News April 2015
Backcountry Wilderness Area The Backcountry Wilderness Area may be the best kept secret in Highlands Ranch: a jewel of conservation, diverse in wildlife, wilderness area of over 8000 acres, and tons of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. The HRCA acquired the first 800 acres in 2006 from Shea Homes. At that time there were only a few nature hikes. We immediately built and opened five miles of new trails. In 2009, the HRCA acquired the rest of the property for a total of 8,200 acres, or about 13 square miles. How things have changed! Today there are over 26 miles of natural surface trails for running, mountain biking, hiking, and horses and we now have dozens of outdoor programs. Activities include licensed outdoor adventure camps, horse camps, trail rides, birthday parties, a variety of nature hikes, horse drawn hay rides, a community campout, hunting, and plenty of volunteer opportunities.
HRCA board members re-elected At the March 17 Annual Meeting of Delegates, the HRCA Delegates re-elected Jeff Suntken and Brock Norris to serve another two-year term. We would like to congratulate them on their successful re-election. These two directors join Scott Lemmon, Melissa Park, and Dennis Seymour as the HRCA’s Board. For more information about the HRCA’s leadership go to www.HRCAonline.org/Leadership.
Long-term conservation of the Backcountry Wilderness Area is paramount, and as owners, we take the responsibility seriously. Wildlife are continually monitored and we work to improve their habitat. At the same time, it is important to allow people to experience this resource in a responsible manner; so aside from the trails, access to the majority of the Backcountry is only available through our guided programs, and we offer a plethora of activities to allow people to enjoy this area. The Backcountry, with its trails, outdoor programs, and a large conservation area, sets Highlands Ranch apart from many communities. The future is bright and the possibility of additional amenities in pre-planned areas to support additional activities is a possibility and will only make Highlands Ranch a more desirable place to live. Sign up for our programs at: www.hrcaonline.org/Backcountry. Information: email mgiebel@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8885.
Jeff Suntken
Brock Norris
Annual meeting of members See page 4.