North Slope of Pikes Peak
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Save White Acres

About White Acres

White Acres is a small but key, 47-acre parcel of open space strategically located next to Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Manitou Section 16, and Bear Creek Canyon.  The property’s geology, topography and proximity to other beloved open spaces have made it a priority for preservation.  The White Acres Property boasts significant cultural and paleontological values that tell the story of the Pikes Peak Region.  Social trails traversing the property provide recreators with an important link between Section 16 and Red Rock Canyon.  The property is highly visible from downtown Colorado Springs and is part of Colorado Springs’ scenic mountain backdrop.

Threats

White Acres is currently proposed for annexation into the City of Colorado Springs and residential development.  After lengthy discussions with open space advocates and city staff, the property owner has agreed to delay annexation and development to provide a window of opportunity for the community to raise the funds needed to purchase the property.

Urgency

Favorable terms for acquiring White Acres have been negotiated through the TOPS Program.  A purchase price of $1 million will be paid over four years.  The property will be divided into four parcels, with the City taking title to a parcel in each subsequent year.  The majority of funds necessary to purchase White Acres will be provided by the TOPS open space sales tax.  The current economic slump has resulted in a significant decrease in the TOPS sales tax revenue creating a cash flow challenge for the TOPS Program in 2009.

Funding Needed & Deadline

The Friends of Red Rock Canyon have committed to raise $75,000 by November 15, 2009 to make the first payment on White Acres.  Palmer Land Trust is partnering with the Friends to raise these funds.  It is critical that these private funds are raised on or before this date: the acquisition of the three remaining parcels is contingent upon successfully closing on the first parcel in December 2009.  Donate now to help us protect this important open space parcel.