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The Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners, also known as the State Land Board, recently approved the purchase of an expansive 800-acre property known as Lake Fork Ranch, located west of Leadville in Lake County. As stated by the Colorado Governor's Office, the move aims to increase revenue for the trust and bolster conservation efforts. Outlining the benefits of the acquisition, Governor Jared Polis noted, “With this acquisition, we are protecting a special and amazing outdoor space in Lake County, expanding recreational opportunities, investing in Colorado students, and supporting economic success in our rural communities,” as per the Colorado Governor's Office. This statement reflects the multifaceted approach the State Land Board is taking to manage the land, emphasizing the importance of local community growth and natural resource conservation. A particularly proud Dan Gibbs, adding to these remarks in his capacity as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, voiced his satisfaction with the preservation efforts for agricultural use and recreation planning. The Lake Fork Ranch boasts a rich mix of natural features, including irrigated meadows and acres of forested uplands, all with accessibility via state and county roads. With a portfolio that now integrates the last of the large non-eased ranches in the near vicinity of Leadville, the State Land Board is in a strong position to manage the land for dual ecological and financial gain. According to Dr. Nicole Rosmarino, Director of the State Land Board, the acquisition is a step towards building a more resilient and forward-looking land portfolio for Colorado’s public schools. Every line of the phased business plan stretching through 2028 for Lake Fork Ranch has been carefully crafted to intersect with multiple business strategies aimed at securing an annual yield of 2 percent or more. Matt LaFontaine, Acquisition and Disposition Manager for the State Land Board, shared the team’s deep dive into maximizing the ranch’s potential: "This acquisition reflects the significant collaboration and analysis by our dedicated team working group," as obtained by the Colorado Governor's Office. He points out that their duty extends beyond investment to fostering future growth for Colorado's schoolchildren.
