Sunday, December 30, 2012

RMNA seeks to add tract to Rocky Mountain National Park

Calling it a "Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity", the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, the nonprofit partner to Rocky Mountain National Park, is making a final fund-raising push to add an inholding tract of land to Rocky Mountain National Park. This west-side tract, known as the Johnson Property, rests in critical habitat. The organization needs to raise $400,000 by February 1st in order to purchase the land and add it to the park.

Here's a letter from the RMNA Executive Director that was posted on the RMNA Facebook page this week:
Dear Facebook Friends,

We wanted to provide an update on our campaign to acquire the Johnson Property. As you may recall, we have until February to raise the $400,000 needed to purchase this 3.89 acre parcel and transfer it to Rocky Mountain National Park for permanent protection. As the year draws to a close, and the deadline approaches, here’s where we stand.

As of today, we have received 619 gifts totaling $220,384. The response has been strong (thank you!), and we have just $179,616 to go.

You may have already given generously (if so, thank you!), but we knew you’d want to hear if we could still use a bit more help. We are confident we can make the deadline if our park friends pitch in what they can. A team approach will make all the difference.

If you would like more information about this project and campaign, I invite you to contact me any time (details are also available here). I also welcome opportunities to address your civic group or meet with your friends about this important effort.

Thanks again for your ongoing support of Rocky Mountain Nature Association and Rocky Mountain National Park. We can’t do what we do without you!

Sincerely,

Charles A. Money
Executive Director

At this time, approximately 4000 feet of the Continental Divide Trail in the park is shared with motor vehicles. Acquisition of the Johnson Property and removal of the access road would remove over half this vehicular use from the CDT, and would also help to reduce habitat fragmentation, enhance visitor experience and improve wildlife viewing opportunities in this area.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

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