Fonay family partners with Larimer County to conserve 800-acre ranch adjacent to Red Mountain Open Space

 In partnership with local landowner Gary Fonay, Larimer County Natural Resources has conserved an 800-acre ranch via conservation easement in northern Larimer County. The conservation easement acquisition is made possible due to a generous donation from the Fonay family. 

The Fonay Ranch boasts high quality, intact native foothills grassland, shrubland and ponderosa pine woodlands, rimrock outcroppings, and protects key wildlife habitat west and adjacent to Red Mountain Open Space. 

The Fonay family purchased the property in tracts beginning in 2023. Gary Fonay when asked about the conservation easement said, “Conservation is important to our family.  It was great to work with Larimer County to preserve this special property, protecting important wildlife habitat forever.”

“It’s been an honor to work with the Fonay family to ensure this property will remain as a key wildlife and habitat buffer to Red Mountain Open Space, their generous donation of the conservation easement is a tremendous gift to the community,” said Meegan Flenniken, Land Conservation, Planning & Resource Division Manager, Larimer County Natural Resources. “We sincerely thank them for partnering with us.”

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 57,000 acres of land within its boundaries have been conserved. For more information, visit larimer.gov/naturalresources.