In the heart of the Vail Valley, the Eagle River Preserve will soon offer a glimpse into our past – a valley before the dawn of the ski industry, when the lifestyle was defined by the ebbs and flows of the Eagle River and the farms and ranches along its banks. This 72-acre parcel, which is in the process of being restored after years of use for gravel mining, is part of the legacy of the Vail Valley Foundation and our desire to remember our past as we look to the future.
The Eagle River Preserve is a 72-acre parcel of land on the south side of the Eagle River adjacent to the town of Edwards, Colorado. Bordered by the Eaton Homestead (north), Edwards Spur Road (east), U.S. Highway 6 (south) and B&B Excavating property (west), this parcel offers nearly a half-mile of river frontage.
Once part of the Eaton Ranch and historically used for ranching, in September 2005, this parcel was purchased and placed under a conservation easement through a cooperative effort spearheaded by the Vail Valley Foundation. In the12-month period prior to closing, the Foundation successfully raised $12 million and is now leading the effort for its restoration and conversion to a natural space. The Eagle River Preserve is the property of Eagle County with a strict conservation easement held in perpetuity by the Eagle Valley Land Trust. It will ultimately be opened to the public as a passive recreation area.
Restoration of the Eagle River Preserve from its most recent use as a gravel pit is being accomplished within the strictly defined parameters of the conservation easement. Well over 600,000 yards of dirt have already been brought onto the property with the goal of recreating a series of grassy slopes and meadows that closely resemble the character of the site prior to the mining operation. Pedestrian and bike paths will be carefully positioned within the property so as to provide access while protecting the Eagle River corridor from the impacts of human activity. There will be some areas where access is discouraged or not allowed to protect the quality of the existing wildlife habitat. A structure, which may not exceed 5,000 square feet, will be erected to provide shelter, restrooms and a space for educational purposes.
Much has been accomplished since the purchase was completed and much remains to be done so that we can pass the legacy of the Vail Valley onto future generations.
