347 Acres Protected to Expand Public Lands and Preserve Rare Wildlife Habitat Near Red Rocks Amphitheater

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — The Conservation Fund and Jefferson County Parks & Open Space have protected the 347-acre Braun Ranch, a high-priority conservation property in the Front Range along the western edge of the Denver metro area. The conservation win secures a critical gap between existing public lands, protecting rare habitat from development and opening the door for new outdoor recreation opportunities. 

“Protecting this stunning landscape adjacent to Red Rocks Amphitheater is a big win for Coloradans and visitors to our state,” said Justin Spring, vice president and Colorado state director at The Conservation Fund. “The landscape protects sensitive habitat and important species while also guaranteeing that future generations can continue to experience the remarkable outdoor beauty of Colorado’s Front Range.”

Jefferson County’s open space system draws an estimated 10 million visitors each year across 60,000 acres of parks and protected land. If it were a national park, it would rank second in annual visitation. As urban growth accelerates and public lands face increasing pressure, this acquisition creates new potential for backcountry hiking while helping meet growing demand for outdoor access.

“Conserving Braun Ranch enables a vital link for our Jefferson County Parks and Open Space system,” said Aaron Roth, director of Jefferson County Parks & Open Space. “The views stretching toward Mt. Blue Sky embody the inspiration that can be found from our doorstep in the Front Range, and we are proud to work alongside Denver Mountain Parks to ensure this iconic landscape around Red Rocks Amphitheatre remains protected for everyone.”

Located along the western edge of Red Rocks and Matthews Winters Park, the property is surrounded by existing public open space, including three high-biodiversity conservation areas identified by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. 

The Property includes portions of three Potential Conservation Areas and is an important wildlife linkage for big game species, including elk, mule deer, black bear and mountain lion. Additionally, several State Wildlife Action Plan Tier 1 and 2 species occur on or within one mile of the Property, including Hops Azure Butterfly, Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse, Mottled Dusky Wing Bat, and Fiddleleaf Twinpod.

Conservation of the property preserves a highly visible and scenic viewshed, maintains important big game habitat, and enhances connectivity to established recreational trails near Red Rocks Amphitheater.  

In addition to its recreational and scenic values, Braun Ranch plays a key role in climate adaptation and wildfire resilience. By conserving intact foothill forests, the project enables proactive forest and watershed management in a region facing elevated wildfire risk. 

Support for the project was made possible in part through funding from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), which invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. 

“Hundreds of acres protected forever right in Denver’s backyard is an incredible win that speaks to Colorado’s unique commitment to the outdoors,” said Jackie Miller, executive director of Great Outdoors Colorado. “Like the beloved destinations that surround it, Braun Ranch supports wildlife, expands access to recreation and nature for millions, and preserves that sense of awe that defines the Red Rocks landscape we Coloradans know and love. GOCO is so proud to support this work.”  
                                  
About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org   

About Jefferson County Parks & Open Space
Jeffco Parks & Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972. Our mission is to preserve open space and parkland, protect park and natural resources, and provide healthy, nature-based experiences. Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, our organization contributes to city and park district projects, has preserved more than 57,000 acres, and manages 27 open space parks, and more than 275 miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado.