Colorado Open Lands

South Platte River Corridor :

Preserving Agricultural and Natural Landscapes

South Platte River MapThanks in large part to the continuing assistance of the Centennial Land Trust, our primary conservation partner in our newest Community Conservation Area, in 2005 Colorado Open Lands was able to strengthen our conservation foothold in the region.

We assisted four landowners in protecting 1,237 acres of agricultural land, natural wildlife habitat, and scenic open space near Jackson Lake in western Morgan County, raising our year-to-date total to just almost 1,700 acres of protected land in this CCA.

Significance

The focus of Colorado Open Lands’ efforts along the South Platte River in northeast Colorado, consists of six counties: Weld, Morgan, Logan, Washington, Sedgwick, and Phillips.  Our initial priority area will be the “Golden Triangle” area of western Morgan County, which consists of significant private lands surrounded by three reservoirs - Riverside, Empire, and Jackson.

This area contains some of the most significant wetland habitat for wildlife in the state, in terms of both quantity and quality.  The three reservoirs serve as critical wintering ground and migration stop-over points for thousands of waterfowl each year.

Some of the significant natural resources in this area include:

  • The Lower South Platte River is the most important migration and wintering area in the state.  Encompassing 425,310 acres and 200 miles of river from Greeley to the Nebraska state line, this area historically contained 71,080 wetland acres;
  • The 2,700-acre Jackson Lake Reservoir provides public access opportunities for hunting, fishing, boating and other recreation;
  • Critical wintering and migratory habitat for hundreds of bird species including ducks (mallards, blue-winged teal, northern pintail), western grebes, American white pelicans, northern harriers, sandhill cranes, snowy plovers, American avocets, and long-billed curlews; and
  • A strong agricultural and ranching community.

Threats and Impacts

Only 1.6% of the land within the Golden Triangle area is currently protected and the area is currently facing a high risk of habitat loss and fragmentation from Front Range sprawl.  A number of conservation partners are working cooperatively to protect large riparian, wetland, and upland properties along the river and surrounding reservoirs to prevent further fragmentation and pollution.

The area surrounding Jackson Lake is experiencing the most threat of habitat loss due to development associated with close proximity to the Front Range and its accessibility for public recreational uses.  As a result, a small community has formed on the lake’s southwest corner, a new subdivision has been approved on the lake’s west side, and numerous 5-35 acre lots have been developed on agricultural land surrounding the reservoir and along the river.

This increased disturbance results in loss of food base and tranquility for birds, and increased pollution in the area.  A reduction in waterfowl use of the area has already been observed.

As a result of the ongoing development pressure in the area, significant changes are occurring, including:

  • Conversion of agricultural and ranch lands to other uses;
  • Loss of wildlife habitat;
  • Fragmentation of open spaces; and
  • Degradation of the rural character of the area.

What Colorado Open Lands is Doing

As a result of the combined efforts of conservation organizations and government agencies in the area, many landowners are learning more about conservation easements and the Colorado tax credit program, and expressing sincere interest in protecting their properties in perpetuity.

Colorado Open Lands has:

  • Completed a planning study of the entire corridor to inventory the natural and cultural resources, educate landowners about conservation easements, and expand the public/private partnerships,
  • Partnered with Ducks Unlimited to obtain a grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act commission to complete several protection and restoration projects within the corridor,
  • Developed a regional conservation plan to prioritize land protection projects, and
  • Developed a realistic long-term implementation schedule to present to funders.

Partners

Our partners in the South Platte River Corridor include:

How You Can Help

Your support is critical to our ongoing success in helping willing Colorado landowners preserve and protect the great natural, cultural, and working landscapes of Colorado.  You can help support this project and Colorado Open Lands’ ongoing efforts by:

  • Making an online donation
  • Sending your donation to:
    • Colorado Open Lands
      274 Union Boulevard, Suite 320
      Lakewood, CO 80228
      303.988.2373
  • Funding or donating items listed on our Wish List!  To accomplish our mission of land preservation, it is necessary to have the right tools.  By donating either the item or the money necessary to purchase any of the items, you help ensure our ongoing effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Consider putting a conservation easement on your land.

Project Descriptions

Colorado Open Lands has protected almost 1,700 acres along the South Platte River Corridor to date through the placement of 6 conservation easements.

Click here to view completed projects list.

Ninety-nine percent of our revenue goes directly to our land conservation programs.