Colorado Springs has officially designated a large parcel of land on the city's east side as permanently off-limits to development, marking a significant milestone for local conservation efforts.

The city announced it was preserving 1,000 acres on the east side as "forever protected," with Wild Horse Ranch to be safeguarded through a conservation easement held by Palmer Land Conservancy, along with plans to create a public open space in the future.

The city acquired the 1,018-acre property in 2023 for $7.5 million through the Trails, Open Space and Parks Program. Great Outdoors Colorado also contributed to the purchase with a grant in 2024, according to the city.

The ranch is located south of State Highway 94, near Corral Bluffs and Jimmy Camp Creek Open Spaces. City officials say the property plays an important role in preserving wildlife — including pronghorn and prairie dogs — in an area facing increasing development pressure.

Before the land is open for public use, the city says it is working on a master plan to identify opportunities for both recreation and conservation.

The timeline for completing that master plan and opening Wild Horse Ranch to the public has not yet been announced.