Larimer County Natural Resources launches "Shared Ground," a public engagement campaign to protect local trails, ecological health, and wildlife
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) today announced the launch of ‘Shared Ground’, a community awareness initiative inspiring hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and nature lovers to protect local public lands by pledging to commit to designated, sustainable trails.
As outdoor recreation continues to thrive across the Front Range, the rapid emergence of undesignated trails poses a growing threat to Larimer County’s ecosystems. Undesignated trails destroy wildlife corridors, accelerate soil erosion, threaten local drinking water supply, and bypass the community planning process that keeps public lands accessible and equitable for all users.
"True trail stewardship means building together, not building in secret," said Korrie Johnston, Communications & Public Engagement Supervisor. "Unauthorized trails cause damage to our shared lands. We’re asking the community to work with us—respect the environment, respect each other, and help us protect the places we all love."
The public awareness campaign will highlight the real, hidden impacts of off-trail activity through engaging multi-media content and county trailhead outreach.
How the Community Can Get Involved
- Larimer County invites all trail users to join the effort by taking immediate action:
- Visit the new campaign webpage to take the "Shared Ground" Pledge and commit to staying on designated trails to protect our shared landscapes.
- Stick to designated routes by regularly using authorized, published maps such as the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app or official trailheads to verify legitimate routes.
- Engage with volunteers to pledge your support at Larimer County outreach tables stationed at the county's busiest trailheads this August and September.
- Volunteer at future trail maintenance days or litter clean-up efforts on National Public Lands Day on September 26.
- Participate in shaping the future of parks, open spaces, and trails through master planning efforts anticipated to begin in early 2027.
Official authorized trails on public lands are designed with science-based data, community input, and technical expertise to serve the widest spectrum of uses while protecting natural resources.
To take the pledge and view resources, visit larimer.gov/naturalresources/shared-ground
