Vail, CO
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We share our home with diverse wildlife and plant species: moose, elk, black bear, mountain lion, mule deer, bighorn sheep, birds of prey, beaver, mink and many more. It’s our honor and responsibility to care for our wildlife and their habitat—which begins with maintaining 33% of Town of Vail lands as open space.
586.18 acres
Designated Open Space in Town of Vail
Vail values biodiversity and has preserved 33% of Town property as open space to protect and enhance the biodiversity and resiliency of the natural ecosystems we co-exist with.
Vail has several types of zoning and designations that comprise the designated open space to protect natural areas throughout town.
To be considered for dedication as Designation Open Space, a parcel must be owned by the
Town of Vail and zoned either Natural Area Preservation, Outdoor Recreation or Agricultural Open Space.
In addition, the parcel must be either:
1. Environmentally sensitive lands (wetlands, riparian areas, critical habitat identified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, or the Natural Heritage Program);
2. High natural hazard areas including the 100-year flood plain, red avalanche hazard area, high rock fall hazard area, and high debris flow hazard area; or
3. Town of Vail parks that provide passive outdoor recreation opportunities.