Eagle River Preserve

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

The Eagle River Preserve is a 72-acre parcel of land located on the south side of the Eagle River west of the unincorporated town of Edwards in Eagle County. The property was once privately held and used for livestock grazing. In the late 1960s, a mining operation for sand and gravel was introduced and continued through September of 2005 when Eagle County and the Vail Valley Foundation in partnership purchased the property for $12 million. A Conservation Easement was placed on the property and a Restoration Committee formed to guide the reclamation of the property to eventually open it to the public as a passive recreation area. Through a partnership with Eagle County, the Vail Valley Foundation and the Eagle Valley Land Trust, and with community input, a Master Plan was developed for the Preserve in 2006. The Preserve is in the heart of Edwards surrounded by an area of mixed use, including residential and commercial development. Phase I of the Preserve, the easternmost 25 acres, is complete. There are three acres of wetlands and 5.7 acres of healthy riparian habitat existing on the property. An additional area of wetlands and riparian habitat has been developed with a pond and a stream. An access road and parking area, a series of trails, a fishing access, and educational opportunities have been installed. Phase II will round out the park on the remaining 48 acres. Phase II will include additional riparian improvements, public restrooms, a dog park area, and an educational building and signage. Its design is currently underway with construction expected to commence in the summer of 2009.