Department of Natural Resources
ANNUAL REPORT | 2023
A Note from the Director
I am delighted to present our 2023 Annual Report website, encapsulating our work towards fostering "Healthy Landscapes, Healthy People” in Larimer County. Over the past year, we've made significant strides in conserving precious ecosystems, promoting sustainable land management practices, and integrating nature-based connections with visitors.
We believe nature is for everyone, regardless of age, ability, race, or gender, and I am proud this inclusive lens continues to be integrated into all aspects of our work including planning and land management, public engagement, visitor services, and how we consider financial sustainability into the future.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating a future where thriving landscapes and communities can coexist with mutual benefit. To solidify this commitment to you, we are leaning into technology more to not only save financial and environmental resources but provide more convenient and effective ways for you to engage with us. Our annual report is one example of how you will see this vision come to life, as we will no longer produce a printed paper report, but will continue to provide a digital experience to document our year.
A final sentiment to all who have engaged with us this year, to our committed partner agencies, and to my dedicated staff, thank you for your continued commitment to connecting people, nature, and place.
Daylan Figgs, Director
Aligning Together with COMPASS
COMPASS is the Department of Natural Resources’ guiding path of strategic priorities, goals, and actions buoyed by a clear mission, vision, and set of values. Adopted in 2022, this shared department-wide, staff-led strategic planning effort served as a catalyst to align everyday individual work within six broad priorities:
Who We Are
57
full-time staff
129
temporary staff
703
volunteers
Advisory Boards
Land Stewardship Advisory Board
Patrick Bickley
Ryan Blake
Jesse Dillon
Brenda Engles
Ronald Harris, Chair
Michael Hayes, Vice Chair
Janae Malpas
Joshua Wenz
Open Lands Advisory Board
Gale Bernhardt
K-Lynn Cameron, Vice Chair
Ellis Carpenter
Mike Carter
Paul Hudnut
Pete Kelly
David Marvin, Chair
Gary Miller
Ward Nelson
Tom Shoemaker
Linda Stanley
Steve Vandermeer
Parks Advisory Board
Pete Blume
Adam Crossan
Rob Harris
Kristina Kachur-Webb, Vice Chair
Kathy Maher
Scott Murray
Bill Prater
Ruthie Rollins, Chair
Phil Stout
Geoff Townsend
Jill Wuertz
Larimer County Officials
Board of County Commissioners: John Kefalas, Jody Shadduck-McNally, Kristin Stephens
County Manager: Lorenda Volker
Photography Credit
Thank you to the volunteer photographers and partner organizations who contributed photography for this report.
Brendan Bombaci, Rod Cerkoney, Jim Janicki, Aliy Louie, Estes Valley Land Trust, Jeanie Sumrall-Ajero, and Guy Turenne