The 72-acre natural lake and surrounding land was originally part of a privately owned ranch and had been considered for a golf course or housing developments. In order to protect the area from development,
The Conservation Fund acquired the property in 2020 and held the parcel until the White River National Forest obtained a federal
Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to purchase the property.
Future as a state park By early 2025, it became clear that the site's future as a Colorado state park was uncertain, due largely to opposition from the community surrounding the proposed park. Although Colorado's governor declared the establishment of Sweetwater Lake State Park in 2021, it never really became an official state park. The White River National Forest is planning on granting Colorado Parks and Wildlife a 20-year special use permit for the site. An environmental impact report detailing the forest's plans for the site is expected in June 2025. After public comments are documented, a final decision is expected in Spring 2026. The likely future of the site is as some kind of recreation area. == Activities ==