Our Protected Lands
Since 1992, La Plata Open Space Conservancy has grown to protect more than 25,000 acres of agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and open space across Southwest Colorado.
Today, that includes 180 conservation easements in partnership with private landowners, the City of Durango, and La Plata County.
Agricultural Lands & Ranching Lifestyle
LPOSC has helped preserve more than 8,200 acres of active agricultural land, including about 5,600 acres of irrigated farmland. By keeping water rights connected to the land and supporting ongoing farming and ranching, LPOSC helps sustain the agricultural identity and working landscapes that define Southwest Colorado.
Conserved lands help maintain habitat connectivity, watershed function, and ecosystem resilience. Our portfolio of protected lands includes more than 20,000 acres of essential winter range for elk and other big game species, about 1,900 acres of elk migration corridors, more than 280 acres of riverine and lake systems, and over 24,000 acres of black bear fall concentration habitat. These lands support biodiversity, water quality, and regional climate adaptation.
Wildlife Habitat
LPOSC has partnered with the City of Durango and other public organizations to conserve more than 1,700 acres of public parks, recreation areas, and open spaces. These include community-loved places such as Overend Mountain Park, Horse Gulch, Dalla Mountain Park, and Oxbow Preserve. LPOSC also helps steward more than 57 miles of public trails on conserved lands, supporting hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities that contribute to physical and mental health.
Recreation & Outdoor Access
Overend Mountain Park
One of LPOSC's earliest conservation easements, Overend Mountain Park has protected public trails and open space since the early 1990s. It remains one of the community's most-used trail networks for hiking and mountain biking.
Dalla Mountain Park
Dalla Mountain Park protects wildlife habitat and open space while providing public trail access close to Durango, connecting residents to the region's natural landscape without leaving town.
Oxbow Park and Preserve
Along the Animas River, Oxbow Park and Preserve protects habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife while offering public access for walking and river recreation.
Horse Gulch
Horse Gulch is one of Durango's most heavily used open space areas, with an extensive trail system supporting hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife habitat just minutes from downtown.
