A master plan is coming together for a highly anticipated open space between Colorado’s two largest cities.

Lost Canyon Ranch became the town of Castle Rock’s largest-ever open space acquisition earlier this year — “a place of awe and wonder,” reads a project webpage, where a questionnaire was recently posted. The town is calling input “essential in shaping this open space, which will serve as a haven for both people and wildlife for generations to come.”

A short drive from downtown Castle Rock, on the town’s southeast border, Lost Canyon Ranch spreads 681 acres across creek-fed pine forests, higher grasslands and rocky cliffs. By the town’s description, it’s “a landscape rich with history, diverse wildlife and sweeping scenic views that echo the beauty of Castlewood Canyon State Park.”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife eyed the property over the years, along with developers; the ranch had been privately held for generations while homes sprouted around it. The Conservation Fund orchestrated a $15 million deal, with funding from the town, Douglas County and Great Outdoors Colorado.

“We’re always doing surveys, and one of the top things (residents) tell us they want is more open space,” Castle Rock Mayor Jason Gray previously told The Gazette. “This is the ultimate.”

In line with a conservation easement, the stated goal of the master plan is to “find a balance between conservation and recreational access.”

The questionnaire asks people to move a scale between “less restricted use aimed at unencumbered recreational access” and “more restricted use aimed at wildlife preservation.” The questionnaire also indicates “a phased approach,” asking for “interest in activities such as guided tours.”

The questionnaire remains open through Dec. 13.

The project webpage says responses will be posted to the page later, along with other updates ahead of the master planning process potentially wrapping up in late spring.