BlueTriton Brands and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Dedicate New Conservation Easement
The Bighorn Springs State Wildlife Area will provide wildlife viewing opportunities and access to a new fishing easement
BUENA VISTA, CO – September 8, 2023 - On Friday, September 8, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and BlueTriton Brands formally dedicated a new conservation easement, the Bighorn Springs State Wildlife Area, which preserves 122 acres of wildlife habitat along the Arkansas River. Included in this State Wildlife Area is a new trail to a third fishing easement on the property, which is open to the public. The property buffers Browns Canyon National Monument and the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site.
“This state wildlife area is an excellent venue for raptor viewing and for observing the local Bighorn Sheep population,” said Sean Shepherd, Area Wildlife Manager for CPW. “We appreciate BlueTriton Brands’ outreach to us to hold the Conservation Easement, the purpose of which is to preserve, in perpetuity, relatively natural habitat, open-space conservation values, enhance recreational/educational opportunities and protect groundwater resources.”
BlueTriton Brands owns the property that was dedicated as the new conservation easement. “We are proud of this partnership opportunity with Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” said Senior Springs Resource Tam Pham. “Our commitment to sustainability and to preserving the natural environment is well reflected in our work here at the Bighorn Springs State Wildlife Area.”
Public access fishing easements occur on the northern and southern portions of the property and a public access wildlife viewing area has been constructed. Local schools and conservation organizations may tour and study the property, through access from CPW or BlueTriton Brands. All other public access is limited to parking areas, viewing areas and designated trails. The Bighorn Springs State Wildlife Area is only for fishing access and wildlife viewing, all other recreational activities are prohibited.
Attendees at the dedication and ribbon-cutting included representatives from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Senator Mark Baisley, the Chaffee County Community Foundation, Trout Unlimited and BlueTriton.
