CASTEEL CREEK
The
118-acre Casteel Creek easement demonstrates the creative use of conservation
strategies to protect valuable open space parcels.
Through this complex land exchange, the U.S. Forest Service received 148 acres
of land along Independence Pass, including the historic town site of
Independence, along with 148 acres of Card Creek in the West Lake Creek area,
and a 31-acre in-holding near Pitkin Lake in the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness. In
exchange, Robert Levine received 118 acres of U.S. Forest Service lands between
West Lake Creek and Casteel Creek adjoining his Lake Creek residence.
The
easement he donated on this property protects habitat for a variety of breeding
birds and mammals, including mule deer, elk, and black bear. The property
encompasses five natural plant communities-- aspen forest, lodge pole pine
forest, northern sub-alpine forest, mixed mountain shrubland and riparian
shrubland, all of which possess significant conservation values.
The
property protected by the easement is private. However, the popular Baryeta
Cabins trail that runs through the easement remains open to the public.
