To: Parks and Recreation Commission Members and Staff
From: Jeff Smullen, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Title
Endorsing the Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Master Plan
Body
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Executive Summary
The Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department is requesting the Parks and Recreation Commission’s formal endorsement of the Lost Canyon Ranch Master Plan.
The 680-acre property-acquired in partnership with The Conservation Fund, Douglas County Open Space (DCOS), and Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC)-represents one of the most significant open space acquisitions in the Town’s history. The master plan honors the conservation easement in place and reflects extensive community and stakeholder input gathered over the past several months.
The vision for Lost Canyon Ranch is rooted in preserving its rich ecological, historical, and cultural assets while creating low-impact, passive recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Key components of the plan include:
• Approximately 15 miles of singletrack, natural-surface trails
• Trailheads with improved access, parking, and wayfinding
• Carefully planned buffers and protections for sensitive areas, including raptor nesting sites and Franktown Cave
• Exclusion of dogs and mountain bikes, consistent with conservation goals and wildlife protection priorities
• Opportunities for education and nature-based programming, including a potential future nature or educational center at the ranch house
The plan has been developed in collaboration with Wenk Associates and reviewed by key partners, including DLC, who will conduct a formal review through their Stewardship Committee and Board of Directors. Staff anticipates seeking Town Council approval following the Commission’s and DLC’s endorsements in the following months.
The plan may be viewed online at <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FMrSz666XecwWjI2PJFFACt6DR0HVNGi/view?usp=sharing>.
Proposed Motion
“I move to endorse the approval of the Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Master Plan as presented.”