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Tarimer County Open Lands Program LAnnualReport2004 Larimer County Parks & Open Lands A message from the Chair 2 004 - A banner year for the Open Lands Program
What a year this has beenl The progress This land is just west of Carter Lake and This year Is a clea r example of what the made and lands protected in 2004 set a will feature a new reservoir and 1800 acres Open Lands Program has become, and new record for the Open Lands Program. of open space surrounding the lake. will continue to be in the future. Our As you review the following pages you very capable staff continues to work in The final connection from Devil's will see dreams becoming reality! partnership with other private and public Backbone to Horsetooth Mountain Park agencies as well as willing land owners The massive Laramie Foothills: Mountain was achieved and provides the last link to accomplish our goal s. Highlighting the co Plains project was anchored by Larimer In an open space and trail corridor from major projects Is not meant to neglect new County's purchase of the Red Mountain Lory State Park northwest of Fort Collins trails opened and other lands protected Ranch. The effort of the county, City of to U.S. Highway 34 west of Loveland through purchase or conservation ease Fort Collins, The Nature Conservancy totaling about 16 miles as the crow flies. ments all around the county. We have and Legacy Land Trust was matched by The dedication of Fossil Creek Reservoir done and will continue to do great things! a tremendous commitment from Great Regional Open Space this past fall is an Outdoors Colorado, $11.6 million to be example of a strong and flexible working exact, which will result in the preservation partnership with the City of Fort Collins of over 55,000 acres of spectacular and North Poudre Irrigation Company. country In northern Larimer County. This open space with its premier bird Peter C. Kast The acquisition of Chi mney liollow west habitat, Interpretive trails and outdoor Chair, Open Lands Advi sory Board of Loveland was another· long discussed education center is already a popular goa l which was achieved. This effort destination providing even more Involved a partnership with the Northern excitement in the Open Colorado Water Conservancy District. Lands Program.
A message from the Director I would like to take this opportunity management while to congratulate our Board of County continuing to accept Commissioners, Open Lands Advisory Board and review acquisition and Open Lands staff for an exceptional opportunities, and year. During this past year, the Open address other internal Lands Program has more than doubled the needs of the entire
total protected land acreage. This is an department. Peter Knst discussing open space Issues with Commissioner Gibson outstanding accomplishment for a program nnd Porks and Open Lands stnff, Gary Buffington and K-Ly,m Cameron. Our public access open that is barely a decade old. This program Photo,• Ch11rlle )0htlS0tl space areas, such as the has certainly attained greatness at a level Devils Backbone and higher than anyone thought or even Fossil Creek Reservoir, continue to I am excited about our future and believe dreamed of achieving ten years ago. attract many visitors each year that need that we will continue to strive va liantly As we finish celebrating these accomplish the attention of professional park rangers to accomplish our goals and meet the ments of this past year, we look forward with the training to meet the public's changing needs of the citizens of Larimer with anticipation to a New Year that I diverse needs. Our internal tra il crew believe will bring some great challenges and park improvement construction teams to our Open Lands Program. This coming continue to build new trails and replace year we will need to evaluate the future worn out park structures that make our financial pi cture of this program, shift public access areas popular all year our attention more towards visitor round. We are also excited about the Gary Buffington opening of our newest open space at Dlrecro,: Lorimer County Porks and Open Lands Eagle's Nest for public use, which will C(l\lt'f: ,, S110 Burke happen this year. J, Clmrlfo Joh,,son J. Clmrlle Jolmson 4. R. Snell S, Rlr-k Prlr,r 6. Scott Fr11scr Q ne ofthe last best places that's all 'Jor the birds"
Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space celebrnted its grand opening on October 23rd, 2004, during the fall bird migration season. On this warm autumn day, hundreds of eager visitors gathered at the newly completed plaza to send off these winged travelers (and in particular release a rehabilitated American kestrel) and dedicate an open space that was acquired, designed, and will be stewarded for their perpetual use.
