Investing Back
Highlights from 2021
Proactive infrastructure improvements, conservation efforts, and balancing financial resources to meet growth and demand were significant efforts in 2021.
When visitors pay a fee to visit a Larimer County park or open space, the money collected goes to support management of and improvements on the properties.
Each of these highlighted projects are investments that provide benefit to the community and visitors alike.
Sky View Campground
Construction of Sky View Campground was completed at Carter Lake.
In partnership with Great Outdoors Colorado, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Friends of Larimer County, this campground is a first of its kind at the reservoir parks. Sky View Campground caters to groups, RVs, and tent campers alike. Larger groups will be able to camp together more easily and enjoy modern amenities and accessible infrastructure near Carter Lake.
Camper Cabins At Horsetooth Reservoir
Raising the Standard
New camper cabins at Horsetooth Reservoir were built from the ground up, to a new 50-year life standard. Five camper cabins (one ADA-accessible) were completed with modern accommodations that provide convenient waterfront access, electric lighting, cooling and heat, and a covered front porch.
50-year
life standard
5
camper cabins
1
ADA-accessible
Aquatic Nuisance Species Stations
Construction of five new Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection stations at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir were completed.
The new ANS structures add necessary protection out of the elements for staff and inspection efficiency for visitors, both welcomed improvements. More boats were decontaminated at these stations in 2021 than ever before, with 20 mussel-infected boats intercepted in 2021 – a new record for the Department.
Land conservation efforts gained momentum and significant investment in 2021.
Dixon Station
LCDNR partnered with Colorado Open Lands, a non-profit land trust, to conserve the 73-acre Dixon Station property, north of Wellington.
Located within the Buckeye Priority Area of LCDNR’s Open Lands Master Plan, this conservation easement conserves prime farmland (and associated water rights) and scenic viewsheds.
Dakota Ridge
LCDNR also contributed to an important land conservation project in the foothills west of Loveland. This property, Dakota Ridge, is one of the last of its size in the foothills directly west of Loveland. It will provide future trail access and protects a prominent backdrop to the city.
245-acre
Dakota Ridge property purchased for conservation
$850,000
grant from Great Outdoors Colorado + a private donation
$316,000
contribution from LCDNR
Rockin’ K Diamond Ranch
Finally, at the close of 2021, in partnership with local landowners John and Kim Lankford Banker, LCDNR conserved the 272-acre Rockin’ K Diamond Ranch via conservation easement in southern Larimer County.
The conservation easement is in Larimer County’s Blue Mountain Conservation Priority Area and was made possible due to a full donation from the Banker family – a most generous gift that ensures the ranch will be protected into perpetuity.