A new state wildlife is set to be established in Colorado, thanks to the recent acquisition of “pristine” habitat spanning Gilpin and Boulder counties by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and The Conservation Fund.

Per a March 6 press release from the office of Governor Jared Polis and the aforementioned parties, Tolland Ranch is set to be conserved, described as an “important victory for wildlife habitat and public land access.”

This 3,314 acre property is home to critical habitat for moose, deer, and elk, with access to a 3.5-mile stretch of South Boulder Creek and 16 ponds that will mean ample fishing opportunities for anglers seeking brook, brown, and rainbow trout.

Future efforts at the new state wildlife area will prioritize access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing recreationists, with potential for limited hunting and fishing to be offered on the land as early as fall 2026.

“Tolland Ranch is a unique opportunity to conserve important wildlife habitat and hunting and fishing opportunities along Colorado’s Front Range,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “This is another great example of how funds generated by hunters and anglers help to conserve critical fish and wildlife habitat – and secure permanent public access for hunting, fishing and wildlife-related recreation.  I want to also acknowledge the tireless work by staff at The Conservation Fund, CPW and Great Outdoors Colorado to help make this project a reality.”

The property is located east of the Continental Divide in southwest Boulder County and northern Gilpin County. Described as alpine forested land, it serves as a critical migration corridor for cervids and often as a birthing space.

Prior to the acquisition, the land was privately-owned. That said, the public was allowed access to Eldora Ski Resort Nordic Runs and the Kinglet mountain bike trail that’s managed by Boulder County. Access will still be allowed in this manner moving forward, though visitors will be required to have a state wildlife area pass or a hunting or fishing license to access the property.

Part of the funding used to acquire the property came from the $12.47 ‘habitat stamp’ that hunters and fishers pay annually upon applying for a license. This money funnels into the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program, which has been used to secure more than 300,000 acres in conservation easements and close to 35,000 acres with fee title for Coloradans.

Details regarding how much the land was acquired for were not included in the press release on the matter, though the land was previously listed for $9.9 million.

As private owners, the Toll family owned the property over four generations since 1893. It was permanently protected as a conservation easement in 2015 with The Conservation Fund and local partners, “ensuring the family’s stewardship legacy for future generations.”

“This is a major win for Colorado and our commitment to protecting our natural resources, wildlife and iconic outdoors,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Colorado is a leader in outdoor recreation and conservation, expanding public access to some of Colorado’s natural treasures like Fishers Peak, Pikes Peak and many more. I am excited to protect Tolland Ranch, creating a new State Wildlife Area to protect an important wildlife habitat, and create more outdoor recreation opportunities for all Coloradans to enjoy.”

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