Polar Star Property in Colorado Nominated for Transfer to
Public Ownership
The Trust recently nominated 75 acres of land
in the Holy Cross Wilderness to be transferred to public ownership
for inclusion in the surrounding wilderness area. The property,
located in Eagle County, includes portions of two Forest Service
trails. A seasonal road provides access. Nearby lands that
border the wilderness area have been developed as recreational
residences and the popular Polar Star Inn, operated by the
Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association, is close by. Before
the Trust purchased the Polar Star property in July 2005,
the land was at significant risk for development within the
wilderness boundary.
Since acquiring the parcels, the Trust has
worked with the State of Colorado to resolve potential environmental
issues resulting from old mining operations. The land has
been given a clean bill of health and it, as well as the portions
of the two trails that cross it, are ready to be included
in the Holy Cross Wilderness.
