Grand River Ranch

Eagle Valley Land Trust and Eagle County Open Space partnered to complete the Dewey Park Conservation Easement (now under new ownership and known as Grand River Ranch). This highly visible property lies along the east bank of the Colorado River, just upstream from the Dotsero Landing River Access Site.  To many, this property serves as the scenic gateway to the Colorado River corridor, which includes significant BLM lands, a number of protected properties, and recently developed river access points.

The 38 acres between the river and the railroad tracks include nearly 6,000 linear feet of river frontage.  A conservation easement is a perpetual agreement that eliminates development rights, thereby protecting scenic qualities, wildlife habitat and agricultural uses.  The conservation easement also ties water rights to the land, thus helping maintain river flows and preventing diversions by major cities.

Wildlife species such as bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, and songbirds rely on this undeveloped land for habitat.  The perpetual conservation easement ensures that development will never encroach on this scenic stretch of river.  Public recreational access was not included with this purchase.

Funding was provided by Eagle County Open Space, American Rivers and the Gates Family Foundation, with assistance from Colorado Open Lands.  Eagle Valley Land Trust will work with landowner to ensure these important conservation values are forever preserved.

Conservation Easement Information

Date signed: October 2016

Acreage: 38

Acquired Through: Purchase

Type of Access: Private

Owner:

Map & Directions:

Private Property – No Public Access