323 Acres Protected Along S. Platte River (CO)

ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO, 12/21/04—The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has helped Adams County protect three more properties, totaling 323 acres—in the South Platte River Corridor. The properties were targeted as priority conservation lands as part of the County’s South Platte Heritage Plan.

The most recent open space acquisition was the 130-acre Fukaye Farm, located on the north side of 140th Avenue at the new Holly Street extension. The land provides trail access along Grange Hall Creek, which runs through the property to the South Platte River. In addition, TPL helped the County protect the 68-acre Eppinger property just north of the Fukaye property, and the 125-acre South Platte Fishing Lakes property to the east. The South Platte Fishing Lakes has three lakes and is currently being connected to the existing South Platte River Trail at 104th Avenue. It will be open to the public later this year.

Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Elaine Valente said, “Implementation of the South Platte River Heritage Plan was made possible by the citizens passing the Open Space Sales Tax, which went into effect in 2000. Without these funds we would not have been able to achieve what we have in the preservation of this important river corridor.”

“The County has been extremely successful in leveraging the Open Space Sales Tax funds by successfully applying for Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) funds, Fishing is Fun grants, and working with Urban Drainage and Flood Control District on floodplain preservation. Adams County just received $600,000 from GOCO for the Eppinger purchase and we will be applying to them for a grant for the Fukaye Property” said Commissioner Larry Pace.

TPL’s Colorado Director Doug Robotham said, “TPL has enjoyed a long and successful collaboration with Adams County, beginning in 1999 with the passage of the County’s Open Space Sales Tax, continuing through the recent voter-approved extension of the program, and including several land conservation purchases along the South Platte from 104th Avenue to Brighton. TPL is very pleased to deploy our real estate, conservation finance, and negotiation skills for the benefit of land preservation in Adams County. With the purchase of the Fukaye Farm, along with earlier efforts to protect the Eppinger, Bromley, and McIntosh Farms, we very nearly have achieved the land preservation goals of the South Platte River Heritage Corridor Plans. This is an exciting day.”

Commissioner Strickland added, “TPL’s expertise in negotiating with landowners has been a great benefit to Adams County. They are a valued partner achieving the successes we have had along the South Platte River.”

The County started implementation of the South Platte Heritage Plan in 2000 with the preservation of the 245 McIntosh Farm, north of the Fukaye property. Since then, the County has successfully purchased six properties and protected another three with conservation easements.

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.9 million acres of land in 46 states. In Colorado, TPL has protected more than 70,000 acres. TPL depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve land for people mission.