Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, June 9, 2023- Public access to trails on 27 acres of land in the Redlands will be preserved after the property owners worked with Colorado West Land Trust to conserve the land.

The property is located between The Ridges and Redlands 360 development and includes trails that are accessible to walkers, cyclists and dog owners, which interconnect with adjacent communities, creating outdoor recreational opportunities in the area, according to a press release from Colorado West Land Trust.

Greg and Dot Hoskin purchased their home in 1970, and over the years they acquired surrounding parcels. The Hoskins have allowed public access to their property for decades through an established trail system that winds over the scenic desert landscape.

The Hoskins chose to conserve their property after weighing several different options. By conserving the land, they have permanently preserved a connection to existing and future trails and open spaces that will be incorporated into the nearby Redlands 360 development, according to the release.

“In the end the choice was easy. Just look around,” Greg Hoskin said, “Having a piece of local ground like this available in the middle of an urban area to recreate on, to run your dog on, is a real treat. There are not many places you can do that.”

In addition to keeping trail access open, this conservation easement will also preserve scenic open space and protect the views, which includes dramatic rock outcroppings contrasting with the nearby landmarks of Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa and the Bookcliffs, according to the release.

The property also supports an array of natural vegetation, including mixed salt desert scrub, pinyon-juniper shrubland, and a section of open-canopied riparian shrubland along a drainage that traverses the land. The federally threatened Colorado hookless cactus can be found, alongside species such as the northern leopard frog, western yellow-bellied racer, mountain lion, and black bear.

“We are immensely grateful for the Hoskin family’s extraordinary generosity in not only conserving their property, but also sharing access to their land with the public,” said Libby Collins, Project Manager at Colorado West Land Trust, “Now adjacent neighborhoods can continue to experience the connectivity the land provides to the community, stunning views, and wildlife habitat forever.”

To ensure the responsible use and management of the land, the Hoskins will work with Colorado West Land Trust to develop a comprehensive trail management plan.

Read the Daily Sentinel article here.