The Capital Development Committee recommended that Colorado Parks and Wildlife take on management of a perpetual conservation easement for the Olson Ranch, a 449-acre property near Craig, Colorado.
CPW presented the proposal to the committee; Daphne Gervais, director of legislative affairs for the Department of Natural Resources, told the committee, “We’re here to present 2 property transaction proposals for the committee’s consideration.” She said the Olson Ranch supports hay and winter wheat production, livestock grazing and provides migration corridors and seasonal range for elk, deer and pronghorn, and habitat for greater sage‑grouse and Columbian sharp‑tailed grouse.
The recommendation matters because the easement would convert the property to a state habitat area adjacent to land already conserved by the State Land Board and the Bureau of Land Management, preserving agricultural uses while protecting wildlife habitat. Gervais said funding would come from Great Outdoors Colorado lottery dollars rather than CPW sportsman dollars, and she noted concurrence letters from Moffat County and state legislators.
Committee discussion was brief; no members asked questions before a motion. Senator Heinrichsen moved that the committee recommend support for the acquisition of the Olson Ranch State Habitat Area perpetual conservation easement for $375,000. The motion passed on a 3–1 vote: Senator Hendrickson, Representative Lindsey and the committee chair voted yes; Representative Winter voted no; Senator Pelton and Senator Malika were excused.
The committee record notes the landowner is conveying management of a perpetual conservation easement to CPW. No additional conditions or amendments to the acquisition were recorded during the meeting. The department did not present an alternate sale price or competing offers at the public portion of the meeting.
The committee will forward its recommendation letter to the Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife as part of the normal disposition process.