The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources began in 1954 with a partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to operate and manage recreation at its reservoir parks, including Horsetooth, Carter Lake, Pinewood and Flatiron reservoirs.
Over the years, Larimer County has acquired and conserved a vast network of public and private lands. The community’s love of the outdoors has played a vital role in this growth. In 1995 (and with extensions in 1999 and 2014), the citizens of Larimer County voted overwhelmingly to support a ¼ cent sales and use tax through 2043 to conserve and maintain open spaces, rivers, wildlife habitat, parks, and trails.
Today, Larimer County offers thirteen properties for recreational access and enjoyment and has conserved over 56,000 acres of land within its boundaries.
Our dedicated team consists of nearly sixty full-time and over 100 temporary staff members working to connect people, nature and place in Larimer County. The department includes a Land Conservation, Planning, and Resources Development Division, a Visitor Services Division, and a Financial Services & Administration Division. In addition, the department houses a Public Engagement team that provides a wide spectrum of educational programs, volunteer services, and public communications.
Our guiding path, COMPASS, is a five-year strategic plan that acts as a touchstone for the future of Larimer County Department of Natural Resources' collective work. COMPASS provides strategic priorities, goals, and actions buoyed by a new mission, vision, and set of values.
Our Mission: We connect people, nature, and place. (Watch a 5 min video bringing our mission to life)
Our Vision: Healthy Landscapes, Healthy People
Our Values:
- Pursue Excellence
- Act with Integrity, Trust, & Respect
- Focus on Collective Good
- Commit to Staff Well-being
- Demonstrate Courageous Leadership
