Crested Butte land deal preserves almost 400 acres of open space

Via the Denver Post today:

Almost 400 acres of scenic open space will be permanently set aside for public use in Crested Butte because of a deal worked out this week.

The property north of Gothic Road between the town and Mt. Crested Butte soon will be available for winter and summer recreation, elk habitat and wetlands while providing spectacular views of the town and mountain, according to the Trust for Public Land, which brokered the deal.

Officials called it the largest land-conservation transaction in the town’s history.

The Kochevar family has owned the land since 1905.

The public immediately acquires 166 acres, paid for with $2 million in lottery proceeds from Great Outdoors Colorado. The town added another $1 million from its open-space fund. Eve Kochevar retains 70 acres through a conservation easement that allows public trails across her property.

Local and national land trusts and the town will raise the money to buy the rest of the property. 

Borrowed from Joey Bunch, The Denver Post