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Q4 2025 Board Report

Q4 2025 Board Report (3.19 MB)

30 and Thriving: Celebrating 30 years of open space in Larimer County

In November 2025, the Department of Natural Resources launched 30 and Thriving, a public awareness campaign celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax. The campaign highlights three decades of conservation success and community impact by exploring the stories behind beloved places and profiling the people who helped shape Larimer County’s open lands program. Through an interactive website, community profiles, and a 'Notes to Nature' storytelling collection, the campaign invites the public to engage in this milestone celebration. 30 and Thriving runs through April 2026 and can be visited at larimerdnr-30andthriving.org

Banner year for land conservation

The Department of Natural Resources conserved 6,569 acres in 2025, marking the second-highest annual total since voters approved the Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax three decades ago. Working with willing landowners and funding partners, the county has now protected 64,232 acres countywide. These acquisitions follow the Open Lands Master Plan's priority conservation areas, focusing on buffering existing protected lands to strengthen landscape and habitat connectivity. The milestone arrives during the 30th anniversary of the HPOS program, which first achieved its highest single-year conservation total in 2004 with 15,400 acres protected. Each acquisition represents collaboration between landowners who choose to conserve their properties and community investment in preserving the agricultural heritage and natural character that define Larimer County.

Laramie Foothills conservation footprint expands

In late fall 2025, the Department of Natural Resources completed two conservation easements on large ranches in northern Larimer County. Both ranches are in the Laramie Foothills, an area identified as a priority for land conservation in the Larimer County Open Lands Master Plan, where significant conservation work has already been completed. The 675-acre Legend Trail Ranch features rolling grasslands, rock outcroppings, and working agricultural lands along U.S. Hwy 287. It buffers two sides of other privately owned conservation easements, creating a connected landscape of protected lands. The expansive 800-acre Rim Rock Ranch protects diverse wildlife habitat and buffers the west side of Red Mountain Open Space. Both conservation easements were made possible by the generous donation of the easements by the landowners. Larimer County is honored to work with landowners like these to ensure protection of lands that support wildlife habitat, keep important viewsheds intact, and create landscape connectivity.

Bay to Bay Trail at Horsetooth Reservoir wins Golden McLeod Award

The Bay to Bay Trail at Horsetooth Reservoir has earned the Golden McLeod Award at the Colorado Trails Symposium, which recognizes trail projects that showcase ingenuity in construction and maintenance. Department of Natural Resources' professional trail staff, working alongside community volunteers, built a sustainable 1.8-mile trail that connects to a larger trail system west of the reservoir. The team navigated challenging terrain while protecting sensitive plant communities and minimizing visual impacts through thoughtful design and construction methods. Great Outdoors Colorado and the Bureau of Reclamation made this project possible through their funding support—we're grateful for their investment in expanding outdoor access for Larimer County residents.

Canyon Edge Open Space sees significant restoration progress

Since acquiring Canyon Edge Open Space, the Department of Natural Resources has focused on ecological restoration to return the property to a healthier natural state. Staff completed removal of multiple buildings, extensive fencing, and several roads this winter—a significant milestone in preparing the site for its conservation purpose. The team has also coordinated forest health treatments, mapped wetlands and wildlife populations, and implemented large-scale invasive species control. These foundational efforts support early planning for future public access to the property. In coming years, staff will continue restoration work while developing infrastructure concepts including a highway turn lane from U.S. Hwy 34 and preliminary trail designs. Additional ecological and cultural resource surveys will inform thoughtful access planning that balances public recreation with protecting the site's natural and historical values.

Keeping our open spaces non-native tree free

This fall/winter Department of Natural Resources Land Stewardship staff continued the long, arduous process of removing non-native, state-listed noxious tree species from county open spaces. Removing invasive tree species such as Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), Russian olive (Elaeangus angustifola), crack willow (Salix fragilis), and salt cedar (Tamarix spp.) is a critical component of ecological restoration. These species, which have been introduced for ornamental purposes, wind breaks, and erosion control, outcompete native vegetation, disrupt local ecosystems and put stress on already limited water resources.  Ongoing invasive tree removals, including adaptive management as new seedlings may establish, will continue to occur system-wide during the winter months, as well as at newly acquired properties.

