Mountain Area Land Trust Announces the Protection of 71 Acres near Fairplay
Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT) is pleased to announce the permanent protection of 71 acres along the Eastern Mosquito Range in Park County. Adjoining Pike National Forest this voluntary conservation agreement safeguards a remarkable mix of habitats, including coniferous forests, natural grasslands, alpine meadows, and 14 acres of wetlands along Fourmile Creek.
The landscape holds outstanding biodiversity, supporting exceptionally rare plants, including Porter feathergrass and a unique mountain willow/water sedge wetland community. Nearby, it connects to habitat for the Mosquito Range mustard—one of the rarest plants in the world, found nowhere else on Earth.
The property also provides important habitat for wildlife. Beaver-created wetlands support species like the boreal toad, while the surrounding landscape serves as important range and migration corridors for elk, mule deer, moose, and mountain goat. Golden eagles and other raptors have been documented in the area.
The landowner shares, “I cherish the rustic lifestyle, the quiet, and the solitude of the land I call home. I’ve seen the condos and large homes in Vail, Frisco, and Breckenridge and felt compelled to permanently protect what I love most. After seeing MALT’s work with a neighboring property, I knew they were the right partner. While I’ve had prior experience with conservation easements, I found MALT to be especially attuned to my goals.”
By protecting this land at the headwaters of the South Platte, MALT is helping to expand a connected corridor of conserved habitat — supporting wildlife, water, and the scenic landscapes that define this region.
Lynn Caligiuri, MALT’s Executive Director, said, “This project reflects what’s possible when landowners care deeply about the future of their land. By conserving this high-elevation landscape, we’re helping safeguard wildlife habitat, water, and the mountain character that defines Colorado – now and for generations to come. We’re proud and grateful to work alongside those who choose to protect their land.”