This open space area was protected and the new facilities developed in partnership with Larimer County, the City of Fort Collins, North Poudre Irrigation Company and Great Outdoors Colorado. A curving entry A ,·chnb/1/rarc
The Laramie Foothills are a land of exceptional beauty. Here the grasslands This Is the "Old West" cxnctly ns you might hnve Imagined It. l'hotot c11nr11~ Johmo,1 of the high plains begin their final ascent to the Rocky Mountains. The resulting landscape combines elements of each creating a tapestry of sweeping grasslands Red Mountain Ranch merging with red buttes and an occasional To make good on our commitment to stand of dark timber. This Is the land move quickly, Larimer County and The scape that greeted the early settlers, and Nature Conservancy closed on the through the efforts of their descendants, 15,300-acre Red Mountain Ranch- the it remains the landscape that greets those centerpiece of the Mountains to Plains arriving in northern Colorado today. project-on December 30, 2004. Combined with the acquisition of the Soapstone Riding the m,1gc- 11 pl'cvlcw oftrnlls to come. To succeed In protecting this vast Photo.+ Nnrk St11r!f expanse of northern Colorado landscape, Ranch and Roman Ranch by the City of full support from Great Outdoors Colorado Fort Collins earlier In 2004, over 28,000 (GOCO) was a must or the pr·oject would acres or just over half of the proposed Mountains to Plains project were not move forward. The 1>artner s worked preserved before the year was out! diligently throughout 2004 to communicate The Red Mountain Ranch is a large the compelling need, urgency and signifi landscape consisting of grasslands, rolling cance of this project. And, gleefully, on Too many times we foothills and rocky outcrops Interspersed December 1, 2004, GOCO awarded full look back and say we with ponderosa and juniper woodlands. funding to the Laramie Foothills: Mountains The prominent feature of the ranch is to Plains project- $11.6 millionl- the largest had an opportunity to the "Big Hole" aptly named because the conservation grant ever received in do something great, and rolling grasslands to the north drop off Larimer County's history! With local precipitously into a 2, 000-foot valley that matching funds of $13-7 million, the total we didn't do it. Today includes Haygood Canyon and Table project budget Is just over $25 million to Mountain. Abundant wildlife including protect over 55,000 acres. we can look back and mountain lion, pronghorn, elk, bear and say we had an incredi coyote roam freely. ble opportunity, and we didn't hesitate artnering to protect Chimney Hollow P Open Space is successful
In November, 2004, Larimer County Open 4100-acre Blue Mountain Bison Ranch Lands finally acquired 1847 acres of the Conservation Easement, the Harper Chimney Hollow property Just west of Conservation Easement, and the 177-acre Carter Lake. The County al so acquired Ramsay-Shocl{ey Open Space adjacent to recreation rights on the adjoining 1600 Pinewood Reservoir. Chimney Hollow acres, which was purchased by the Open Space is an important piece in this Subdistrict of Northern Colorado Water conservation framework because of its Conservancy District (NCWCD). This public l'lccess element. purchase is the culmination of over RecreatiOnal facilities will Include a seven yc.irs of negotiation and represents trailhead and picnic area with ten miles of the final piece in the "Blue Mountain trail for mountain bikers, hikers and horse Conservation Area," a high priority of back riders to explore the surrounding the Open Lands Program for many years. ponderosa pine savannah and catch a long Larimer County began discussions with view to the east from one of many rock Hewlett Packard (HP) in 1997 regarding outcrops. When the Di strict constructs its purchase of this 3,,147 acre ranch. At the reservoir on the eastern portion, Larimer same time, NCWCD Identified the eastern County will be able to offer fishing and 11l10tu: C/i1i1 lie /r>JiMdn portion of this property as a potential non-motorized boating opportunities. reservoir site. NCWCD and the County it is anticipated that this open space will After· developing a management plan, concluded that a cooperative pa!'lner shlp open to the public In 2010, with guided Larimer County and the City of Fort would yield the best chance for success, public tours available beginning In 2005. and asked The Conser vation Fund, a Collins plan to open to the public about With the opening of this open space nonprofit conservation organization, 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and 11 11d water-based recrc11tion ar ea In 2010, to lead the negotiation. horseback riding trails on Red Mountain Larimer County will offer visitors a wide Ranch and the adjacent Soapstone Great Outdoors Colorado recognized the spectrum of recreational opportunities at Ranch by 2009. value of this open space and awarded a its Parks and Open Lands j ust west of Starting this summer, Larimer County grant of $950,000 to help purchase the Loveland. Choose the thrill of waterskiing and the City of Fort Collins will be open space. The purchase price was on the waters of Carter Lake; or relaxing around a campfire at Flatiron Reservoir; offering public guided tours to the Red $).842,000, or $2,080 per acre which Mountain Ranch and adjacent Soapstone was below the appraised value. or kayaking the quiet waters of Chimney Hollow Reservoir or hiking the forested Ranch. These tours will be adverti sed The Open Lands Program has protected slopes of Bl ue Mountain on Chimney and on the Events Calendar on the other properties in the "Blue Mountain Hollow Open Space. Parks and Open Lands website at Conservation Area," including the http://www.la rimer. org/parks/ parks_calendar.cfm
1/tmdreds of elk grnze 011 the 11ewly ncq11/rnc/ Chimney Nol/ow Open Sp11ce west ofLovc:l.?11d ,111d Bcrrhoud. l1hoto. )oho Ouo Larimer Couniy Front 2 004 Acquisitions and Partnerships Range i •1ead agency on project CE • Conservation Easement
Laramie Foothills Wellington Agricultural Lands A. Red Mountain Ranch Open Space. This I3.500-acre ranch F. t
Open Space (OS) Managed by Larimer Co. Rocm;v<'h N:ulon:tl Po,w D Other Open Space Conservation E!nscmcms (CE)
♦ Project Currently Open to rhe Public
Rocky Mountain N:uional l)~fk " The hike was amazing. ~-'-\.·11,. ,i·, ~ - • . -~·-~-- The soft dirt felt like my kittcn 's . \'t, ~ r• ., ·, , .... - ~ ...,,;._'ff• . ◄~- ~~ - ~ f . . . ~. - hair. The flowers I saw remind -.•-..~_. i ··_· •";'.Ji,_ I ,t\ "''1, . " --~ me ofmy mom's garden." -~·~·:--•._. :.,·•~, ~ -""'~~ ~•\._.tr~ ·· .•,!" ~· ., ' . ··' .·t .· i~•I; ·.·?,: I.;,'" .,'fl%_ '• . ,.·. ~ ' .· .,-.c . ..' ' ' . ... \. .(/ ' S;il,rln11, Cnrrlc M111·1/11 Elrmrowry ,.... .·•-.{'...... , .•·;...... 1~. ·: ··+•.t·. .I. .-::·--(1'~;.;.•·;): '.,:: ;:::·.n·
Plmtu.· Stott frnscr Photo: Jn1111•.
