WEEK OF JULY 18, 2024
VOLUME 37 | ISSUE 33
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Conservation, recreation, education: The pillars of Backcountry Wilderness Area Looking back at how prized asset has developed BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After the Highlands Ranch Community Association took ownership of 8,200 acres of property in 2009 and renamed it as the Backcountry Wilderness Area, the growing staff has worked to maintain a safe habitat for wildlife and to offer educational programs to get youth outside. The property is managed with three pillars: conservation, recreation and education, according to Lindsey McKissick, Backcountry Wilderness Area communications manager. “That’s our model of encouraging people,” said McKissick. “Come recreate, come do programs, go on our trails, learn to love it.” With 13 square miles of land, McKissick said the best way to put the size of the property in perspective is that both Cherry Creek and Chatfield state parks, including their reservoirs, could fit inside it together. SEE WILDERNESS, P20
A group of kids and their camp leaders hide in the backcountry during a game of “pred-prey” as part of one of their summer camp activities. Within 15 years, the growing staff at Backcountry Wilderness has helped create an area of conservation, recreation and PHOTO BY HALEY LENA education.
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