkin Counties will work together to ensure long-term stewardship of the ranch and explore options for future uses and ownership. Opportunities like this are only possible because of supporters like you that equip AVLT to embrace innovative and collaborative approaches to conserve and care for land. Thank you for making projects like this possible and thank you for supporting this conservation mission. If you would like to see more conservation projects like this one become reality in our valleys, consider making a special gift to AVLT today! |