l'hOto: Cht1rll1• JulmSQn Photo: Chnrll~ Jolwso,,
Phoro; H. Sttcll
" The first time that I saw Devil's Backbone I was 14 years old on my way to summer camp. The Backbone was my first experience being welcomed to the Rocky Mountains. I am so glad that con cerned citizens and Larimer County Open PIIOW! SlwrfW Vlt•r Lands have created a permc'inent legt1cy for our community by preserving not " The view wok my breath away only this treasure, but many other open and brought wars to my eyes. " space projects In Northern Colorado. " Chris C/rvr/,md. Gr,•r/ry
Pnt STl'ykc•r; Presidem, Boheml,w Fo11ndntlon, Fort Col/Ins, CO
Photo: Nlkv Stn111k " I liked 1/Je faniastic view. "
K,ul,•, Bl~ ThOlll/1"111 Ell'nlt'll/llrY
" Commitment 10 partnerships and
stewardship is fl wny of!ife. and makes the Lclrimcr County Open Lands Program the best in Colorado. " /0111 Broder. funm•r Cuu11ty Co1111111ss1u11er
Plww: Clwrll;• )nl111so11 P/10101Cltnrlle )ahnso11
Photo: Rick Prlc:o
Photn; R, Sm:11 Photo: Cotor1ttf() DOW
Pharo: John Ouo
Phow1 Wnlt ll111Jfs
" I learned that 1he yucca plant can'1 live withow the yucc;i moth. " PhotQ: R. Stwll
l ,1rh. Cnrrlr Mnrt/11 £/emrntnry " The highlight of the Mountains to Plains project for The Nature Conservancy has been the srreng1h of the conservation partnership. In parlicular, the leadership ofLarimer County and Grear Outdoors Colorado in this visionary project, and 1he City ofFort Collins 1hrough 1heir long-sighted investment in this landscape."
Greg Gn111blC', Thr Nnwrr Consrrvnncy A mission to havefun
An important mission of Larimer County's Parks and Open Lands is to provide recreation opportunities. Recreation implies fun; or as Webster's Dictionary defines recreation, "refreshment of body and mind by some form of play, amusement or relaxation." With the hectic pace of life so many of us now lead, so removed from the natural world, who doesn't need a little refreshment, a little fun. Larimer County Parks and Open Lands probably has the cure. What's your brand of outdoor fun? Water skiing a long run down Horsecooth Cnmplng llrld Osh/ng nrc popular nctlvlrlcs nr nil Reservoir, wind in your hair, arms and of Larimer County's parks. Reserve your camps/re legs gone rubbery and your ski slapping now nt Boo 397-7795. rlloro, Efrnttt Pndl'o the little wind waves that sparkle sunlight... Camping at Flatiron or Horsetooth Jet skis racing along the gleaming surface Reser voirs where the family has circled of Carter Lake like supersonic water their chairs around the fire and the skippers enjoying the thrill of it all... smoke drifts up to brilliant stars...
Fishing in the cool of the morning at Picnicking on your favorite old quilt Pinewood Reservoir enjoying the view of spread by the Thompson River at Glade Phoro: Srou Fr1tsf.'r Blue Mountain when suddenly your rod Park on a warm evening, or a sunrise arcs over the side of your boat... breakfast at Rotary Park at the rim's Mountain biking with a challenge on the edge high above Horsetooth Reservoir... Salling on a brisk day at Carter Lake trails Horsetooth Mountain Park, where listening to the crisp snap of your sail... Leisurely hiking along the winding trails the terrain will bring on a good sweat... at Carter Lake or Pinewood Reservoir for Bouldering with lhe best at Horsetooth some fresh air, quiet and a mild stretch Reservoir thinking of nothing but the rock for the muscles... in your face as you dangle by your· flngenips frorn a cliff ledge...
Horseback riding out on the spur ridges of Horsetooth Mountain Park with the plains stretching out to the East and the wall of high country peaks to the West...
Whatever your preference, there's sornething for everyone here at Larirner County's Parks and Open Lands. Visit http://www.larlmer.org/parks to begin planning your next adventure
Experience the rhythmic dipping of the /Jonis' bow ,1s you /lend 0111for II Sf)ln 1 1round Cnrter L11ke, or ro cxplore the coves nr /Jorsc1ooth Reservoir. Phow, Wnfl rt11~1, Getting out and about on your open spaces!
Devil's Backbone Open Space Hike along a dramatic geologic formation and enjoy long mountain views. This unique open space, located approximately two miles west of Loveland on U.S. Highway 34, is popular with outdoor enthusinsts of all types and levels. Ramsay-Shockey Open Space Located adjacent to Pinewood Reservoir west of Loveland, this mountain open space features a four mile trnil system in a ponderosa pine forest that is perfect for a family outing. If you keep a sharp eye out, you will most likely see signs of deer and elk.
