On Colorado’s Front Range, in the heart of South Park, Western Rivers Conservancy protected superb stretches of two principal tributaries of the South Platte River. One of them is Tarryall Creek, where we conserved five miles of this iconic trout stream by creating the Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The other is Michigan Creek, which flows into the Tarryall a few miles downstream of Collard Ranch.
In 2023, a WRC supporter and lifelong conservationist purchased an undeveloped, 120-acre property along two spectacular bends of Michigan Creek and generously donated the land to WRC. In late 2024, we placed a conservation easement on the property to permanently protect this stretch of the creek and create new recreational access. We then donated the easement to Colorado Open Lands and conveyed the property itself to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
This stretch of Michigan Creek is largely defined by a dramatic granite cliff towering over the stream. Above the escarpment are grassy uplands that provide forage for deer and elk migrating between the low mountains of the Lost Creek Wilderness to the east and South Park every winter. The creek itself is incredibly scenic and provides good fishing for brown trout in a stunning South Park setting, a short drive from Denver.
With Collard Ranch already conserved, this means WRC has created more than five miles of new fishing access, as well as prime access for hunters, wildlife watchers and others. Most importantly, we have protected 1,980 acres of prime habitat for Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, pronghorn and other wildlife.
