High Line Canal Conservancy

The High Line Canal is a historic water delivery system hand-dug in the 1880s to bring irrigation water from the Colorado Rockies to Denver's front range. Now, it represents a tremendous opportunity to reenvision this linear space as an ecological and recreational asset for future generations.

Background

Those who built the Canal over a century ago could not have envisioned people using the ambitious irrigation project as a recreational outlet amid a busy urban area. The 71-mile Canal, which stretches from Waterton Canyon to just a few miles south of Denver International Airport, threads together communities from Colorado's most populated and diverse region, and is used by over 1 million people annually.

Who We Are

It's our 10th anniversary! In 2014, the High Line Canal Conservancy was formed to lead a regional effort to preserve, protect and enhance the Canal for future generations. Working closely with our partners, including Denver Water and the 11 jurisdictions along the Canal’s reach, the Conservancy provides leadership, comprehensive planning, programs and initiatives to ensure that the Canal is protected and enhanced for future generations. 

Our vision for the future is a permanently preserved 71-mile linear greenway that:

• Creates Connections: the Canal connects diverse communities and people to each other and nature
• Enhances Recreation: the Canal serves as a recreational spine that stitches together a regional trail system
• Supports Local Economies: the Canal is an urban generator that infuses new life into the economy of surrounding communities
• Improves Environmental Health and Climate Resiliency: the Canal is an ecological asset supporting 71-miles of wildlife and natural environment

Read the Plan for the High Line Canal

Testimonials

"The High Line Canal surpasses the scale and impact of any similar existing or proposed initiative in the U.S. today. The High Line Canal is Denver's opportunity to create a significant enduring recreation and cultural greenway legacy, which physically connects people, while reflecting a variety of values and the unique characteristics of the individual communities to be experienced along its path - celebrating the rich and diverse physical and social mosaic that we call Denver." 

► Tony Pickett, Urban Land Conservancy, Former High Line Canal Conservancy Board Member

"We need many more opportunities for kids and all people to experience nature.  Research shows the closer the park or open space is, the more likely people are to use it. The High Line Canal is an ideal resource to use as we plan for how to get people into the out of doors. After all, it borders multiple neighborhoods stretching 71 miles and encompasses almost a thousand acres.  I would hate to think what we might spend to create such a resource.  With strong commitments and planning our High Line Canal will be a connection to nature that makes a difference for millions of people for years to come."

► Harriet Crittenden LaMair, High Line Canal Conservancy CEO

"Across the country, there are examples of abandoned resources rusting, slipping away under heavy overgrowth and being forgotten; until an organization or group of citizens realized the potential, and took action. Our stewardship award recipient didn't wait for opportunity to be forgotten and for neglect to set in. They got ahead of the game to preserve a valued resource and bring vision to its potential." 

► Nancy Sharpe, Former Arapahoe County Commissioner

"I have volunteered a few times with the High Line Canal Conservancy, and I love the feeling of doing something great for the community and making it a better place to live. As a retiree who uses the Canal trail for walks or bike rides, I feel proud and happy to maintain the beauty of the canal for all who use it."

► Anonymous Conservancy volunteer