Nestled within a pristine old-growth forest, this remarkable 3-acre homesite offers a rare opportunity to own a slice of SW Colorado’s untouched beauty. Towering Aspen groves intermingle with mature Blue Spruce and Douglas Fir trees, all set among striking natural granite boulders, creating a truly majestic setting. And the VIEWS! From the upper elevations of the property, panoramic vistas unfold commanding views of Missionary Ridge stretched across the horizon. The lush meadows of the Florida River Valley cascade below. Thoughtfully prepared for a future residence, the property includes substantial improvements including a septic design, electricity has been brought to the site, and approximately one-third of an acre has been carefully cleared. In addition, stump and rock excavation has been completed to create an ideal build site. A roughed in 150-foot circular driveway provides convenient access from both the top and side of the lot. Plans have been developed for a custom 2,600 square foot home, specifically designed to maximize the surrounding views and integrate harmoniously with the landscape. This property presents an extraordinary location for your dream mountain retreat, blending seclusion, scenery, and infrastructure in perfect balance. Wilderness Lake Mountain Estates is located at the northern end of CR 243 just beyond Lemon Reservoir. It is bounded to the north and east by U.S. Forest Service lands. The homeowner’s association provides snow removal. Recreation on public lands in the area plays a large role in the community: fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, hunting, backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, camping, biking, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, photography, and star-gazing. According to a report published by the Greater Lemon Reservoir Community Wildfire Protection Plan Committee June 2017, the San Juan Sledders Club grooms several miles of snowmobiling trails during the winter as the area serves as a gateway to the San Juan Mountains where opportunities to enjoy the outdoors abound. The public land stakeholders are the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Colorado Division of Water Resources, the Florida River Water Conservancy District water interests, La Plata County Road and Bridges Department, the City of Durango, and the City of Durango Utilities Department (Waterworks).History of Lemon Dam and Reservoir: The Florida Water Conservancy District was established in 1948 under Colorado state statutes as apolitical subdivision for the Florida Watershed with the task of creating water storage for the watershed. Calculations were made for the volume of water needed to irrigate the Florida Mesa agricultural corridor. The District worked with the Bureau of Reclamation to acquire land through land fees from private owners. Lemon Dam was built between 1948-1963 and is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation (U.S. Department of the Interior). The Keeper of the Dam resides in the house and manages the equipment barn south of the Dam on CR 243, and has overseen the Florida Water Conservancy District’s Dam operations for the past 40 years. Water is released from the Reservoir as needed and conveyed in the natural river channel to the heads of the various downstream canals and ditches that divert the flow and distribute the water to project lands.
