The Douglas County Commissioners approved the Open Space Conservation Area (OSCA) Plan on June 1, 2000.  The plan establishes zoning on this 8,200-acre (nearly 13 square miles) parcel that is in the southern reaches of Highlands Ranch.  OSCA represents 37 percent of the 22,000 acres in Highlands Ranch. The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) and Shea Homes were joint applicants for the plan.  

Now referred to as the Back Country Wilderness Area of Highlands Ranch, it is a significant piece of property that will be conveyed to the HRCA by Shea Homes in the future as the community is built-out.  The first piece of land, on the east side of Monarch Boulevard, has already been conveyed. Five miles of soft surface trails are being build in late spring of 2006. The HRCA will be responsible for owning, managing and operating property. Fifteen percent of the 8,200 acres (1,200 acres) can be developed for recreation or public uses that are established in the plan.  A Douglas County regional park and Douglas County regional trail are allowed, but housing is not allowed. 

Significant natural resources are present on this property including native grasses, ponderosa pines, and Gambel oak.  Elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, wild turkeys, prairie dogs and other wildlife live on the property.  Seven thousand acres will be preserved for wildlife habitat and preservation with very limited access.  Expect seasonal closures and dog restrictions on certain trails in wildlife areas.

A cultural and historic preservation area has been created on the property adjacent to the Tall Bull Memorial Grounds in Daniels Park.  This area is the only one of its kind in the country and will protect the Tall Bull Memorial Grounds visually for the Native American tribes that use the site. 

One of the planning areas allows for cultural and interpretive centers that may provide views of a portion of the 7,000 acres that are preserved for wildlife.  A management plan for the Back Country Wilderness area of Highlands Ranch provides for the property to be continued to be used for ranching. The majority of the property is privately owned and not open to the public, except for the East-West Trail accessed from Griggs Road. The section east of Monarch Boulevard will open for trail users later this year.

For more information, contact the HRCA at 303.791.8958.