BLM acquires 1,600 acres and increases public access through the Land and Water Conservation Fund
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office has acquired two parcels of land through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, totaling 1,600 acres, in Mesa and Garfield counties. The 960-acre and 640-acre parcels are adjacent to the South Shale Ridge Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range.
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund has been critical to consolidating public lands in western Colorado. These new lands will be managed consistently with other public lands in the area,” said Grand Junction Field Manager Greg Wolfgang. “This acquisition improves public access and ensures the land is protected for future generations This is a spectacular landscape that provides a myriad of outdoor recreational opportunities and an important home to wildlife.”
BLM partnered with The Conservation Fund on this acquisition. The Conservation Fund acquired the property from the Latham family and is now transferring it to the BLM. The Conservation Fund works to conserve and protect land and water resources across the nation through conservation acquisitions and other solutions.
“We celebrate more public access and community benefits at South Shale Ridge and the adjacent Little Book Cliffs,” said Kelly Ingebritson of The Conservation Fund’s Colorado office. “These are Colorado’s ‘badlands,’ where canyons, trails, and hoodoos provide a western adventure for outdoor enthusiasts, while benefitting wildlife, water, and the local recreation economy. We appreciate the BLM, Colorado’s Congressional delegation, and the former landowners for protecting our environment and strengthening America’s public lands.”
The Land and Water Conservation Fund, established by Congress in 1964, is committed to safeguarding natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and providing recreation opportunities for all Americans. For more information on the Land and Water Conservation Fund visit: https://www.doi.gov/lwcf.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.