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