The Conservation Fund Protects 320 Acres of High-Elevation Forest and Meadow Near Lizard Head Wilderness

OPHIR, Colo. — The Conservation Fund has protected 320 acres of high-elevation forest and meadow immediately south of the Lizard Head Wilderness Area, preserving a remote and ecologically significant landscape in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The property will be transferred to the U.S. Forest Service, expanding the San Juan National Forest and permanently protecting a new stretch of public lands.

By conserving the property, the project prevents the potential development of nine luxury homesites on the last private inholding in this portion of the San Juan National Forest.

“This is an extraordinary landscape that deserves to remain wild and undeveloped,” said Justin Spring, VP and Colorado state director at The Conservation Fund. “By protecting this property, we’ve conserved important wildlife habitat, created new access for backcountry recreation, and prevented potential development of the landscape. We’re proud to help ensure that this special place remains intact for generations to come.”

Located approximately 10 minutes west of the town of Rico and a 20-minute drive from Telluride, the newly protected acreage sits directly south of the Lizard Head Wilderness, a destination for hiking, backpacking, climbing, and other outdoor recreation. The surrounding landscape includes several of Colorado’s iconic 14,000-foot peaks, including Mount Wilson, El Diente and Wilson Peak. 

The property’s remote setting provides important habitat for a range of wildlife, including golden eagles, elk and black bears. Preserving the property also maintains its natural character and protects views of the iconic Lizard Head Monument, a long-extinct volcanic formation and important cultural site for the Ute Tribe.

“This purchase fills in the map on one of the truly amazing places on the Dolores Ranger District,” said Nick Mustoe, Dolores District Ranger for the San Juan National Forest. “In hiking and camping through the area, I have consistently seen elk, deer, and stoats. I believe hunters, mushroom gatherers, and those who like to get off the beaten path will find much to love about having access to this remarkable area.”

Under management by the U.S. Forest Service, the project will expand the network of protected public lands in the San Juan Mountains and preserve an undeveloped landscape adjacent to approximately 41,500 acres of the Lizard Head Wilderness. Protecting the inholding also creates new potential for the property to be considered for future inclusion in the surrounding wilderness area.

The conservation effort was made possible through funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which was permanently funded with the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act and signed into law in 2020. Established in 1965, LWCF reinvests a small percentage of offshore energy revenues — not taxpayer dollars — in conservation and recreation access projects that support critical natural resources, wild habitats, historic sites, and working lands. The LWCF funding was secured with support from Colorado’s federal Congressional delegation representing San Juan National Forest, including U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, and U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd.

“I am pleased to see the Land and Water Conservation Fund used to protect the beautiful alpine meadows and old-growth spruce-fir on the Lizard Head Mesa property. This purchase will provide new hunting and recreational access near the Lizard Head Wilderness Area and further strengthen the region’s economy,” said Senator Bennet (D-Colo.). 

“Public lands are shared treasures we pass down to future generations, and we’re thrilled to add the Lizard Head Mesa tract to the San Juan National Forest,” said Senator Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). “This land will protect clean drinking water for neighboring communities and preserve wildlife habitat for generations to come.”
                                                                                       
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