TRINIDAD — The ball is rolling for the creation of a new state park using land from a former ranch outside of Trinidad.
Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order this afternoon on the future of the former Crazy French Ranch, including Fishers Peak. The state is working with the City of Trinidad, The Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy, Great Outdoors Colorado, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to utilize the nearly 20,000 acres and Fishers Peak which towers over the area at 9,600 feet in elevation.
“This outstanding property represents so many conservation and outdoor recreation values at the core of who we are and what we hope for our state’s future," Chris Castilian, executive director of Great Outdoors Colorado, said in a press release.
The land is home to the landscape Coloradans would expect to enjoy, from grassy meadows, mountains of evergreen trees as well as the perfect habitat for elk, deer, bear, mountain lions and many birds.
The Colorado Lottery helped fund the $24.5 million project with two major Lottery-funded grants. That includes a $7.5 million grant from Great Outdoors Colorado. $7 million also came from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
There is still much work to be done to have the property ready for public use, including extensive road building. News 5 will continue to track the progress to open this area for public use.
