For using lottery proceeds to help permanently preserve one of the last remaining unprotected mesas in Douglas County, the Town of Castle Rock has earned a Colorado Lottery Starburst Award.

The Town received the award last month for its acquisition of the 44 acres atop Quarry Mesa at Rhyolite Regional Park in the Crystal Valley Ranch development. The $2 million purchase was financed with Town Conservation Trust Funds and a Great Outdoors Colorado grant representing $1.2 million from the Lottery as well as monies from Douglas County and the Town's 2A TABOR Time Out.

In November 2005, voters approved ballot question 2A, which allowed the Town a five-year "de-Brucing" so dollars could be kept to use for vital services such as parks, trails, recreation, roads and public safety.

"It was very important to the Town and its residents not to have any development occur on the Mesa, which is a great landmark on the Town's southern border," said Councilman Mitch Dulleck, who sits on the Town's Parks and Recreation Commission. "With the Lottery's help, the Town was able to purchase the Mesa and keep it in its natural, un-built-upon state. "

A rhyolite quarry was founded at Quarry Mesa in 1872. The rhyolite business helped established Castle Rock and was the Town's mainstay for 30 years before the industry declined. The business resurged, and the mesa again was quarried from the mid-1980s
to the mid-1990s.

Now that it permanently is preserved, the quarry offers trails for hikers and mountain bikers.
The trails provide spectacular views of the Front Range and are a prime location from which to see black bears, mule deer, pronghorn, coyotes, foxes, rattlesnakes and many different types of birds.

"This was a key open space purchase," Lottery Director Jack Boehm said. "Not only does it align with the Town's goals to preserve its scenic natural landscape, it also affords many recreational opportunities for everyone."

The Colorado Lottery Starburst Awards recognize excellence in the use of lottery proceeds for projects that promote conservation of the state's natural resources, partnerships, community and the recreational needs of Colorado residents. Castle Rock was one of 13 2008 Starburst Award recipients. For information on the other recipients, visit www.coloradolottery.com.

Kristin Zagurski is a Community Relations Specialist for the Town of Castle Rock.