Simplified regulations improve visitor experience

The Department of Natural Resources redesigned its regulations brochure and webpage to improve accessibility and help visitors comply with the rules. The streamlined format translates complex regulatory language into clear, easy-to-navigate content so visitors understand what's allowed before they arrive. Updates include clarified swimming guidelines, life jacket requirements for children on all watercraft (including paddleboards), and confirmation that ice fishing remains prohibited at county reservoirs. The brochure also standardizes enforcement language and penalty structures while incorporating Colorado Parks and Wildlife's aquatic nuisance species inspection requirements and updated speed restrictions in wakeless zones. These changes help rangers and visitors interact more positively by making it easier for people to follow the rules voluntarily—most visitors want to enjoy county properties responsibly and appreciate having straightforward information in both print and digital formats.

Financial Summary

The Department of Natural Resources has five primary revenue sources including Colorado Lottery proceeds, the Help Preserve Open Spaces Sales Tax, user fees on open spaces, and reservoir parks, and the Weed District property tax. 
YTD through 12/31/25 financial comparison for 2024 vs 2025 as of 2/10/26 (preliminary and unaudited).

Open Spaces

 20242025% Change
Revenue   
Help Preserve Open Space Tax 11,820,726  11,068,892  
User Fees Revenue 1,498,332  1,557,730  
Service Charges Revenue 168,567  167,002  
Miscellaneous Revenue 8,940  14,251  
Interest Revenue 1,411,253  1,316,922  
Grants/Partnerships 1,845,002  12,459,679  
Livermore Conservation Project, Donated CE's (Legend Trail Ranch, Rim Rock Ranch), Fiduciary for Phemister Trail CSU grant, etc
Total 16,752,821  26,584,475 59%
Expense   
Personnel Expenses 2,066,957  2,036,109  
Operating Expenses 3,638,443  4,612,213  
Total 5,705,400  6,648,322 17%
Countywide Indirects 227,427  202,615 -11%
Acquisitions/Projects 855,749  22,205,548  
Redtail, Livermore, HP Shop, Poudre River Trail, Legend Trail Ranch donated CE, Rim Rock Ranch donated CE, etc

Conservation Trust - Lottery

 20242025% Change
Revenue 1,045,412  1,058,783 1%

Reservoir Parks

 20242025% Change
Revenue   
User Fees Revenue  4,549,643  4,228,135  
Service Charges Revenue 421,624  314,172  
Grants/Partnerships 917,353  792,623  
General Fund 134,081 67,000 
Miscellaneous Revenue 4,842  66,973  
Total 6,027,543  5,468,903 -9%
Expense   
Personnel Expenses 5,616,799  5,813,825  
Operating Expenses 167,338  129,802  
Total 5,784,137  5,943,628 3%
Countywide Indirects 621,496  629,709 1%
Projects 443,087  1,180,336  
Federal Land Access Project (FLAP), ANS Shelters, etc.

County Weed District and Enterprise

 20242025% Change
Revenue   
Property Taxes 1,087,403  1,071,934  
Service Charges Revenue 726,240  713,770  
General Fund 105,149  108,000  
Miscellaneous Revenue-    1,472  
Total 1,918,792  1,895,176 -1%
Significant Donation/Other Revenue   
Sale of Mulberry Building516,474  
Expense   
Personnel Expenses 697,790  746,628  
Operating Expenses 827,834  786,405  
Total 1,525,623  1,533,034 0%
Countywide Indirects 39,422 -    
Indirect Exemption for 2025

 

Q3 2025 Board Report

DNR Quarter 3 Board Report 2025 (9.36 MB)

