By the Town of Castle Rock

The Town of Castle Rock was recently awarded a Blue Grama Award by the Colorado Open Space Alliance. The recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Community Partnership and Collaboration celebrates the partnerships that made the acquisition and preservation of Lost Canyon Ranch possible.

COSA is a statewide organization of local and regional open space programs, working cooperatively to share information, create public awareness and foster partnerships needed to protect and preserve the special places of Colorado. This prestigious annual award recognizes achievements made in open space conservation, management, or community engagement through partnerships and collaborative efforts.

The acquisition of the 681-acre Lost Canyon Ranch, finalized in May 2024, represents a remarkable conservation success that was realized through partnerships between the Town, Castle Rock Water, Douglas County, Douglas Land Conservancy, Great Outdoors Colorado and The Conservation Fund.

“Castle Rock residents regularly name the preservation of open space as a top priority in biannual community surveys. The Town is honored that COSA has recognized the great achievement toward that goal that was made possible through these committed partners coming together,” said Town of Castle Rock Mayor Jason Gray.

Through this innovative collaboration, Lost Canyon Ranch — one of the last undeveloped large-acreage properties near Castle Rock — is now permanently protected as open space. This ecologically and historically significant land is preserved from development and the natural, scenic and cultural resources contained within the property will remain a vital resource for the residents of Castle Rock, Douglas County and Colorado.

Learn more about Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space including how to participate in the master planning process that will help guide future public access to the property at CRgov.com/LostCanyonRanch.