James Peak Wilderness
Gilpin County, Colorado
Setting: Little Echo Lake Is located in a spectacular glacial cirque at tree-line in the Rocky Mountains just east of the Continental Divide.
Vulnerability: 320 acres of private land block access to James Peak and the popular Little Echo Lake. Development is a threat.
Status: The Trust purchased the land for transfer to the U.S. Forest Service, which will create legal foot and horseback trail access to the peak and the nearby Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
What We Need: The Trust’s goal is to raise an additional $150,000 to match funds already committed to complete the project and transfer it to the United States and include it in the James Peak Wilderness.
Total wilderness: 14,000 acres.
Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness
Mendocino County, California
Setting: On the north flank of Leech Lake Mountain in the inner coastal range and the Eel River Watershed, home to a plentiful bear population and perched upstream of sensitive trout habitat.
Vulnerability: A private ranch has structures, year-round developed water uses and roads that threaten endangered trout habitat. A 6-mile access road through the wilderness adds potential for illegal entry of motorized vehicles and access for marijuana farming.
Status: The Trust purchased the 640-acre ranch on a ridge system that was once part of a trail corridor. Once re-established, it will offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. This effort is supported by the surrounding communities.
What We Need: The Trust is seeking $200,000 to restore the property to its natural condition and facilitate the transfer to the Forest Service for permanent protection as wilderness.
Total wilderness: 181,510 acres.
Cox Canyon - Potential Addition to San Rafael Wilderness
Santa Barbara County, California
Setting: In the Sierra Madre Mountains, nestled in a canyon just inland from the Pacific Ocean.
Vulnerability: This 69-acre private inholding to the Los Padres National Forest, close to good roads and the Southern California metro area with the potential for a residence is located in a proposed addition to the San Rafael Wilderness. In the nearby San Rafael Wilderness, condors frequently soar and mountain lions roam near one of the largest Native American Rock art assemblages in the country. The property helps protect trail access and water in the current 197,380 acres of wilderness..
Status: The Trust with the help of The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County purchased the land for transfer to the U.S. Forest Service and to create the future opportunity to add Cox Canyon to the San Rafael Wilderness.
What We Need: The Trust seeks to raise $25,000 to match funds already committed to complete our transfer to the Forest and finish the project.
Total wilderness: 197,380 acres
For more information:
Reid Haughey
970.963.1725
Map of Areas
Yolla Bolly Wilderness California
James Peak Wilderness Colorado