Rlmrock Open Space Wncchlng birds nc Foss// Creek Reservoir orgetting out 011 che trails M the Dev/l's Backbone, Nestled in the hogbacks south the Open lnnds Program /ms much to orrer for JJRSs/ve recreation nctlvltles, Phoro, H/Ck f'rlro of Horsetooth Reservoir, this scenic open space Is accessed watch bald eagles in the winter and fami lies- the Herringtons and Soderbergs. through Coyote Ridge Natural Area south migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall. From this trailhead, enjoy a leisurely hike of the Larimer County Landfill on County Located just west of the l-25/Windsor on the Swan Johnson Trail into Horsetooth Road 19. A moderate hike or bike to the interchange, this open space is easily Mountain or Lory State Park. crest of the hogback rewards you with accessible to alll expansive views of the plains co the east Pleasant Va lley Trail and and high mountain peaks to the west. Horsetooth Mountain Lions Park Open Spaces Bike, Jog, walk or stroll on Fossil Creek Reservoir These open space additions the Pleasant Valley trail as Cl Phmo 1h11mb1IHIIS: Regional Open Space to Horsetooth Mountain Park it winds its way along the 1. Shntor1 Viet Is recognized as an Important total almost 700 acres. A challenging yet Poudre River and through 1. Jtt111cs swctc Bird Area (IBA) by the National rewarding hike on the Audra Culver Trail the community of Laporte J, Wnlc ltttbJs 4, Cllnrlla Johnson 180 Audubon Society because of species brings you to the base of Horsetooth towards Bellvue. The s. V1r1111I• Sodcrbcry of birds that frequent the reservoir. This Rock. The new Soderberg Open Space trailhead at Lions Park, 6. Rick Pr/c, new open space facility features over two Trailhead Is located off of Shoreline Drive located on the Poudre River miles of trail with bird viewing blinds and northwest of Inlet Bay at Horsetooth in Laporte, is a perfect spot to an observation deck that allow avid bird Reservoir. The trailhead is located on the enjoy a picnic 01· cast a fly in ers as well as families the opportunity to homestead of two Larimer County pioneer hopes of catching that elusive trout.
Your public open spaces Permit Miles Hiking Biking Horseback Leashed Picnic Restrooms at a glance Required of Trail Riding Dogs Tables 6 Drinking Allowed Fountains Devil's Backbone OS 7 • • • • • • Ramsay-Shockey OS • 4 • • • • Rlmrock OS A /Coyote Ridge NA 7 • • • • Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional OS 2H • • • Horsecooth Mountain OS * • 1.5 • • • • • • Pleasant Valley Trail at Lions Park 2H • • • • • • A Accessed through the City of Fort Collins' Coyote Ridge Natural Area Accessed through Horsctooth Mounta in Park H* Handicapped accessible onationsfrom Donation David 6 Susan Jessup (1999-2004) Sylvan Dale Ranch CEs local families make over $1,000,000 D $500,000 to Jake Kauffman 6 Son, Inc. (2001) Kauffman CE a difference in land $999,000 Paul Jonjak 6 Family (1999) Blue Mountain Bison Ranch CE $)00,000 to H.A. 6 Elaine Fonken (2002-zoo4) Fonken CE I. II, Ill preservation $499,000 Curt 6 Jennifer Heckrodt (2000) Red-tall Ridge Open Spnce Jack 6 Beth White (2000) Rimrock Open Space Preserving land for the future was very Bob f!amsay (1999) Ramsay-Shockey Open Space important to at least three Larimer County $100,000 to Eldon 6 Trulle Ackerman (2004) Ackerman CE fami lies in 2004 and these families were $299,000 Dan Miller 6 Mary Beth Simon (2002-2003) Miller-Simon CE I, II also able to donate or sell conservation H.A. GElaine Fonken (2002-2003) Fonken CE I, II Patricia Block (2002) easements at discounted prices. Including Block CE Dave Sitzman (2001) Kerbel Agricultural CE the $519,000 in land va lue received in Joe 6 Pai Harper (2000) Harper CE 2004, the Open Lands Program has $1,000 to Conservation Resource Center (2004) Easeme nt Project received over $6 million since 1996 in $99,000 New Belgium Brewing (2002) Fossil Creek Reservoir Open Space outright land donations, bargain sales Walman of Loveland (2002) Fossil Creek Reservoir Open Space and cash donations. These donations are Southdown, Inc (2001) Red-tall Ridge Open Space very important in allowing the Open Lands Robert 6 Ann Avis (2000) Eagle's Nest CE Anonymous Donation (zooo) Future Project Program to stretch its dollars to protect Byron 6 Beverly Williams (1999) FossII Creek Reservoir Open s,,ace more land. If you are Interested In First Choice Bank (1999) Devil's Backbone Trail preserving your land through donation or First National Bank (1999) Devil's Backbone Trail bargain sale or making a donation to the Audra GDon Hughey (1998) Horsetooth Mountain Open Space County's Open Lands Program and want Stephanie Steppel-Whlte (1997) Coyote Ridge Natural Area Loveland WIidiife Assoc. (1996) Boyd Lake Property to understand the tax advantages to these 2004 Donations types of donations, please contact us. CE • Conservation Easement
A shared vision for conservation " Without 1he county's open space sales rax dollars, and the inceniives provided by innovative state laws
With a shared vision and committed The Sylvan Dale and county regulations, we might not have been able ro partners, over 1800 acres at the entrance Guest Ranch, owned preserve so much land. ,, 011v1clJ1•~-lllP, Sy/v;m 0,,1,, Guesr Ranch to the Big Thompson Canyon has been by David Jessup, protected forever. This "win-win" out Susan Jessup and her family includes 3200 and the Jessups have donated $1.35 mlllion come Is the result of visionar y planning acres of pastures, hogback ridges, va lleys of that va lue, They have also participated by the owners of the Sylvan Dale Guest and canyons at the entrance to the Big in the Colorado income tax credit program Ranch coupled with the conservation and Thompson Ca nyon. Sylvan Dale is a very to recoup some of their donated value. land use l)lannlng goals of Larimer County's successful ranch and guest ranch busi The land protected is spectacular and the Open Lands Program and Rural Land Use ness. The Jessops designed a long term wildlife habitat is priceless. Center and the Legacy Land Trust. strategy for their properties that would Si nce 1999, Sylvan Da le has also worked best support the primary business: pro with Larimer County's Rural Land Use duce ca pital and tax credits, and preserve Center on three Rural Land Use projects. the landscape of their· heritage so vita l to Those plans for 825 acres preserved 400 a guest ranch setting. With this in mind, acres through a conservation easement, the Jessups approached the Open Lands and 304 acres protected by restrictive Program to deve lop a plan to donate and covenants. Only 34 home sites were sell a series of conservation easements created with those plans on properties over time. They also approached the with a potential for 194 lots. Legacy Land County's Rural Land Use Center to discuss Trust holds conservation easements on limited development options. those properties as well as on 96 acres Since 1999, Sylvan