Mirr Ranch Group prides itself in understanding conservation properties and its ability to shepherd the protection of iconic properties throughout the West. Whether it be a national park, state park, local open space, or other public land acquisitions, MRG has the knowledge and experience to negotiate these complex transactions. A few years back, Mirr Ranch Group had the honor of selling the Sandstone Ranch to Douglas County Open Space, the largest purchase in Douglas County’s 25-year open space fund history.
“It is the preservation of the County’s history, heritage, wildlife habitat, as well as other cultural and natural resources – a quality of life investment for the present and future generations.”
Roger Partridge, as said at the time of the sale on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners
And that investment is now paying off. According to the county, the wait is over and the ranch is open for public access. Hikers, cyclists, and those on horseback can now enjoy the spectacular views, expansive hay meadows, red rock formations, and wildlife habitat from the 12-mile trail located in the eastern portion of Sandstone Ranch.
The Sandstone Ranch Master Plan
The fun doesn’t stop there. The Sandstone Ranch Master Plan outlines the goal of connecting Sandstone Ranch with the upper reaches of Pike National Forest. A trail connecting to Forest Service Road 327 has been proposed.
Sandstone Ranch, a scenic 2,038-acre property between Denver and Colorado Springs, is a unique landscape, with its brilliantly colored red rock formations, creeks, irrigated meadows, historic improvements, and adjacency to national forest. Mirr Ranch Group marketed the property in 2017 and negotiated the sale with Douglas County Open Space in 2018 for $18,750,000. MRG found a partner in Chatfield Reservoir Mitigation Company (CRMC) that with help from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) assisted Douglas County Open Space in funding the purchase.
Additional Details Outlined in the Master Plan
- The CRMC was formed in 2015 to implement the Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project, which will allow for reliable water storage and enhanced water supplies for users in the South Denver Metro area. The CRMC partnership in the Sandstone Ranch acquisition will provide mitigation for the impact of the Chatfield Reservoir expansion on riparian habitat, wetlands, and wildlife.
- The Douglas Land Conservancy will hold the conservation easement on Sandstone Ranch, and in this role will be responsible for the protection and conservation of the natural character and habitat of Sandstone Ranch in partnership with Douglas County.