The Alamosa Ranch is 1,300 acres of open space, woods, and wildlife habitat bordering the Rio Grande River on the north side of Alamosa.  The City of Alamosa purchased this property in 1996 from a local rancher, who wanted to see the land protected from development.  Local citizens, with support from SLVEC, formed CFAR (Citizens for the Alamosa Ranch) to address management of the property, and to insure that development of the site is limited, at best. 

CFAR wrote a Draft Management Plan for the property in February 2009.  This plan supports the preservation of the ranch as open space, with a focus on activities such as walking, jogging, bicycle riding, wildlife and bird watching, and other appropriate open-space activities.  There are currently eight miles of trails on the ranch, and this proposal uses a phased-in approach to providing additional trails, as need arises, including an equestrian trail.  The plan further calls for the continued historic use of flood irrigation on the ranch, which supports the wetlands and wildlife. 

Educational opportunities for nearby school groups, and seasonal activities such as fishing, ice-skating, and cross-country skiing are also proposed.  Primitive camping in the El Bosque and Cottonwood units is also under consideration. 

CFAR will be finishing the final management plan in early 2010, and will hold public meetings in the spring.  They hope to present this final proposal to the Alamosa City Council and the Alamosa Ranch Board in May of 2010. 

If you would like to become involved in this management planning process, please contact SLVEC at slvec.org or 719-589-1518.