San Juan National Forest Acquires 320 Acres of Wildlife Habitat with Bipartisan Support
The San Juan National Forest has successfully acquired 320 acres of ecologically significant wildlife habitat within the Dolores Ranger District. This acquisition, completed in November 2026, was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Forest Service and The Conservation Fund, initiated in January 2024. The newly protected land, located approximately seven miles north of Rico, Colorado, is less than a quarter-mile from the Lizard Head Wilderness. It provides crucial habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including golden eagles, elk, black bears, Canada lynx, and gray wolves, and maintains key migration routes for several species. The parcel also contains approximately 67 acres of wetlands, which are vital for carbon sequestration and watershed health, supplying municipal water to over 26,000 downstream residents. The project received broad support from various governmental, community, conservation, and recreation organizations, including Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, The Ute Mountain Ut...
