PARK COUNTY, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife has acquired 120 acres in Park County, including a quarter-mile along Michigan Creek, for wildlife conservation and increased opportunities for hunters and anglers in a contract finalized today. Located about six miles southeast of Jefferson and abutted by Michigan Creek and County Road 77, the property will become Michigan Creek State Wildlife Area managed by CPW. The land contributes to critical wildlife habitat continuity with neighboring Bureau of Land Management and National Forest Service lands in Park Co.
“Protecting our iconic great outdoors for future generations to enjoy is one of my administration’s top priorities. Colorado is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the nation, and I am thrilled to continue our state's legacy to preserve land and protect our great outdoors. This new State Wildlife Area protects our natural resources while offering Colorado hunters and anglers more recreational opportunities,” said Governor Polis.
In 2023, a private landowner approached Western Rivers Conservancy to donate the land towards conservation efforts. Working with Colorado Open Lands, WRC placed a conservation easement on the property in late 2024 and held title to the land until conveying the land as a donation to CPW.
Michigan Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River and Tarryall Creek. The stream sustains a naturally-reproducing population of brook and brown trout, and the land offers increased hunting access for deer and elk in Game Management Unit 50.
“The donation of Michigan Creek State Wildlife Area is a win for conservation,” said Mark Lamb, Area Wildlife Manager for CPW. “We are grateful for partners like Western Rivers Conservancy and Colorado Open Lands in the continued effort to preserve habitat and increase public lands for hunting and fishing. We will work to try to have Michigan Creek SWA open to the public by the end of the year.”
“We are looking forward to the increased angling opportunities along Michigan Creek that come as a result of this partnership,” said CPW Senior Aquatic Biologist Kyle Battige.
This is the second land acquisition partnership in Park County between CPW and WRC, in addition to nearby Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area last spring, totaling 1,980 acres of scenic habitat conserved. Collaboration between stewardship partners and private landowners remains a high priority for CPW in the effort to preserve wildlife and land access for future generations.
"Conserving such a scenic and healthy stretch of Michigan Creek in an area so many Coloradans treasure is something to celebrate,” said Allen Law, WRC Interior West Project Manager. “Western Rivers Conservancy is thrilled we could expand our efforts in the South Platte Basin to help fish and wildlife thrive and to create better access to South Park’s rivers and open spaces.”
“Protecting this land means that Coloradans will be able to access excellent fishing for generations into the future, helping them connect to the outdoors and enjoy Colorado's natural beauty,” said Kelsey Kirkwood, Colorado Open Lands Conservation Project Associate. “We are grateful for our partnerships with Western Rivers Conservancy and Colorado Parks and Wildlife which allow us to create robust and meaningful conservation outcomes for the good of all Coloradans.”
State Wildlife Areas offer hunting, angling and wildlife viewing opportunities with the purchase of an SWA pass. Revenue from pass purchases fund hunting and fishing conservation efforts and continued habitat health. Funding for this project was provided by the Park County Land and Water Trust Fund.
Photo courtesies: Christi Bode/Western Rivers Conservancy
Western Rivers Conservancy Media Contact: Danny Palmerlee, (503)-241-0151, dpalmerlee@westernrivers.org
Western Rivers Conservancy
Western Rivers Conservancy’s motto is “Sometimes to save a river, you have to buy it.” WRC purchases land along the West’s finest rivers and streams to conserve habitat for fish and wildlife, protect key sources of cold water and create public access for all to enjoy.
To ensure the lands it acquires are protected in perpetuity, WRC transfers them to long-term stewards including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state parks and Tribal nations. WRC has created sanctuaries for fish and wildlife and secured recreational access along 250 rivers and streams around the West. It has protected more than 440 river miles and over 220,000 acres of land in nine western states. Its approach to river conservation is effective, tangible and permanent. More information at Western Rivers.org.
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