Parks and Open Lands - Larimer County purchasing land for parks and open space.

PARKS AND OPEN LANDS

Why A Partnership?

On June 11, 2004, Larimer County formed a partnership with Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) in order to achieve the joint goal of acquiring Chimney Hollow land located just west of Carter lake in northern Colorado. Since NCWCD desired the property for the new reservoir and Larimer county already owns the development rights to adjoining properties in the area for its Parks and Open Lands programs, the partnership made a good deal of sense.

What Is It For

NCWCD is currently in the process of purchasing some 1,400 acres of the Chimney Hollow property for the new reservoir (Windy Gap Firming Project) while Larimer County is purchasing the remaining adjoining land to the south and west for use as public park and open land space. Larimer County has visions for some 10 to 12 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horse aficionados. There is also anticipation for public restrooms, parking facilities, a boat ramp, picnic sites and kiosks that will be available to the public for day use.

There's More?

The Larimer County property will adjoin the Blue Mountain Bison Ranch, as well. The Blue Mountain Bison Ranch is a private, family owned and operated ranch. Larimer County acquired 4,100 acres of Blue Mountain Bison Ranch in 1999 through a conservation easement purchase.

What Is A Conservation Easement?

Conservation easements are customized and tailored to suit each individual landowner, so they are a bit conceptual by definition. Basically, though, you sell off the development rights or portions of development rights to your property if you are involved in one of these transactions. As a landowner, you do not relinquish actual ownership of the territory, but the county would have a BIG say in what can be built, placed or erected on that soil because they would own the rights to its development. The mission of Parks and Open Lands is to protect and preserve the terrain in its most natural state. So, you won't be putting the next Wal-Mart in there any time soon.

How Might This Affect Me As A Homeowner?

As an Elk Run Estates homeowner, you will be adjacent to land that will be protected by the county. It will remain natural and undeveloped except for use as parks and open spaces for years and years and years to come. A day at the lake, a tree-shaded family picnic, or a warm and breezy afternoon ride on your bicycle will be literally over the hill from you.

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