Canyon Edge Open Space earns Starburst Award for conservation impact

Larimer County, in partnership with the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, received the 2025 Starburst Award from the Colorado Lottery for the acquisition of Canyon Edge Open Space. The award, presented in August to the Board of County Commissioners, recognizes exemplary projects funded through Lottery proceeds. Acquired in November 2022 for $9 million, the 1,500-acre property was under immediate threat of development. Swift coordination and a $1.5 million Centennial Program Grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) helped secure the land’s protection. Located within the Blue Mountain Land Conservation Priority Area and near the Big Thompson River and Buckhorn/Redstone priority areas, Canyon Edge plays a key role in regional landscape connectivity, habitat conservation, and future public access. The award highlights the power of partnerships in protecting irreplaceable natural resources and reinforces the long-term community benefits of proactive land conservation.

Honoring a legacy through preparedness and collaboration

On August 20, the five-year anniversary of Ranger Brendan Unitt’s passing was marked with the annual Brendan Unitt Boat Rescue Training Day at Horsetooth Reservoir.  The event honors Brendan’s legacy while preparing rangers and partner agencies for real-world water emergencies. This year’s training was the largest yet, with boats and personnel from Carter Lake, Horsetooth, Boyd Lake, Chatfield, Cherry Creek, and Longmont, along with Fort Collins Natural Areas rangers, seasonal Big Thompson District rangers, Larimer County staff, and Emergency Services medics.  Ten scenarios were run during the day, supported by 15–20 role players and six private boats to simulate realistic emergencies. Inlet Bay Marina generously donated two personal watercraft rentals, while Sam’s Club of Fort Collins contributed a $150 gift card to provide meals and hydration for participants. The training reflects a continued commitment to preparedness, collaboration, and honoring Brendan’s legacy by ensuring first responders are ready for critical moments.

Efforts underway to enhance operations and reduce costs

In Q3, the Business Services Division implemented key operational upgrades to improve financial accuracy, reduce staff time, and support department-wide consistency. Permit revenue reconciliation was automated, cutting daily processing time from two hours to just ten minutes and eliminating manual entry. The department also transitioned to a unified credit card processor, MSB, aligning with county-wide standards and enabling expanded online payment options. A Fleet Liaison transition is underway, with division managers now engaged in reviewing workflows and finalizing 2026 vehicle replacement plans. The FY2026 budget was submitted on schedule, with post-approval plans to enhance reporting clarity through simplified account coding and regular check-ins. Work also began on a centralized Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) library and the development of process maps to support training, cross-coverage and audit readiness. These efforts lay the groundwork for more transparent, sustainable, and resilient operations across the department.

Early Detection Rapid Response targets high-priority noxious weeds

In 2009, Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR), in partnership with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, launched the Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) program to eradicate emerging noxious weeds threatening the local economy and environment. Now in its sixteenth year, the program continues to provide significant benefits to the county and its residents.
During this summer, staff mapped and addressed, through management or landowner contact, all known land parcels with eighteen high-priority noxious weed species. To prioritize sites for treatment, staff considered multiple factors, including landowner permission, total acres infested, and biological characteristics such as seed viability in the soil and plant reproduction strategies. On parcels with high-priority weeds where LCDNR crews cannot provide on-the-ground management due to limited resources, staff inspectors verify that the responsible landowner is managing these noxious weeds independently. Ongoing monitoring and early intervention remain essential tools in preventing the spread of invasive species across Larimer County.

Federal Lands Access Project gains speed at reservoirs

Parking area paving and access improvements at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir ramped up this summer, with revenue-impacting portions on track to finish by the end of 2025. Led by Central Federal Lands in coordination with the project contractor, the accelerated timeline minimizes disruptions during peak recreation months. At Carter Lake, active construction is underway at the new Quarry lot, North Pines, Eagle Campground, Big Thompson Day Use Area, and along County Road 31. At Horsetooth Reservoir, paving is progressing at South Bay, Inlet Bay, and along West County Road 38E. Looking ahead, finishing work will continue into 2026, with a new turn lane into South Bay at Horsetooth Reservoir scheduled for completion by Memorial Day. Advancing the schedule not only saves  both dollars and resources but also helps ensure safer, smoother access for visitors during Larimer County’s busiest outdoor season.

