Larimer County acquires two additions to Red-tail Ridge Open Space in southern Larimer County

LOVELAND – In partnership with two local landowners, Larimer County Natural Resources has conserved two land additions totaling 266 acres at Red-tail Ridge Open Space, located on the Larimer-Boulder County line.  

Located within the Larimer County Open Lands Master Plans’ Little Thompson River and Blue Mountain conservation priority areas, the additions protect the viewshed west of Berthoud, provide a buffer to existing conserved land and protect diverse wildlife habitats. 

The first acquisition, completed in 2025, includes a 196-acre parcel owned by Arrowhead Properties.  The property includes a low hogback ridge, rolling shrubland and grasslands, streams with large cottonwood trees, and mapped rare plant communities. In addition to the county’s Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax dollars, financial support came from the City of Loveland, the Town of Berthoud and a private individual donor.

The second acquisition closed in early April 2026 with the Parrish Ranch Conservation Partnership and includes a 70-acre narrow strip of land located between the original purchase of Red-tail Ridge Open Space completed in 2000 and the Arrowhead Properties parcel. The property was acquired in partnership with Boulder County, and Larimer County will own and manage this parcel as part of the future open space, creating a seamless landscape connection.  

“This region of Larimer County boasts some of the most ecologically rich, intact and resilient lands, and conserving these parcels to buffer and expand Red-tail Ridge Open Space has been a long-standing goal,” noted Daylan Figgs, Director, Larimer County Natural Resources.

For more information, please visit larimer.gov/naturalresources/openlands/acquisitions

About Larimer County Department of Natural Resources
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources' mission is to connect people, nature, and place.  Since 1954, Larimer County has acquired and conserved a vast network of public and private lands. Today, thirteen public properties are available for recreational access and enjoyment, and over 64,300 acres of land within its boundaries have been conserved. For more information, visit larimer.gov/naturalresources