COLORADO—Something big can get bigger. Something large can get larger. But what do you call it when something that is already massive increases in size and quality? In the case of the USDA Forest Service’s Leadville Ranger District, it’s called the Mount Massive Wilderness Land Acquisition!

In April 2022, the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimmaron and Comanche National Grasslands completed the purchase of two 10-acre parcels that were the last private inholdings in the 30,540-acre Mt. Massive Wilderness in Chaffee County, Colorado.

While 20 acres may seem small, the acquisition, located in a basin below the summit of Twining Peak (13,711 feet) and in proximity of the North Fork Lake Creek trail (#1483) area, is incredibly important to those who manage and use the wilderness.

“The properties could have been developed if they remained in private ownership,” said Janine Prout, former realty specialist for the Leadville Ranger District and case manager for this project.

Development of wilderness inholdings can dramatically reduce the agency’s ability to preserve both the intangible and tangible qualities that define wilderness character, make wilderness different from other lands and present management challenges for the Forest Service. Public access was also at risk since the North Fork Lake Creek trail crosses one of the parcels and landowners have the right to restrict use of the Forest Service trail on private property.

The Wilderness Land Trust purchased the properties nearly 10 years ago to hold them until they could be conveyed to the Forest Service. They also hired the appraiser, completed inspections and paid upfront costs. The Forest Service purchased the parcels from the Wilderness Land Trust with funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which are congressionally designated dollars meant for  safeguarding natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage and providing recreation opportunities to all Americans.

A partnership between the Forest and the Bureau of Land Management allowed bureau employees to assist with land adjustment actions, which helped the project run smoothly and stay on course. Forest Service staff from multiple levels of the agency, bureau surveyors, a private title company and a private appraiser all played roles in the purchase.

Prout praised the partnerships that made this purchase possible. “It is so important to protect wilderness and wilderness character while establishing partnerships with those who can assist with the management of public lands. I think that visitors will greatly appreciate the enjoyment that these properties provide.”

Those who wish to help the Forest Service acquire wilderness land inholdings can contact their local Forest Service realty specialist or surveyor for more information. Private landowners can also reach out to organizations such as Wilderness Land Trust, whose mission is to acquire properties to convey to the Forest Service.

No matter how much excitement there is over acquiring wilderness inholdings, it will not be easy or fast, Prout explained. The land adjustment process has many steps to completion, numerous people involved, and diligence is required to ensure that timelines are met. But in the end, the benefits can be great; one might even say…massive.