146-acre Vail Bighorn Preserve Protected Forever

Generations of bighorn sheep have enjoyed the iconic cliffside overlooking the Vail Valley, basking in the low winter sun. From that vantage point, they’ve watched ranchland become an improbable mountain town and then an international destination in just 65 years. As the community expanded, their habitat grew smaller. Bighorn sheep have faced similar challenges all across the Western U.S., with populations declining by more than 90% since the 1800s.

On September 30th, the final document was signed to permanently protect that iconic bighorn perch – and the 146.9 acres of critical winter habitat around it – in East Vail. That land is now, and will forever be, the Vail Bighorn Preserve.

In addition to essential bighorn sheep habitat, the scenic corridor and an important buffer between developed areas and the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness are now protected. Land conservation projects of this magnitude don’t come around very often. It was possible because of a strong partnership between the Town of Vail, Eagle County, and the Eagle Valley Land Trust, along with the support of many others who helped bring the vision to life.

The Vail Bighorn Preserve includes four parcels of land on the north side of North Frontage Road in East Vail, just west of the East Vail exit off I‑70. These parcels, owned by the Town of Vail, are now permanently protected under a single conservation easement held by the Eagle Valley Land Trust. They will be managed as one unified natural area, with consistent stewardship and protections that prevent them from ever being divided, sold separately, or managed apart. This ensures that the land’s conservation values are safeguarded forever.

Critical Wildlife Habitat Protected

The newly protected land provides essential winter habitat for a subpopulation of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, which are part of the Gore Range herd. This particular group plays an important role in maintaining the species’ overall genetic diversity, making its protection significant on both a small and a large scale.

Each winter, bighorn sheep migrate to this area’s sunny, south-facing slopes, where they can find grasses, shrubs, and mineral-rich soils to sustain them through harsh conditions. The land also supports elk, mule deer, mountain lions, black bears, lynx, golden eagles, and a wide variety of birds and small mammals, making it one of the most biologically rich parcels in the area.

“This is more than just land – it’s a vital lifeline for iconic wildlife,” said Jessica Foulis, Executive Director of EVLT. “Protecting the Vail Bighorn Preserve helps ensure that these animals can continue to move freely and thrive in the wild.”

The newly conserved property also plays a key buffer role between existing development and surrounding wilderness. It connects important wildlife corridors and helps prevent future habitat fragmentation between the parcels, ensuring that animals can move across the landscape without being cut off by roads, buildings, or fences.

Conservation Easement

The conservation easement is a legal agreement between the Town of Vail and EVLT that ensures that the land will never be developed or altered in ways that threaten its open space, habitat, and scenic qualities. This project is part of EVLT’s broader mission to protect the lands that our community, economy, and wildlife depend on.

As part of the conservation easement, EVLT commits to monitoring the property each year in partnership with the Town of Vail to ensure that the property continues to maintain the values agreed upon in the conservation easement. 

“Major wildlife wins like this one don’t come around very often,” added Foulis. “Its habitat, location, and ecological importance make it a true treasure for both wildlife and the community. This is a project we’re really proud to be part of, and it’s a big step forward towards our goal of doubling conservation in the next ten years.”

The conservation project’s completion was made possible by a $5M contribution from the Eagle County Open Space Program. This program is a county-wide open space fund that acquires and maintains open spaces for our community.

Local Conservation Looking Forward

The creation of the Vail Bighorn Preserve marks a turning point in a story that has seen many competing visions over the years. What was once a passionate debate has now become a shared success story — one that reflects how collaboration and commitment can bring about meaningful conservation outcomes. 

Bighorn sheep aren’t out of the woods yet, nor are elk, deer, or the many other critters we share our home with. But the creation of the Vail Bighorn Preserve represents a major, permanent step forward. The conservation easement provides the highest level of long-term protection available.

Large, complex land conservation projects like this one aren’t getting easier over time, especially as land values continue to grow in Eagle County. This one is a model of how our towns, county, local land trust, and residents can work together to conserve the parcels that matter most. It’s progress towards a community where people and wildlife live in harmony.