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Open Lands Program Overview
In November
of 1995 the citizens of Larimer County voted overwhelmingly to support
a quarter-cent sales and use tax to protect open space, natural areas,
wildlife habitat, regional parks and trails. This initiative represented
a grass-roots effort by a group of concerned citizens who joined together
to form the Help Preserve Open Spaces Initiative. The Open Lands Program
has wasted no time in its land-preservation effort. After preserving some
critical land in the Fort Collins Loveland Corridor, the board prepared
a strategic plan to guide future acquisitions. Among the priorities are
establishment of a regional park in the southern foothills of the county,
protection of land near Fossil Creek Reservoir, addition to existing regional
parks as well as numerous trails.
The Open Lands Program is located within the County's Parks and Open Lands Department. A citizen advisory board made up of 12 members makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners about the workings of the Open Lands program. The Open Lands Advisory Board meets the 4th Thursday of each month to discuss projects, possible land acquisitions and their value to the open lands program. These meetings are open to the public.