Colorado Gains 3,300 Acres of Wildlife Habitat, Fly Fishing Areas

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Colorado has acquired over 3,300 acres from the former Tolland Ranch, a century-old property, to create a new State Wildlife Area that will protect important wildlife habitat and open up new public areas for fly fishing and other outdoor recreation. The land, located less than an hour from Denver, will provide habitat for deer, elk, moose, and over 100 species of birds, as well as 16 ponds stocked with trout.

Why it matters

This acquisition represents a significant expansion of Colorado's protected wildlife areas and public recreational lands, helping to conserve the state's natural resources and iconic outdoor spaces for future generations. It also provides new economic opportunities for local businesses catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The details

The Tolland Ranch property, spanning 3,314 acres in Gilpin and Boulder counties, was previously privately owned by the Toll family for four generations since 1893. The Conservation Fund acquired the land from the owners and conveyed it to Colorado Parks and Wildlife to manage as a new State Wildlife Area. The area will provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, blue grouse, coyotes, Snowshoe Hares, and red foxes, as well as over 100 species of nesting and breeding birds. The 16 ponds on the property will also offer new public access for fly fishing, stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout.

• The Conservation Fund acquired the Tolland Ranch property in 2026.
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife is developing a management plan for the new State Wildlife Area and may open it for limited hunting and fishing by mid-2026.
• Eldora Mountain Resort will operate 18 miles of cross-country ski trails on the new state lands.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is developing a management plan for the new State Wildlife Area and may open it for limited hunting and fishing by mid-2026.