Conservation Easement
What to Know about the Conservancy’s Protected Land
A Message from the CEO
In our tenth year, 2024, we reached a monumental milestone: Denver Water transferred 45 miles of the Canal to Arapahoe County, along with a conservation easement held by the Conservancy. This easement is the strongest legal tool available to ensure the Canal is permanently protected as a linear open space park and trail while preserving its natural environment, preventing future development, and maintaining public utility uses.
Even with all of these accomplishments, our work is far from over. The past decade was about laying the foundation—now, we look ahead with ambitious goals for the future. The Canal’s transformation has always been powered by community support, and we look forward to continuing to walk with you.
Here’s to the next 10 years of impact and innovation!
About the Canal Stewards
The High Line Canal Conservancy (Conservancy) is a nonprofit representing the passionate community dedicated to preserving the Canal. The Conservancy was founded in 2014 to provide leadership that reflects the public’s commitment to the Canal’s sustainable future. Working in tandem with all partners in the Canal Collaborative, the Conservancy’s efforts will lead to a natural, more connected corridor with improved access, amenities and safety for all trail users.
In 2024, the Conservancy was granted a conservation easement on 45 miles of the Canal, permanently preserving this portion of the corridor and formalizing the Conservancy’s role to protect the Canal in perpetuity.
What the Easement Means — A Lasting Legacy
The conservation easement is a binding agreement that:
- Ensures the Canal remains a linear open space and multi-use trail.
- Prohibits development that could impair conservation values.
- Allows recreation, stormwater management, and utility uses consistent with its environmental mission.
“This easement is a lasting gift that will forever improve the quality of life in the Denver region,” said CEO Harriet LaMair.
Guidance For Canal Neighbors
As a neighbor to the Canal, your cooperation is essential in preserving its integrity.
What You Need to Know:
- Removal, trimming/pruning, or installation of any plant material is not permitted
- Any trash, stored materials, or parked vehicles must be moved from the Canal property
- No new private installations will be allowed within the Canal corridor going forward, in alignment with the protections established under the easement.
Existing features (e.g., steps or landscaping prior to June 2024) may remain, but Arapahoe County reserves the right to remove them for safety or conservation concerns.
We greatly value our neighbors along the Canal and truly appreciate your role in helping care for this iconic greenway over the years. With your continued support, we can ensure the High Line Canal remains a vibrant, accessible, and protected space for all to enjoy.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 720-767-2452 or hello@highlinecanal.org. Staff are here to help and happy to talk further.
The Conservation Easement — A Legal Overview
The Conservation Easement (CE) outlines how the Canal will be preserved:
The conservation easement (CE) deeded by Denver Water protects nearly two thirds of the High Line Canal and recognized the High Line Canal Conservancy as the primary steward. The protected portion of the Canal includes the entire stretch in Arapahoe County and the majority of the Canal in Adams County and the City and County of Denver.
This action creates a vested interest in real property exclusively for the purpose of conserving and forever maintaining the Canal’s Conservation Values defined in the CE. The purpose of the CE is to ensure that, under the Conservancy’s stewardship, the Conservation Values of the property will be conserved and maintained forever, that future uses of the land that are inconsistent with the Conservation Values will be prevented, and that new uses that have not been reserved to Denver Water and are inconsistent with the Conservation Values are prohibited.
Purpose
- Conserve the land as a public recreational greenway.
- Maintain natural, environmental, and stormwater values.
- Prevent incompatible development or land uses.
Permitted Uses
- Water works (Denver Water)
- Recreation and public access
- Maintenance and stormwater utilities
- Public events aligned with conservation goals
Prohibited Actions
- Construction of buildings (unless approved)
- Topographical alterations of the Canal
- Subdivision or unauthorized property conveyance
- Commercial/industrial activity unrelated to conservation
- Motorized vehicles (non-essential use)
- Mining or chemical misuse
- Charging fees for trail use (excluding special events)
Conservancy’s Rights
- Enforce easement terms
- Access land for inspections and compliance
- Prevent inconsistent uses and require restoration