Financial Summary

Larimer County Natural Resources Department has five primary revenue sources including Colorado Lottery proceeds, the Help Preserve Open Spaces Sales Tax, user fees on open spaces, user fees on reservoir parks, and the weed district property tax. Below are the July 1 through September 30 revenue summaries and operating expenses as compared to the same period the previous year.

Open Spaces

 20242025% Change
Revenue   
Help Preserve Open Space Tax6,583,604 6,846,467 
User Fees Revenue1,202,684 1,258,657 
Service Charges Revenue137,162 118,984 
Miscellaneous Revenue6,435 103,920 
Interest Revenue923,225 782,984 
Total8,853,110 9,111,0123%
Grants/Partnerships163,876 6,158,059 
$2Mil from GOCO, $3Mil from City of FC Livermore Conservation
Expense   
Personnel Expenses1,468,024 1,430,969 
Operating Expenses2,493,537 2,439,141 
Total3,961,562 3,870,110-2%
Countywide Indirects171,593 155,130-10%
Acquisitions/Projects101,620 16,586,654 
Redtail, Livermore, HP Shop, Etc

Conservation Trust - Lottery

 20242025% Change
Revenue764,081 743,891-3%

Reservoir Parks

 20242025% Change
Revenue   
User Fees Revenue4,384,547 4,371,317 
Service Charges Revenue269,186 226,943 
General Fund100,561 67,000 
Miscellaneous Revenue68,317 68,976 
Total4,822,611 4,734,236-2%
Grants/Partnerships145,413 235,249 
Expense   
Personnel Expenses4,073,817 4,321,592 
Operating Expenses321,391 296,003 
Total4,395,209 4,617,5955%
Countywide Indirects477,104 491,9403%
Projects232,847 279,181  

County Weed District and Enterprise

 20242025% Change
Revenue   
Property Taxes1,063,355 1,049,275 
Service Charges Revenue259,446 247,355 
General Fund78,862 108,000 
Miscellaneous Revenue-   -    
Total1,401,663 1,404,6300%
Significant Donation/Other Revenue   
Sale of Mulberry Building516,474  
Expense   
Personnel Expenses516,537 550,237 
Operating Expenses574,600 569,783 
Total1,091,137 1,120,0203%
Countywide Indirects30,318 -   -100%
Indirect Exemption for 2025

PDF Board Report Downloads

 

DNR Quarter 2 Board Report 2025 Apr May June (2.08 MB)

DNR Quarter 1 Board Report 2025 Jan Feb March (2.42 MB)

Chimney Hollow Open Space Adaptive Management Plan moves forward

After nearly a year-long public process, the adaptive management plan for Chimney Hollow Open Space is complete, and this plan will guide the initial capital development and ongoing management of this open space. Public access amenities will include parking and trailhead areas, a boat ramp, 10-12 miles of naturalsurface trail, and accessible day-use facilities. Construction starts in 2025 and continues through an anticipated grand opening date in 2027. Ongoing ecological improvement activities will consist of vegetation management, restoration, and ongoing monitoring. Together, these ecological practices and the addition of nature-based public access are intended to provide a quality outdoor experience for generations of visitors. The public process included input from community stakeholders, citizen advisory board members, and the general public. The resulting plan supports DNR’s objectives to maintain high natural resource values while providing appropriate public access. To read the finalized plan, please visit https://larimer.gov/naturalresources/plans-reports-advisory-boards.

