14-02-2025
CPW acquires 120-acre wildlife area near Jefferson
DENVER (KDVR) — Hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts will have a new state wildlife area to explore after Colorado Parks and Wildlife acquired 120 acres in Park County.
On Friday, CPW and Gov. Jared Polis said the acquisition was finalized. The Michigan Creek State Wildlife Area will be located about six miles southeast of Jefferson, near Michigan Creek and County Road 77.
'The land contributes to critical wildlife habitat continuity with neighboring Bureau of Land Management and National Forest Service lands in Park Co.,' said CPW in a press release.
Colorado's newest state wildlife area will open for hunting in October
CPW said the 120 acres will include a quarter-mile of Michigan Creek and will increase opportunities for hunters, anglers and wildlife conservation.
According to CPW, Michigan Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River and Tarryall Creek. The stream has a naturally-reproducing population of brown and brook trout, and the nearby land is home to deer and elk.
The land was previously privately owned, but CPW said in 2023, the landowner approached Western Rivers Conservancy, an organization that buys land to conserve habitat for fish and wildlife, to donate the land for conservation efforts.
Western Rivers Conservancy worked alongside Colorado Open Lands and held the title to the land until it was conveyed as a donation to CPW.
'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.'
CPW: New wildlife area to expand hunting, recreation opportunities in Colorado
CPW said this is the second partnership between the department and Western Rivers Conservancy in Park County. The two also partnered to acquire the Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area in 2024.
'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.'
CPW said state wildlife areas offer hunting, angling and wildlife viewing opportunities. Recreationists can purchase a state wildlife pass online.
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