Dale Ranch has worked sold with restrictive building envelopes. with Larimer County on six separate This success stor y at Sylvan Dale Ranch conservation easements for a total of was only possible through partnership, 1161acres. The total value of these Commluecl p11rr11ers prolt!ct the Sylv1m Dale Rnnc/1 generous donations and a shared vision. nnd rhe sky smiles... Phoio, Ii. s,,,,, conservation easements is $2.65 million So many adventures, so little time. .. we can help! Imagine the smell of the clea n crisp ai r as Many of our volunteers, always on the you hear the sounds of your feet crunching lookout for ways to simplify their own the leaves that have fallen on the trail. lives, have developed interpretive talks Nearby there is the plaintive call of a based In the natural world around them. raven seeking its mate. A!1ead of you is They enj oy sharing their talks with other a wonderful adventure, close to town, hikers who, like them, are looking to fi nd but not too close. A guide awaits your some peace, quiet and fresh air. It doesn't arrival. only to whisk you ?ff to a place matter if you are fond of birds, history, Trained volunteer srorycellers 11nd nnwrnllscs lend ncclvlr/es nt our ,,nrks 11nd open lnnds. Photo, Scorr frnser far away from the day to day pressures or creepy crawlies, our naturalists have found In the urban Jungle. developed guided hikes In all of these areas, and more. or stargazing at our· nearby reservoir Volunteer Naturalists have received many campgrounds. hours of training in natural resources, For a slightly different experience, think history, geology, back to when the 'West" was young. As So whether you unwind by hiking or by and more. They groups of people moved from place to poking around a campfire, we can offer too have experi place, it was customary co entertain you something that you will enjoy. We enced what you each other at night around a ca mpfire In encourage you to come out to our parks have, and under much the same way as our Campground and open lands, to get away from the 'rat stand your daily Program volunteers do today. If hiking is race' and have some good old-fashioned struggle with the not your cup of tea, then you might be fami ly fun. If you would like to go a step 'rat race' and interested in packing up a lawn chai r or farther and become part of our volunteer your need to get an old blanket and coming to a fun, old team, please call Ann Montoya, Education away from it all. fashioned, even ing of storytelling, music, Coordinator at (970) 679-4561. PhtitO: Rlt·k Price
pen space tax revenues benefit Oall of.Larimer County Distributions to munlclpalltles are based The 1/4-cent Help Preserve Open Spaces (HPOS) sales and use tax revenue ls shared upon the highest yield of either population with the counry's eight municipalities. or sales tax generation. This revenue The tax continues through 2018, and Is sharing agreement ensur es that residents not imposed on food. The total revenue from throughou t the county receive collected to date is over $68 million. benefits from the Open Space sa les tax.
111 2004 HPOS tax do/Ii/rs contributed co the protecrlon orche Amerlca11 Legion OpCtl 5,>,?CC in F..~ICS Pilrk. Photo· R. Snell Annual Revenue Distribution of Open Space Tax Dollars• - 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Total
Larimer County 2,259,97, 2,485,421 2,707,553 3,067,810 3,294,869 3,565,146 3,527,084 3,532,580 3,750.w 28,190,649 110,862 122,889 Berthoud 71,154 80,969 87,574 101,539 124,139 123,913 126,810 949,850
Estes Park 161,905 178.198 193,453 224.779 222,608 229,886 218,802 218.445 234,908 1,882,984 2,487,606 2,850,066 3, 109,001 Fort Collins 2,107,473 2,319,562 3,323,372 3,235,748 3,205, 119 3,374,671 26,012,617
Johnstown 9,457 9,457 1,003,872 1,146,823 1,234,060 1,321,205 Loveland 847,210 932,139 1,304,378 l,J14,655 1,405,098 10,509,440 4,646 5,025 Timnath 4,221 5,732 5,742 5.887 5.599 7,083 11,480 55,416
Wellington 29,848 32,520 40,557 47.494 53,444 64,589 67.642 66,730 75,185 478,008 Windsor 17,41 6 17,416
TotAIS 5,481,786 6,033,455 6,525,640 7,444,243 8,030,585 8,632,974 8,483,392 8,468,525 9,005,237 68,105,837 • These Oyurcs nre u11nudllcd. Audit to be complDtud 1" mid Joos, figures 1,1 this chnrt hnvc been t·o1111clcd when npprof)rlnrc, So many adventures, so little time. .. we can help! Imagine the smell of the clean crisp air as Many of our volunteers, always on the you hear the sounds of your feet crunching lookout for ways to simplify their own the leaves that have fallen on the trail. lives, have developed interpretive talks Nearby there is the plaintive call of a based In the natural world around them. raven seeking its mate. Ahead of you Is They enjoy sharing their• talks with other a wonderful adventure, close to town, hikers who, like them, are looking to find but not too close. A guide awaits your some peace, quiet and fresh air. It doesn't Tl'alncd volunteer S/Ol'ylellel'S nod TIRllfrnliSIS lead ,?Cf/Vil/CS arrival, only to whisk you off to a place matter if you are fond of birds, history, nt our pnrks n11d open lands. Photo, Scou f'rnsvr far away from the day to day pressures or creepy crawlies, our naturalists have found in the urban jungle. developed guided hikes in al l of these areas, and more. or stargazing at our nearby reservoir Volunteer Naturalists have received many campgrounds. hours of training in natural resources, For a slightly different experience, think history, geology, back to when the "West" was young. As So whether you unwind by hiking or by and more. They groups of people moved from place to poking around a campfire, we can offer too have experi place, it was customary to entertain you something that you will enjoy. We enced what you each other at night around a campfire In encourage you to come out to our parks have, ,rnd under much the same way as our Campground and open lands, to get away from the 'rat stand your daily Program volunteers do today. If hiking is race' and have some good old-fashioned struggle with the not your cup of tea, then you might be family fun. If you would like to go a step 'rat race' and Interested in packing up a lawn chair or farther and become part of our volunteer your need to get an old blanket and coming to a fun, old team, please ca ll Ann Montoya, Education away from it all. fashioned, evening of storytelling, music, Coordinator at (970) 679-4561. Photo, Riek Price
pen space tax revenues benefit Oall ofLarimer County The 1/4-cent Help Preserve Open Spaces Distributions to municipalities are based (HPOS) sales and use tax revenue is shared upon the highest yield of either· population with the county's eight municipalities. or sales tax generation. This revenue The tax continues through 2018, and is sharing agreement ensures that residents not Imposed on food. The total revenue from throughout the county receive collected to date ts over $68 million. benefits from the Open Space sa les tax.
