Priority Area: 
Estes Valley   Map
Size: 
520 Acres

Description

The Smitherman conservation easement is not open to the public. The easement was purchased in order to protect a unique, naturally occurring and functioning Front Range wetland system. This property is located in the center of Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest and is also near more than 2,000 acres protected by Boulder County.

Property Information

Type of Acquisition #Acres Property
Value
Partnerships
Bargain Sales
Donations
Date
Acquired
Public
Access
Conservation Easement 520.0 $ 520,000 Larimer Co. - $ 130,000
EVLT* - $ 130,000
GOCO** - $ 260,000
1998 No

* Estes Valley Land Trust
** Great Outdoors Colorado

Management Plan

When only the development rights of a property are purchased, as in the case of a conservation easement, any future development of that land is limited. The landowner continues to manage the property, and the land remains on the tax rolls. Land with a conservation easement is not generally open to the public because it is still in private ownership.

The Estes Valley Land Trust holds the conservation easement and also manages this property.