Designated a Colorado Heritage Area in 1997, South Park represents one of the most unique and highly valued collections of natural, cultural, and recreational resources in Colorado, all set in a striking scenic and open landscape.
South Park is a 1,000-square mile grassland basin in the geographic center of Colorado that contains over 200 miles of stream and riparian habitat and a globally rare grassland community. Colorado Open Lands has protected a total of 27,488 acres, including nearly 30 miles of riparian stream corridor, through 49 projects to date in this landscape of state and national significance.
The collection of natural, cultural, recreational and scenic resources in South Park holds statewide and national significance. In 1936, Colorado’s Governor proposed that the South Park Basin become the nation’s largest wildlife refuge, to “preserve one of Colorado’s natural beauty hotspots, provide a sanctuary for all types of native game, and furnish a playground for the entire United States.” His vision did not materialize, but today the Basin maintains many of the characteristics it did then, including:
Today, South Park is at a crossroads. Surface water resource development for municipal uses has been taking place for nearly a century. Recent groundwater development proposals foretell the future. The area’s proximity to Denver, Colorado Springs, and Summit County makes South Park attractive to both commuters and people looking for a second home in the country.
Between 1990 and 2000, the population of Park County increased by over 100%. Virtually unknown just a decade ago, South Park's character and heritage resources are now being altered at an increasing rate. Significant impacts of these threats include:
Preservation of these assets is essential to the long-term economic sustainability of the South Park community.
The South Park Heritage Area partnership has developed a vision of the future of the Basin. The heart of this vision is to “conserve and enhance significant natural, cultural, visual, and recreational resources while developing a sustainable economy that preserves historic economies and provides for resource- based tourism and managed growth”.
A primary goal of the partnership is targeted, voluntary land conservation. As a result of the combined efforts of Colorado Open Lands and our partners, nearly 17,000 acres have been protected in South Park to date.
Momentum to protect and restore the most outstanding natural and cultural resources in South Park is very high. Currently, Colorado Open Lands is assisting Park County in implementing a recent $3.5 million Legacy Grant from Great Outdoors Colorado to further the objectives of the South Park Heritage Area plan. In Park County, conservation projects are carefully selected to:
Our financial and project partners in protecting the South Park Basin include:
Your support is critical to our ongoing success in helping willing Colorado landowners preserve and protect the great natural, cultural, and working landscapes of Colorado. You can help support this project and Colorado Open Lands’ ongoing efforts by:
Colorado Open Lands has protected a total of 19,125 acres, including nearly 30 miles of riparian stream corridor, through 34 projects to date in this landscape of state and national significance.
Ninety-nine percent of our revenue goes directly to our land conservation programs.