In 2004 HPOS fll,r (/0IIR/'S cofllrlb111cd 10 the f)l'Oleclion of the Amerlcnn Legion Or1en Sp11ce in Estes Pnl'k. PIiot//: R. s,ie11 Annual Revenue Distribution of Open Space Tax Dollars•
i Larimer County 2,259,975 2,485,421 2,707,553 3,067,810 3,294,869 3,565, 146 3,527,084 3,532,580 3,750,211 28, 190,649 Berthoud 71,154 80,969 87,574 101,539 110,862 122,889 124,139 123,913 126,810 949,850 EstesPark 161, 905 178,198 193,453 224,779 222,608 229,886 218,802 218,445 234,908 1,882,984 Fort Collins 2,107,473 2,319,562 2,487,606 2,850,066 3, 109,001 3,323,372 3,235,748 3,205,119 3,374,671 26,012,617 Johnstown 9,457 9,457 Loveland 847,210 932,139 1,003,872 1,146,823 1,234,060 1,321,205 1,304.378 1,314,655 1,405,098 10,509,440 Timnath 4,221 4,646 5,025 5,732 5,742 5,887 5,599 7,083 11,480 55,416 Wellington 29,848 32,520 40,557 47,494 53,444 64,589 67,642 66,730 75,185 478,008 Windsor 17,416 17,41 6 Totals 5,481,786 6,033,455 6,525,640 7,444,243 8,030,585 8,632,974 8,483,392 8,468,525 9,005,237 68, 105,837 • These figures nre ,m~u Larimer County has worked with land pursuant to a clearly delineated gov owners interested In preserving their land ernment conservation policy, provided, with conservation easements. Sometimes In each case, that such preservation a landowner is interested in exploring A will yield a significant public benefit; charitable donation. Before doing so, it Is 2. The protection of a relatively natural important to understand the "conservation habitat of fish, wildlife, plants or purposes test.'' similar ecosystem; In order for a conservation easement 3. The preservation of an historically donation to confer state and federal tax important piece of land or a certified benefits to the l11ndowner, It must meet historic structure; or the "conservation purposes test" as described by the IRS. Specifically, a 4. The preservation of land for outdoor donated conservation easement must recreation by, or· the education or, the Acke1·mn11 Co11servn1io11 E11seme11t: One r1111cher's meet one or more of the following general public. co111111/1111e111 ro lnrlmer Coumy's ngrlcrtllllrnl conservation purposes: heritage. PJ,0101ChnrlleJollmo,, The Open Lands Program accepts easement 1. The preservation of open space, only on lands which have a significant e) is there a true conservation motive by including farmland and forest land that public value, meeting one or more of the the owner in donating the easement? a) provides for the scenic enjoyment of above criteria. Approval of easement the general public or b) is established donations with questionable conservation For all projects claiming tax benefits, values not only violate the letter and intent an Independent qualified appraiser must or the law, but undermine the credibility substantiate the va lue of the donation. and reputation or the Program. The IRS recently issued a sta tement that It could penalize individuals and organiza Other criteria also might be considered: tions involved in fraudulent transactions a) are there other protected lands in the (most commonly the inflation of the value vicinity? of the easement). b) Is the property large enough to provide true conservation benefits? The Open Lands Program supports the c) what other protection strategies are conservation purposes criteria established available? by the IRS, and encourages landowners to d) what does the future hold for possi ble become familiar with them as they consider development of neighboring lands? Phoro,Jnmes Sreele conservation easements. Q ne, two, three times the money Imagine that for every dollar you spent Program has been successful negotiating A multi-million dollar year in 2004, someone matched that dollar with with willing landowners for donations or $9,264,400 in grams in 2004! another $2. 13- more than tripling your ba rgain sales that make financial sense to • $7,854,400 from GOCO for the purchase money! That would be nice, wouldn't It? the landowner and the County; developing Red Mountain Ranch, including $7,000,000 Well, that's exactly what happened to mutually beneficial financial partnerships of DOW's wildlife quadrant funds. your Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax with Other agencies or municipalities; • $950,000 from GOCO towards the purchase dollars In 2004. For every dollar spent and finally, developing compelling funding of Chimney Hollow Open Spaco. protecting open space or developing proposals to Great Outdoors Colorado recreational facilities, Larimer County was (GOCO). In 2004, with the award of a • $260,000 from tho COOT Transporwtion able to more than triple your tax dollar $7.0 million grant from GOCO for the