Protecting habitat is a core part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife's mission.
In 2012, CPW's real estate section secured the protection of almost 60,000 acres. In total, 43,559 acres were protected through conservation easements held by CPW or a third party, and 15,092 acres were acquired for public access.
This past year saw the completion of the multi-phase Wolf Mountain project in Routt County. Several partners, including The Nature Conservancy, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Routt County have worked with CPW to protect over 16,000 acres of important wildlife habitat.
Properties protected by conservation easements through the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program include Smith Rancho State Habitat Area (SHA) and Tuttle Ranch SHA in Moffat County and Sundown Farm SHA in Dolores County.
Sportsmen and wildlife lovers will benefit from a conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy and a public access easement acquired by CPW on Karney Ranch State Wildlife Area (SWA) in Bent County and a conservation easement and public access easement on Gunsight Pass SHA/ Perkins Place SWA in Routt County.
New leases on Brush Prairie Ponds SWA and Jumbo Reservoir SWA in Morgan County secured ongoing uninterrupted access to valuable hunting, fishing and habitat area. And, a lease renewal at Sawhill Ponds SWA in Boulder County will continue to provide fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Snyder Creek SHA in Mesa County was also protected by a conservation easement.
For more information on wildlife areas, see the SWA page.