News and Events:
The Open Space and Outdoor Recreation Plan
In 2020, EVLT will be spearheading a planning project to identify priority conservation areas.
This project will involve gathering data from locals through a survey, then mapping and listing priorities. These can include things like wildlife habitat, hiking access, specific scenic locations, or riparian corridors.
The land trust will then work to conserve land and access where the community needs it most.
You can expect to see information about the survey, including a kickoff event, in early 2020. We hope you will participate and make your voice heard, so that we can better serve our community.
The Thumb Open Space Proposal
The Estes Valley Land Trust has a rare opportunity to strengthen and enhance a few of our existing conservation easements. In the draft proposal for the new open space, the right to build a home, guest house, other accessory structures, and a driveway would be removed permanently. Currently these rights are retained in one of the conservation easements.
By removing these rights, the land would be returned to its historical use as a small climbing and hiking area, to be called the Thumb Open Space. The existing degraded trails would be repaired to improve safety and to prevent erosion.
Amending a conservation easement is not common, but appropriate when it better protects conservation values like open space, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation access.
The Estes Valley Land Trust is excited to partner with the Town of Estes Park, the Access Fund, and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy on the proposed Thumb Open Space.
To learn more about this project, read the proposal here.
Get Involved:
Be a Part of Forever
%
Funded
$1,000,000
Needed
$539,000
Raised
The Estes Valley Land Trust is proud to announce our Perpetuity Fund. With more than 4.5 million visitors coming to Estes Park each year, our open lands, wildlife and quality of life are at risk.
Our goal is to raise $1 million by 2021 so we can continue working with private landowners to protect this beautiful valley. Be a part of forever and donate today.