Enhancement Program for a trail under with donations, grants and partnerships. purchase or the Red Mountain Ranch, pass for the Blue Sky Trail connecting Devil's Backbone to Horsetooth. Larimer County was able to triple its From the beginning of the Open Lands buying power! Over the life of the Open • $200,000 from GOCO for development Program in 1996, Larimer County has Lands Program, the County has leveraged of trails end facilities et Fossil Creek made it a priority to leverage your open an average of $1.76 for every $1 in open Reservoir Regional Open Space. space sales tax dollars whenever, and space sales tax revenue received. Thanks to Great Outdoors Colorado and the wherever possible. The Open Lands Colorado Department of Transportation/ /nventory ofOpen Lands Acquisitions Nnme -illlllfllltfl!RI Partnerships Conuncnt~ Laramie Foothills Red Mountain Ranch 13,448 9,700,800 1,846,400 GOCO 7,854,400 -Yes, 2009 Fort Collins hold GOCO CE Eagle's Nest Open Space 755/'72 2,054,500 1,360,000 54,500 2 Partners 640,000 Yes, 2005 LLT holds restrictive covenants Tepee Rings CE '504 170,000 69,000 100,000 LLT 1,000 No Managed by LLT Roberts Ranch CE 4960 3,000.000 200,000 109,000 3 Partners 2,691.000 No Monitored by TNC Ackerman I CE 246.5 370,000 163,456 100,000 NRCS/FRPP 106,544 No Monitored by Larimer Co. Ackerman Land fi livestock Co.I CE 318 430,000 260,318 NRCS/FRPP 169.682 No MonilOl'ed by Larimer Co. Buckeye/Waverly Ag La11ds Buckeye CE '494 203,753 28,000 5,900 TNC li LLT 169,853 No Monttornd by LLT Buckeye CE 3 fi 4 70 190,000 60,000 130,000 TNC li LLT No Wellington Ag l ands Kerbel Farm CE '83 376,778 98,749 179,280 Fo1't Collins 98,749 No Monitored by Larimer Co. Bee Farm CE '139 365,302 182,651 Fon Collins 182,651 No Monitored by Larimer Co. Weber Farm CE '69.1 198,138 99,069 Fort Collins 99,069 No Monitored by Larimer Co. Kraft Farm CE '130 460,000 460,000 No Monitored by Larimer Co. ou re ver Fonken CE Phase I, 11 fi 111 ' 175 450,000 0 450,000 No J or 10 CE donations complete Lions Park 20 0 0 Yes River Bluffs 161 1,920,000 720,000 GOCO 1,200,000 Future trail Greeley holds GOCO CE Fort Collins/Loveland Separator Long View farm 599.4 3,027,000 1,594,500 3 Partners 1,432,499 Future trail Leased for dryland forming Cathy Fromme Prairie 240 1,000,000 180,000 2 Partners 820,000 Yes Managed by Fort Collins Dryland Wheat Farm 792 3,139,000 437,881 3 Partners 2,701,119 Future trail Monitored by u:r !i Lar. Co. Fossil Creek Regional Open Space 843-5 7,988,750 3,744,550 19,650 Fort Collins 4, 224,550 Yes Coyote Ridge Natural Area 839.3 1,885,499 523,583 21,500 Fort Collins 1,340,416 Yes Managed by Fort Collins Boyd lake State Park Addition )0 405,000 90,000 5 partners 315,000 Yes Managed as Boyd Lake SP Devil's Backbone to Horsetooth Rlrnrock Open Space 472/'274 2,362,240 2,262,240 Fort Collins 100,000 Yes Managed by Larimer Co. Soderberg Homestead (HTMP) 114 460.000 460,000 Yes Managed as part or HTMP Devil's Backbone Open Space 2197/'11 .3 9,365,020 2,581,920 4 Partners 6,783,100 Yes Managed by Larimer Co. Hughey Open Space (HTMP) 282 310,000 129,000 Jl,000 GOCO 150,000 Yes Managed as part of HTMP Culver Open Space (HTMP) 287.9 1,500,000 975,000 2 Partners 525,000 Potential Fort Collins holds GOCO CE Big Thompson River Sylvan Dale CE ' 1160.7 2,622,616 922,436 2 Partners 375,000 Possible trail Block CE ·35 200,000 !00,000 100,000 No Kauffman CE '73.6 800,000 0 800,000 Possible trail Berthoud/Loveland Separator Ryan Gulch CE "438 2,027,844 290,900 381,000 4 Partners 1,355,944 Future trail Monitored by Loveland Blue Mountain Ramsay-Shockey Open Space 177 325,000 0 325,000 Yes Blue Mountain Bison Ranch CE '4100 2,666,000 1,350,000 666,ooo GOCO 650,000 Guided tours Co-monitored by LC and LLT Chimney Hollow 1,847 3,842,000 2,892,000 GOCO 950,000 2010 Loveland holds GOCO CE Harper CE '240 295,000 0 295,000 No Monit0red by LLT Little Thompson River Red-tall Ridge Open Space 320 951,559 286,500 4 Partners 665,000 Future trail Monitored by LLT Red-tail Ridge Trailhead/Trail "15.1 43,699 0 Future trail Monitored by LLT Estes Valley Childers/Henning CE "160.0 800,000 0 752,000 Private 48,000 No Monitored by EVLT Smitherman CE '520.0 520,000 130,000 2 Partners 390,000 No Monito1·ed by EVLT Homer Rouse Memorial Trail 1.5 miles 40.000 10,000 Estes Park 30,000 Yes Managed by EVRPD Lakes Estes Trail 4 ml.