Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) announced Wednesday it has raised enough money to complete a major project at the base of Red Hill in Carbondale.
AVLT said it will cost $1.35 million to preserve and improve access to the popular recreation area. The land trust purchased 25 acres near the Red Hill parking lot in December; the rest of the funds will go toward constructing a new trailhead to get hikers and bikers off the county road.
Donations from local governments and private foundations capped off the fundraising efforts. Earlier this week, Pitkin County agreed to contribute $150,000 from its Open Space and Trails Fund; Garfield County has pledged $200,000.
The property was zoned for commercial development and there had been interest from a mini-storage company. AVLT says the purchase ensures that Red Hill will remain a recreation area. The land trust plans to transfer ownership to the Town of Carbondale in early April.
