Mount Tom Conservation Corridor is a multi-partner effort that conserves 2,000 acres on and around the summit of Mount Tom (9,741’) near Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This area serves as a vital wildlife habitat and migration corridor that includes the headwaters of Van Bibber Creek, a highly scenic and visible landscape and important lady beetle habitat.
Mount Tom
History
Conservation efforts first started in 2018 when Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT) helped the Cappello family place a 400-acre Conservation Easement on their private property.
Since this time, several conservation groups have expressed interest in further conserving the surrounding beautiful landscape with the desire to secure public access to the peak of Mount Tom for all Coloradans and visitors to enjoy.
After extensive research, it was determined the Cappello property served as a viable route to the Peak. Through a MALT introduction, project partners contacted the Cappello’s to share their vision for the area and discuss what it would take to accomplish this effort. In turn, the Cappello’s introduced their neighbors to the group. Collectively, they shared a similar vision that included permanently conserving thousands of acres.
Over several months, MALT listened, facilitated and collaborated with project partners to amend and restate the existing Conservation Easement to allow future public access, while ensuring the original intent of saving the land for the betterment of natural areas and wildlife.
In 2023, the transfer of 2,000 private acres to Jefferson County Open Space and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) was completed thanks to several partners working together. Including Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Colorado Mountain Club and Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Currently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Jefferson County Open Space are working on plans that will allow future public accessibility.