(ph.111) 232,500 100,000 4 Partners 132,500 Yes Managed by EVRPD Lion Gulch Trallhead 21,521 10,000 USFS 11, 521 Yes Managed by USFS lily Lake/Roessler 18.2 400,000 40,000 3 Partners 360,000 No Managed by RMNP lily Lake Water fi Rec. Rights 14 acJt. 551,000 45,000 236,000 6 Partners 270,000 Yes Managed by RMNP Mills/KIiey CE '192 335,000 45,000 2 Partners 290,000 Homestead Monitored by EVLT Knoll-WIiiows 20,5 345,000 55,000 2 Partners 290,000 Yes Monitored by EVLT American legion r.6 200,000 25,000 125, 000 2 Partners 50,000 Limited Monitored by EVLT Fee Simple Acreage Total 23,465 CE Acreage Total 14,465 Fee Simple GCE Acreage Total 37,930 $)7,472,597 Properties managed by Larimer EVLT Estes Valley Land Trust LLT Legacy Land Trust County Parks li Open Lands EVRPD Estes Valley Recreation fi Park Dist. RMNP Rocky Mountain National Park GOCO Great Outdoors Colorado TNC The Nature Conservancy • Conservation Easement HTMP Horsetooth Mountain Park USFS U.S. Forest Service " Trail Easement Larimer County's Open Space Program is good hank you, Larimer for both body and soul. olunteeringfor Larimer Coun-iy T Coun-iy citizens This visionary program V creates a lasting legacy Larimer County's Open Lands Program Is preserves habitat, view truly a citizen's program- your program. sheds, recreational Each month, twelve members of the In 1996, citizens like you worked hard county's Open Lands Advisory Board to put the Help Preserve Open Spaces opportunities and that come together to give advice and guide Initiative on the ballot. Citizens voted priceless commodity the future of the citizen Initiated Open overwhelmingly to support this initiative Lands Program. The Boa rd listens to and then they voted again to extend the called "sense ofplace." presentations on natural resource to1>ics; open space sales tax in 1999. That says It is a legacy for current discusses open space priorities; eva luates something about the importance of open management issues; and responds to space in Larimer County- Citizens voting ,-id•nta1nd tor 1>ubllc comments and concerns. twice to tax themselves to pay other Ultimately, the Board is responsible for ·1 , . ,. 1.i ,J1 ·, ~,, ·r citizens co keep their land as open space. [ ..•"""'_ I.,~~ J'.i:j',;\:.\.\."-'~~ I;.:!•~·., I making recommendations to the County • ' \, '-\·\ '(,-"-1:- l . I •.,. I . i J ,, 1... ,,• ~ -. • ! .~*.; ll•~.., Commissioners on how to expend the And that's exactly what's happening. , , , v. r ; ;, t, , , , , ,./ ~ .. •~ 1 Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax Every time you spend $20, a nickel goes . ' . dollars. And whnt does "responsible for .... ~ .... ~ for open space. Over the years, those '. .- making recommendations on open space nickels have added up and turned Into sales tax dollars" rea lly entail? Sou nds millions- $28 million, as a matter of fact, like it might include dewlled interpreta for Larimer County's share. With chose tion of financial spreadsheets or does it? nickels of yours, Larimer County and its What does go on behind the scenes making partners have been able to protect over membershir> on the Open Lands Advisory 37,900 acres of open space. In addition, Board such an interesting and desirable we have used those nickels to open the position? Devil's Backbone, Fossil Creek Reser voir, Soderberg, and Ramsay/Shockey Open Well, for starters, for every open space Spaces for you co enjoy. Coming on line proposal or management plan reviewed, for public access In the near future will be "With ow· hnrd work, nnd open space passions ,,nd Board members get out into the field. Eagle's Nest, Chimney Hollow, River Bluffs 1111 exlt'lwrdlnl!ry s111ff comes n leg/Icy thnt Is priceless.· With Open Lands staff or the landowner Lori Jcffrcy•Clnrk, OJ.AB mt,'mbrr and Red Mountain Open Spaces. So thank as a guide, Board members explore the you, citizens of Larimer County for digging Intricacies of each project getting an Into your pockets to pay for the or>en "011 -the-ground" feel for the issues at space that you value so highly. hand. Board members participate in identifying open space priorities and public access opportunities: assess the program's financial integrity; and develop strategies for long term financial viability co name just a few. K-Lynn Cameron Open Lands Program Mannger But that's not all. These volunteers who make up this active Board represent YOU. 2004/2005 Open Lnnds A Open Lands Advisory Board is t1 unique Ultimately, Board members are rewarded opporwnity to "touch the future" today with the knowledge that their voluntary nnd is time well spent. " contribution to the Open Lands Program ts creating a legacy that will last forever. Jen11 C,1rpcmc1; 01AB ttll'mh('r Parks 6 Open Lands Department 1800 S. County Road 31 Loveland, Colorado 80537 970 679-4577 Jfo; l>cs1~11• Cho,·coG,·nph1cs - ~, .. . - - . - ·- ...... ' ,-,.,,-~-.-..,.--.~ ---~ www. lari111e1:org lp,rr(1slopenlmuls.ht111 . · · - • ·i ·• . - -· - - -