2016 Annual Report Highlights Successes in Conservation, Recreation

Larimer County Dept. of Natural Resources has released its 2016 Annual Report, a reporting commitment to Larimer County citizens through the Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax.

The 12-page report features successes in conservation and recreation across Larimer County last year. Highlights from the report are featured in the following areas:

Conservation: The Department of Natural Resources acquired a 211- acre farm southwest of Berthoud and its water rights, worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to save Colorado’s State Fish and curbed the spread of a new “List A” noxious weed called hairy willow-herb. The department also reports on crop yields and livestock on its open spaces, thanks to ongoing programs that support farming and ranching.

Recreation: The Department of Natural Resources opened a visitor information center at Horsetooth Reservoir, launched a trails app called NoCo Trail Report with the City of Fort Collins, built and enhanced trails, remodeled the Devil’s Backbone and Soderberg trailheads, and partnered with UCHealth and Poudre Fire Authority to staff ranger boats with medical personnel.

Education, Volunteers & Outreach: In 2016, more than 7,200 people participated in 150 activities, including guided hikes, school field trips, community events and more, and 342 volunteers donated 25,396 hours to the Department of Natural Resources. Activities last year celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax, including a new open spaces passport program.

Collaborations: Working across the entire county, the Department of Natural Resources supported its partners’ projects, which included providing $250,000 to the City of Loveland to purchase a 77-acre farm and agreeing to hold conservation easements on several properties along the Cache la Poudre River. Plus, the department profiles the Estes Valley Community Garden, an award recipient of its Small Grants program.

To view the report visit www.larimer.org/naturalresources/plans.htm, or get a copy at 1800 S. County Road 31 in Loveland.

Photo credit: ©2015 Claire Hamilton

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