On-time, under-budget capital projects improve visitor experience and much more

In 2024, the Department made large strides in creating safer experiences, visitor amenities, and financial sustainability through the completion of seven capital projects. These projects included building a new maintenance shop and installing a wastewater treatment system at Hermit Park Open Space; adding an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection building, an ANS decontamination station, and a flush toilet at Horsetooth Reservoir; installing shoreline protections for the Horsetooth Area Information Center; and upgrading four RV dump stations system-wide. These projects were all completed on time and under budget with high quality outcomes ensuring greater efficiencies and improvements for visitors.

Rate Your Day 2024: Results are in

The Department of Natural Resources is pleased to report that respondents to our 2024 Rate Your Day visitor satisfaction survey gave an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars (a “satisfied” rating). Key findings revealed: • 52% of total respondents gave a 5-star rating. • 79% of total respondents gave a “satisfied” or “very satisfied” rating (4 or 5-stars). • 87% of total respondents reported feeling safe and welcome. • 78% of total respondents provided comments about their visit. A total of 1,112 respondents participated in the survey facilitated through a QR code on posters, flyers, social media, and signage at trailheads, campgrounds, visitor centers and email. Launched in 2023, “Rate Your Day” is conducted to get a self-reported measure of visitor satisfaction and identify areas for continuous improvement. A third cycle of “Rate Your Day” will occur in 2025.

Text-2-Park pay system launches

Larimer County launched its new Text-2-Park parking payment system in late October and is progressively rolling out signage to all paid parking areas. This program offers visitors another option to purchase day passes for their vehicles via a unique QR or text code. Text2-Park purchases of passes will link to the visitor’s vehicle license plate, enabling staff to verify them in real-time using an enforcement application. The program complements Larimer County’s existing payment options, helping to decrease wait times at pay stations and fulfilling a crucial payment collection need when pay stations are down or gatehouses are closed. The initial implementation of the program cost Larimer County approximately $2,000 and has so far brought in over $15,000 in revenue.

A more sustainable RV dump station

This quarter, LCDNR staff were able to complete a programmatic shift in the way we provide RV dump services to the public. In the past, RV dump stations were free of charge and were being used by the general public, not just visitors to county open spaces and parks. We were able to partner with a company to deploy their latest technology to both automate and charge a fee for dump station use. Consequently, the new solar powered RV dump system and fee will help the Department ensure long-term financial sustainability with maintenance and replacement costs to continue to provide this service. In the first few weeks following installation, these units are working successfully and cost recovery has been right on target.

Hello to same-day camping reservations

To gain further efficiencies and aid the public in securing campsites year-round, Larimer County Natural Resources moved to a same-day camping reservation window. Previously, same-day reservations were only available during the off season, or winter months, when staffing reductions made paying for walk-in camping difficult. Campers wanting to camp during the peak season could make reservations up to one day in advance, but had to either visit one of the county buildings during open hours or fill out a temporary card and pay an invoice sent at a later time for day-of campsite availability. Campers can now use a QR code located at each individual campsite, or follow a link directly to the reservation page to reserve their campsite. This means more time to relax and enjoy all that Larimer County’s campgrounds have to offer.

A successful grant year brings in $2.7 million in critical funds

In 2024, the Department of Natural Resources secured six grants totaling $2.7 million, supporting land acquisition, capital construction, native wildlife habitat enhancement, and trail maintenance projects across the department. Grant funders include Great Outdoors Colorado, the Bureau of Reclamation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The grants provided critical funds to support the acquisition of Canyon Edge Open Space, parking area improvements at Horsetooth and Carter Lake reservoirs, the hiring of temporary trail management staff to address trail maintenance needs following severe rain events of 2023 and locating and monitoring List A and List B invasive weeds throughout the county. 

