Highlights
Thirty years in, forever to go
A milestone that honors both the work behind us and the trust ahead
To mark its 30th year of the Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax, the department launched 30 and Thriving, a public awareness campaign that translates three decades of conservation into opportunities for the public to explore, reflect, and participate.
Through an interactive website and historical booklet, a ‘Notes to Nature’ storytelling collection, and the ‘30 Years, 30 Stories’ community profile series, the campaign highlighted the people who shaped the program alongside the landscapes they helped protect. ‘Notes to Nature’ invited the public to share what open space means to them, while a commemorative poster and stickers extended the campaign into the community.
Land conservation and stewardship that endures
The work that holds landscapes together
Conservation continues well beyond acquisition. The work of protecting land begins immediately and requires ongoing investment, coordination, and care across the county.
In Livermore Valley, conservation easements were completed on three contiguous ranches totaling 4,856 acres, strengthening connectivity across more than 100,000 acres of existing protected lands. In the Laramie Foothills, the 675-acre Legend Trail Ranch and 800-acre Rim Rock Ranch added important buffers to an expanding conservation network, made possible through partnerships with landowners.
At Canyon Edge Open Space, restoration efforts continued as buildings, fencing, and roads were removed to support the gradual return of natural landscape conditions across the 1,500-acre property.
System-wide, land stewardship crews removed invasive species including Siberian elm, Russian olive, and salt cedar. The Early Detection Rapid Response program, now in its 16th year, addressed 18 high-priority noxious weed species, including newly listed meadow hawkweed.
Investments in operational sustainability also advanced. New solar installations, EV charging stations, and energy-efficient LED lighting at Horsetooth Reservoir’s South Bay support long-term stewardship goals, complementing landscapes that provide an estimated $94 million in annual ecological services to the community.
Connections that hold
Improving recreation access and delivering on promises
Providing access to nature remained a core priority, with continued progress toward expanding opportunities for recreation across the county.
The Bay to Bay Trail at Horsetooth Reservoir opened in May, creating a 1.8-mile connection between Inlet Bay and South Bay.
Work also advanced on the final segment of the Poudre River Trail, bringing a 40-year regional vision closer to completion of its 45-mile corridor.
Access initiatives continued through community-focused programs.
The Discover Pack program recorded 783 checkouts, while 22 donated permits connected nonprofits and schools to county open spaces.
Through the Small Grants for Community Partnering program, $30,863 supported eight organizations working to expand access to nature.
Visitor feedback continued to inform the collective work.
The final ‘Rate Your Day’ visitor feedback results from a three-year pilot showed an average rating of 4.3 out of 5.0, with 83% of respondents satisfied and 90% reporting they felt safe and welcome.
Source: Larimer County Department of Natural Resources · Rate Your Day Pilot Program (2022–2024)
Systems that support the work
The infrastructure behind steady momentum
Reliable infrastructure supports the delivery of services across all areas of the department’s work. In 2025, the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) paving project advanced at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir, with revenue-impacting improvements prioritized first across parking areas, campgrounds, and access roads.
Operational systems were also strengthened. Upgrades to the T2 platform improved data processing and field enforcement capabilities. Starlink installations expanded connectivity in remote areas, addressing long-standing communication gaps and improving day-to-day operations.
[PLACEHOLDER: ANS decon station upgrades — number of stations, locations, and significance to resource protection.]
When steady work is recognized
Recognition reflects consistent effort, professional expertise, and a commitment to high standards across the organization. In 2025, these efforts were acknowledged at the local, state, and national levels.
-
Canyon Edge Open Space
Canyon Edge Open Space received the 2025 Starburst Award from the Colorado Lottery for excellence in conservation projects supported by Lottery funding.
-
Bay to Bay Trail - Trails Team
The Bay to Bay Trail at Horsetooth Reservoir earned the Golden McLeod Award at the Colorado Trails Symposium, recognizing innovation in trail design and construction.
-
Senior Ranger Travis Bernstein
Senior Ranger Travis Bernstein was named Colorado Boating Officer of the Year and Western Region Boating Officer of the Year by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
-
Text2Park Team
Text2Park received the Larimer County Innovation Award for improving visitor access to parking and entrance fee payment.
-
Aubrey Hilte, Quin Bonow, and Emma Bohrer
Aubrey Hilte, Quin Bonow, and Emma Bohrer received Lifesaving Awards from both the Rocky Mountain Ranger Association and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.
-
Lt. Stephen Gibson
Lieutenant Stephen Gibson received a Meritorious Service Award from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.
-
Will Talbott
Will Talbott was honored with the Rocky Mountain Ranger Association Distinguished Service Award.