Larimer County Department of Natural Resources works to conserve significant open space, natural areas and wildlife habitat and develop parks and trails for present and future generations. These open lands provide opportunities for leisure, human renewal and protection of our natural and cultural resources.
In 1995 (and with extensions in 1999 and 2014), the citizens of Larimer County voted overwhelmingly to support a 1/4-cent sales and use tax to conserve and maintain open spaces, natural areas, rivers, wildlife habitat, parks and trails. This effort began with a grass-roots effort by a group of concerned citizens who joined together to form the Help Preserve Open Spaces Initiative. Since the initial passage of the tax, Larimer County has successfully conserved over 55,000 acres of land throughout the county. These lands protect significant natural resources, as well as provide valuable scenic and recreational opportunities for the citizens of Larimer County. The 2014 renewal of the existing Help Preserve Open Spaces tax is through the year 2043.
A citizen advisory board made up of 12 members makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners about Larimer County's efforts to conserve open lands. The Open Lands Advisory Board meets the fourth Thursday of each month to discuss projects and possible land acquisitions and their uses and values to the citizens of Larimer County. These meetings are open to the public.
