Collaboration Leads to Protection of James Peak Wilderness in Colorado

The Wilderness Land Trust, in partnership with the Colorado Conservation Trust, has helped to secure the 14,000 acre James Peak Wilderness with the acquisition of 320 acres of private land located on the edge of the wilderness.

"This is a great conservation victory for current and future generations of Colorado residents to enjoy," said David Kirk, The Wilderness Land Trust senior lands specialist. "For the first time, hikers and horseback riders will have legal access to the Wilderness via the eastern boundary and will be able to connect to the hundreds of miles of trails, lakes, and peaks along the Continental Divide Scenic Trail."

The protected area, which includes Little Echo Lake, riparian areas along Mammoth Gulch, and a broad ridge extending from James Peak, was not included in the 2002 James Peak Wilderness Area designation due to potential conflicts between management of the public and private lands. Because the parcels were not included in the Wilderness, they could have been developed as recreational home sites that not only would have diminished the experience for visitors, but also could have blocked legal access to the region’s expansive network of trails and vistas. Eventually the partners plan to transfer ownership to the U.S. Forest Service for an eventual addition to the wilderness so that the entire region can be managed together for public benefit.

The $725,000 purchase was made possible in part due to a $600,000 loan from the Colorado Conservation Trust. “The Colorado Conservation Trust is proud to work with the Wilderness Land Trust to help protect the James Peak area’s scenic beauty and natural integrity” said Patrick Holmes, programs coordinator. “At a time when philanthropic resources are limited, we all need to work together to find creative ways to take advantage of the unique conservation opportunities the current real estate market presents us with.”

The Wilderness Land Trust works with willing sellers to eliminate private lands within the National Wilderness Preservation System. More than 400,000 acres of privately held lands remain within designated Wilderness areas which can lead to fragmentation of pristine ecosystems, degradation of the wilderness experience for visitors, and more costly and time consuming challenges for public land management agencies.   The Trust is the national leader in securing Wilderness Areas for future generations to enjoy.

Colorado Conservation Trust (CCT) is a statewide non-profit organization passionate about keeping the very special places of Colorado special forever. With more than 100,000 acres lost every year to development in the state, CCT’s role is to bring together conservation dollars, the great works of local, state and national conservation groups, and the latest information and expertise to make the greatest impact on Colorado’s threatened landscapes. 

The property had been originally patented for its mining potential, but Central City took ownership in the 1950s.  The City is excited to find a conservation solution for the property that will result in an economic gain for the City while also allowing the property to remain in public ownership.  

“It was of the upmost importance for us to both protect and preserve this truly magnificent piece of land for not only Central City residents but for everyone who wants to experience the amazing beauty that the James Peak Wilderness Area has to offer,” remarked Ron Slinger, Central City’s Mayor. “ Both the Wilderness Land Trust and Colorado Conservation Trust were tremendous partners in accomplishing this goal.”

The properties can be viewed in this video: