2019 Fall Newsletter
MALT Moves to New Office, Unveils New Look
Thanks to a vigorous Capital Campaign and the generous support of many dedicated friends, MALT now owns a permanent home at 908 Nob Hill Road, Suite 200 in Evergreen! Staff moved into the new space in September, where they continue to fulfill MALT’s mission for land and water conservation, welcome friends and host outreach events. MALT’s new home is an extension of the organization’s presence in the mountain community working to protect the places in Colorado that mean so much to all of us.
MALT’s has raised 92% of the funds towards its Capital Campaign goal. Call or email Lynn in the MALT office (303-679-0950; Lynn@SavetheLand.org) to learn more and consider a one-time contribution to help us cross the finish line! In addition to a new home, MALT also has a new look. Check out our brand new updated logo!
Saving the Land with Voluntary Land Agreements
Conservation of Conifer Mountain
MALT is excited to announce that it is nearing completion of a 52-acre Conservation Easement on the slopes of Conifer Mountain. The property is highly visible from Highway 285 and its conservation will protect values of Open Space and Wildlife Habitat.
Conservation of Elk Meadow Ranch at Mt. Evans
MALT is excited to announce that it is nearing completion of a 154-acre Conservation Easement on the Elk Meadow Ranch at Mt. Evans. The property is located within the historic Evans Ranch at the edge of MALT’s Upper Bear Creek Priority Area. Vance Creek runs through a majority of the property providing for excellent wildlife habitat and a healthy forest ecosystem. The addition of this acreage will complete the full conservation of Elk Meadow Ranch whose other parcels were previously placed under Conservation Easement. Closing will occur prior to the end of 2019.
Conservation of Sacramento Creek Valley
Following the acquisition of Sacramento Creek Ranch earlier this year, MALT has initiated discussions with several landowners about the conservation of their neighboring properties. The acquisition of Sacramento Creek Ranch establishes a base in Park County for MALT’s work to educate the local community about the benefits of conservation. Including the 71 acres of Sacramento Creek Ranch, there is potential to conserve more than 400 acres of scenic views and wildlife habitat within MALT’s Red Hill to Hoosier Pass Priority Conservation Area. These properties will also connect to MALT’s Middlefork Conservation Easement that protects 112 acres along the banks of the Middle Fork of the South Platte River, including 40 acres of critical riparian habitat. The completion of additional Conservation Easements in this region will further establish MALT within the Park County community and emphasize the importance of conserving this critical area of high biodiversity.
Conservation of Northern Jefferson County
The completion of a Conservation Easement on the 404-acre Mount Tom property in 2018 has encouraged additional conversations with neighbors about Conservation Easements within MALT’s Peak to Peak Priority Conservation Area. This region, stretching from Golden to the Continental Divide, has large parcels with exceptional scenery and critical wildlife habitat including the threatened Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse and Winter Range for Elk and other large game. MALT will continue to work with landowners in this area to assist with conservation of their properties.
Summer Research Continues at Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area
Field Notes from MALT’s Research Interns
If you missed the field notes from MALT’s summer Research Interns, catch up here!
Emelyn and Maya spent the summer working with pollinators and plants at MALT’s property at Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area. Learn about acoustic monitoring of bee activity on flowers and discover whether bees are better pollinators than beeflies!
Downhill Bike Trail at Floyd Hill Open Space
Epic Front Range Bike Trail Grand Opening
With over 100 mountain bikers, hikers, community members and MALT staff in attendance at Floyd Hill Open Space, “The Sluice” officially opened on August 21. MALT secured a $75,000 grant from the Gates Family Foundation for Floyd Hill Open Space trails. $10,000 was designated for a matching fund campaign to construct the purpose-built downhill bike only trail along the Front Range. Colorado Mountain Bike Association along with other partners raised the additional funds to construct the 1.7 mile trail. The Sluice’s main trail is rated blue square/black diamond and drops 700 vertical feet. Experience The Sluice!
