MALT Announces a Conservation Easement in Park County

The Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT) is pleased to announce the completion of a voluntary Conservation Easement in Park County. The 22.5-acre property, owned by Dr. Candace Galen and Dr. Shelly Ossana, is located approximately 2 miles west of Fairplay, CO within MALT’s Redhill to Hoosier Pass Priority Area. It is located approximately 1.25 miles south of MALT’s Sacramento Creek Ranch.

The placement of a Conservation Easement on this property will protect open space and natural habitat in a desirable development location. This property has a variety of natural habitats including coniferous forest, quaking aspen, natural grasslands and riparian habitats along the Sacramento Ditch. It is located within the South Park Megasite, identified by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program as having “Very High Biodiversity Significance.” Colorado Parks and Wildlife identifies the property as having summer range for moose and winter range for elk.

This Conservation Easement secures a natural public view-scape from 4 Mile Creek Road, a frequently travelled road that provides access to National Forest lands. It is also visible from several roads within the Foxtail Pines community that are regularly travelled by local residents.

Land and Water Conservation Director, Dylan Sondermann, says, “MALT is grateful to Dr. Galen and Dr. Ossana for this donation. MALT has had a longstanding relationship with Dr. Galen through her ongoing research on MALT’s Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area. The donation of a Conservation Easement is a continuation of Dr. Galen’s incredible passion for the natural areas of Colorado.”