Conservation easements play winning role in stewardship excellence

Conservation easements (CEs) are an invaluable tool in Larimer County Natural Resources efforts to conserve land and protect ecological, scenic, agricultural, and recreational values in Larimer County. By partnering with private landowners and agency partners to restrict development and promote these values, Larimer County has conserved over 21,000 acres in CEs that provide buffers to other protected lands. Since CEs protect land that is typically in private ownership, these ecological and community values can be protected at a relatively low ongoing cost to DNR when compared to land that the county owns in fee-title. Through a certification from the State of Colorado, DNR annually monitors and ensures that the conservation values on each of the over 50 easements we hold are maintained. In 2024, all CEs were monitored, and no new issues or violations were identified. Fortunately, this is a typical outcome from the monitoring season which is a testament to DNR’s partnership with dedicated landowners and a commitment to excellent stewardship.

Financial Summary

Larimer County Department of Natural Resources has five primary revenue sources including Colorado Lottery proceeds, the Help Preserve Open Space Sales Tax, user fees on open spaces, user fees on reservoir parks, and the weed district property tax. Below is the preliminary financial comparison* (2023 vs 2024), including revenue summaries and operating expenses.

Open Spaces


Revenue 

Help Preserve Open Space Tax

2023:
$11,650,660
2024:
$10,653,033

User Fees Revenue 

2023:
$1,597,697
2024:
$1,498,332

Service Charges Revenue
2023:
 $166,938
2024:
 $170,221

Miscellaneous Revenue
2023: $53,050
2024: $12,440

Grants/Partnerships
2023: $331,680
2024: $1,804,786

Interest Revenue
2023: $1,093,848
2024: $1,398,010
Total:
2023: $14,893,873
2024: $15,536,823

4% increase

Expense 

Personnel Expenses
2023: $2,302,465
2024:  2,060,774

Operating Expenses
2023: $4,036,972
2024: $3,378,332

Total 
2023: $6,339,437
2024:  $5,439,107

-14% decrease

Countywide Indirects

2023: $7,935
2024: $227,427

Acquisitions/Projects

2023: $359,793
2024: $1,069,088

Land Stewardship Building 

2023: $418,000

Conservation Trust - Lottery

Revenue Conservation Trust/Lottery 

2023: $1,117,989
2024: $1,045,412

-6% change

Reservoir Parks

Revenue

User Fees Revenue 
2023: $4,715,656
2024: $4,549,643

Service Charges Revenue
2023: $282,491
2024: $421,784 

Grants/Partnerships
2023:  $334,287
2024:  $373,749

General Fund
2023: $198,146
2024: $134,081

Miscellaneous Revenue
2023: $64,671
2024: -

Total:
2023: $5,595,250

2024: $5,479,257

-2% decrease

Expense Personnel Expenses

2023: $5,350,889
2024: $5,614,021

Operating Expenses
2023: $146,644
2024: $35,885

 Total 
2023: $5,497,533
2024: $5,649,906

 3% decrease

Countywide Indirects
2023: $247,468
2024: $621,496

151% increase

Projects
2023: $106,491
2024: $606,755

Other

2023: $154,000

 

County Weed District & Enterprise

Revenue Property Taxes
2023: $895,837
2024: $1,087,403

Service Charges Revenue
2023: $414,298
2024: $470,655

General Fund
2023: $111,795
2024: $105,149

Miscellaneous Revenue
2023: $163,939
2024: $225,585

Total
2023: $1,585,869
2024: $1,888,792

19% increase

Significant Donation/Other Revenue

2024: Sale of Mulberry Building - $516,474
Expense Personnel Expenses
2023: $678,041
2024: $697,790 
Operating Expenses
2023: $813,804
2024: $797,749

Total 
2023: $1,491,845
2024: $1,495,539

-0%

Countywide Indirects
2023: $34,386
2024: $39,422 15%

Capital Expenses Land Stewardship Building
2023: $1,631,980


Annual Reports

The cover of the 2025 annaul report for Larimer County Department of Natural Resources

Master Plans

Stewardship and Management Plans

Other Plans, Reports, Studies

Our Lands Our Future: Recreation and Conservation Choices for Northern Colorado

Agricultural Lands 

Devil's Backbone Visitor Use Study

Understanding Our Visitors: 2017-18 Larimer County Visitor Use Study