Eagle County finalizes deal to conserve Three Meadows Ranch as open space
Deal preserves more than 4.200 acres along Cottonwood Pass
EcoFlight/Courtesy photo
A landmark conservation effort has secured the permanent protection of Three Meadows Ranch, a 4,251-acre property in Missouri Heights along Cottonwood Pass in Eagle County. The acquisition, led by a collaborative partnership between Eagle County Open Space, Pitkin County Open Space & Trails, and the Aspen Valley Land Trust, marks one of the most significant land conservation achievements in the Roaring Fork Valley and Eagle County.
“The protection of Three Meadows Ranch is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to conserve an ecologically significant landscape,” said Marcia Gilles, director of Eagle County Open Space and Natural Resources. “This achievement reflects the power of regional collaboration and our shared commitment to safeguarding wildlife habitat, water resources, and the western heritage that defines our communities.”
Three Meadows Ranch is one of the largest contiguous properties in the Roaring Fork Valley and provides a critical high-priority wildlife habitat, as identified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The property’s diverse ecosystems, including sagebrush, oak woodlands, wetlands, and aspen forests, support a resident elk herd of more than 300 and numerous other species. Additionally, the ranch’s significant water rights, including rights on Cottonwood Creek and multiple storage reservoirs, further enhance its ecological and conservation value.
The acquisition was made possible through a collaborative funding effort. The counties provided significant contributions to the funding of this project, including the Eagle County Open Space fund, which contributed $12.5 million, and Pitkin County, which contributed $7.7 million. Additionally, a generous $7.5 million donation from the Wexner Family to Aspen Valley Land Trust provided crucial support. The final purchase price of $27.7 million underscores the immense conservation value of the property and the dedication of all involved parties to safeguarding this iconic landscape.
First Western Trust facilitated the transfer to Eagle County, Pitkin County, and Aspen Valley Land Trust, ensuring that this ecologically and culturally important landscape will be preserved for future generations.
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With the acquisition finalized, the conservation partners will now work together to determine the long-term stewardship and future management of Three Meadows Ranch.
