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Douglas County, Castle Rock partners honored with Blue Grama Award for Lost Canyon acquisition
Summary
Douglas County and the Town of Castle Rock on Tuesday accepted the Colorado Open Space Alliance—9s 2024 Blue Grama Award for the acquisition and conservation of Lost Canyon Ranch, a 681-acre property officials described as the largest single open-space purchase in Castle Rock history.
Douglas County and the Town of Castle Rock on Tuesday accepted the Colorado Open Space Alliance—9s 2024 Blue Grama Award for the acquisition and conservation of Lost Canyon Ranch, a 681-acre property officials described as the largest single open-space purchase in Castle Rock history.
The award recognizes the partnership between the town, Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources, the Douglas Land Conservancy, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and private donors that combined to finance the purchase. Mayor Jason Gray said Lost Canyon protects scenic vistas, cultural resources including Franktown Craig Cave and creates passive-recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.
"This project is a testament of Carl's leadership in open space conservation, serving as an inspiring example to other regions to emulate," Mayor Jason Gray said during remarks to the Board of County Commissioners. GOCO program officer Chris Obi confirmed the project received $3,000,000 through GOCO's Centennial grant program, noting the award is intended for projects with statewide significance.
Conservation partners said the project also leveraged county funds and private contributions. Justin Spring, Colorado director for The Conservation Fund, praised the county and town for prioritizing open space and noted the public will be able to enjoy the property when it opens in phases following master-plan work expected to finish in spring 2025.
County staff and elected officials emphasized the regional and ecological benefits of assembling a contiguous corridor of protected land that includes Lost Canyon Ranch, Castlewood Canyon State Park and adjacent county-owned properties.
Commissioners and partners accepted the award at a brief ceremony during the county's regular business meeting and acknowledged the open-space advisory committee and county staff for their roles in the acquisition. A public-opening timeline was described as tentative; officials said portions of the property could open by late spring or early summer 2025.
