2 Colorado properties preserved for elk habitat

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) – More than 2,300 acres (930 hectares) in central Colorado are being preserved for elk and other wildlife habitat.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation says the land involves two properties and is located in Fremont County, southwest of Colorado Springs and between Canon City and Salida.

Foundation chief conservation officer Blake Henning says the two conservation easements are especially important because they provide crucial winter range for elk and mule deer as well as a wildlife corridor between adjacent public lands.

In addition, Henning says the land lies within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area and is considered high priority because of its proximity to the Arkansas River and tributary headwaters.

The ranches contain a variety of habitat and several waterways. The ranches are in an area homesteaded back in the 1800s.