Larimer County is proposing to use an existing, dormant quarry site near Pingree Park as a small, temporary gravel quarry to support maintenance of nearby mountain roads.
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What to expect
Seasonal work (typically June–October); not every year
Weekday daytime hours only
Intermittent activity, not continuous
Short-term use tied to road projects
Where is this located?
Near CSU’s Mountain Campus along County Road 44H. Nearby:
Having a local gravel source allows the County to maintain mountain roads without County-wide impacts, reduce maintenance costs, and limit heavy truck traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.
Responsible Stewardship of County Resources & Taxpayer Dollars
Developing a small, local quarry near the roads to be maintained is more economical than hauling aggregate from the County’s Strang Pit or purchasing it from a commercial supplier.
Having small, geographically diverse quarries in western Larimer County extends the life of the Front Range quarry and creates redundancy and flexibility in a critical resource needed to maintain County roads.
Having multiple quarries reduces Larimer County's susceptibility to the future potential cost fluctuation of commercial aggregate supplies.
Larimer County staff and equipment will be used at the site, which makes efficient use of labor and equipment the County has already invested in.
Smoother Driving and Enhanced Road Durability
This Project will help create long-lasting, sustainable roadway surfaces on Pingree Park Rd., Buckhorn Rd. west of the USFS Ranger Station, and Pingree Hill Rd., as well as other roads in the area.
Building an improved all-weather surface creates a more durable road surface, results in smoother driving conditions, reduces the need for frequent spot repairs, and allows for more effective snow removal and dust suppression.
Improved Access
Improved road conditions will provide
Better access for emergency service vehicles (i.e., quicker response times for wildfire and other emergencies)
Reliable access for residents, recreational users, and CSU Mountain Campus staff and visitors
Control of Supply, Cost, and Quality
By controlling aggregate resources, the County ensures the long-term availability of high-quality maintenance materials at strategic locations and stable costs.
Using a local quarries:
Extends the life of the County’s Strang Pit for use along the Front Range.
Reduces the need to haul gravel over 50 miles from the Front Range.
Reduces impacts on Larimer County residents and roadway users by limiting transportation cost, long-haul truck traffic, roadway wear and tear, maintenance costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Improves emergency response resiliency by having materials pre-staged and accessible at numerous locations.
Strategic Use of an Existing Quarry
The proposed site is located on a portion of CSU property that contains a dormant aggregate quarry.
Redeveloping an existing quarry reduces the impact on undisturbed land and allows for proper reclamation of the area.
Aerial view showing the existing dormant quarry, which was never reclaimed
Rendering of aerial view of reclaimed conditions. Note that the quarry sidewalls will be revegetated, and the quarry floor will be reclaimed as a gravel surface for CSU Mountain Campus' future use.
No. Work is limited to seasonal operations. Quarrying operations will not occur every year.
Will operations be constant?
No. Activity will be intermittent based on Project needs and availability of existing Larimer County staff and equipment. No operations will occur between December 1 and April 30th. When operations do occur, it will be during standard weekday business hours.
Why not pave the road?
Many mountain roads are not suitable for paving due to steep mountain grades and high costs. Gravel is the most sustainable surface for nearby roads.
What happens after the quarry project is complete?
The site will be fully reclaimed: walls will be reshaped and seeded with native grasses. The quarry floor will be restored as a usable surface for CSU (outdoor classroom, staging, and storage area).
Will I be able to see or hear it?
The site has been designed to be obscured from view from Pingree Park Rd., CSU Mountain Campus, Stormy Peaks Trail, and the Tom Bennet Campground. Quarrying operations will be audible from these locations, but work will be limited to standard weekday business hours.
What will the environmental impacts be?
No protected species or habitat, riparian areas, or cultural resources would be affected by the Project. Larimer County has designed numerous protection measures into the Project to minimize impacts on the environment. More information about environmental impacts and commitments Larimer County has made to minimize those impacts can be found here.
Is this site located in the Wild & Scenic River Corridor?
Yes, the Project would be located on Colorado State University property within the Wild & Scenic River Corridor. Cache la Poudre Wild & Scenic River Final Management Plan protects the rights of non-federal landowners within the corridor to control land use on their property.
Larimer County understands the importance of the Wild & Scenic nature of the river and has worked closely with the US Forest Service to gather and incorporate their input and design a project that aligns with values in the 1990 Wild & Scenic River Management Plan.
How can I provide input on the Project?
Larimer County will be hosting a Neighborhood Meeting in mid-2026 to gather public input on the Project. Additionally, there will be opportunities for public input during the permitting process. Check back on this page for updates on these public comment opportunities. You can also email us with your questions or feedback at [email protected].
Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Larimer County will provide a reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with a disability who need assistance. Services can be arranged with at least seven business days' notice. Please email us at [email protected] or by calling (970) 498-5650 or Relay Colorado 711. "Walk-in" requests for auxiliary aids and services will be honored to the extent reasonable but may be unavailable if advance notice is not provided.
