HomeMy WebLinkAbout20013336 LARIMER PARKS AND OPEN LANDS DEPARTMENT
COUNTY
1800 South County Road 31
Loveland,CO 80537
(970)679-4570
COMMUTED TO EXCELLENCE (970)679-4574-Fax
November 20, 2001
Dear Donald Warden:
Enclosed is the final draft of the Larimer County Open Lands Master Plan. Per House
Bill 01 S2-1020 which recently passed in special session and is expected to be signed,we
are required to provide a copy of the Master Plan to each municipality in the county, any
municipality within 3 miles of the county line, and adjacent counties. If you would like
additional copies, they are available on our website:
www.co.larimer.co.us/parks/openlands.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Respectfully,
lCGU
Meegan Flenniken
Resource Specialist
nQec
Oj 2001-3336
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LARIMER Parks and Open Lands Department
COUNTY 1800 South County Road 31
Loveland,CO 80537
(970)679-4570
(970)679-4574-Fax
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
October 25, 2001
Dear Interested Citizen:
We are pleased to announce the final draft of Larimer County's Open Lands Master Plan. This docu-
ment maybe obtained at the Larimer County Parks and Open Lands Visitor Center, 1800 S.CR 31
Loveland;Kinkos Copies on Olive Street in Ft.Collins or on our website(www.larimer.org/parks/'openlands).
In 1993 Larimer County developed the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan to provide direction for the
management and upgrade of Larimer County Parks(Horsetooth Reservoir,Carter Lake,Flatiron Reservoir,
and Pinewood Reservoir). These are areas with active(camping,electrical hookups,marinas,motorized
boating activities,etc.)and passive(hiking,biking,fishing,pinicking,horseback riding)outdoor recreational
activities. The 1993 Master Plan also called for an open space system to protect prime resources and in 1995
and 1999,the voters of Larimer County agreed by passing the citizens'initiative for a'/4 percent open space
sales tax. Open Lands include open space areas with passive recreational access,such as Devil's Backbone
Open Space,Ramsay-Shockey Open Space,Fossil Creek Regional Open Space,etc.,and lands with visual
access such as Blue Mountain Bison Ranch Conservation Easement.
This Open Lands Master Plan differs from the 1993 Parks Master Plan in two important ways. First,
the plan focuses on the specific goals and mission of the Open Lands Program adopted in 1996. Sec-
ond, it focuses on priority areas for open space and agriculture protection and regional trail develop-
ment that have been identified through various plans, studies,public input and surveys conducted since
1993. Now that citizens have established the Open Lands Program through passage of the Open Space
Sales Tax, it is important that a master plan be in place to direct this advancing and growing program
into the future.
Following a final public meeting to discuss this document on November 8, it is anticipated that the
Board of County Commissioners and the Planning Commission will adopt this Larimer County Open
Lands Master Plan.
Thank you for your input.
Respectfully,
v
K-Lynn Cameron
Open Lands Program Manager
a'
• 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
oaee
INTRODUCTION 5
Project Background 5
Planning Process and Public Input 7
EXISTING CONDITIONS& RESOURCES 8
Study Area/Countywide Open Space Priorities 8
Public Lands 8
Acquisition Inventory 9
Public Access 10
Countywide Open Space Priorities Map 11
Public Lands Map 12
Hydrology&Wetland Resources 13
Wildlife 13
Rare/Sensitive Species 13
Hydrology&Wetland Resources Map 14
Wildlife Map 15
Rare/Sensitive Species Map 16
Historic &Cultural Resources 17
Opportunities & Constraints 1 17
Opportunities& Constraints 2 17
Opportunities & Constraints 1 Map 18
Opportunities & Constraints 2 Map 19
NEEDS ASSESSMENT 20
Public Meetings 20
Scientific Citizen Survey 20
Newsletter with mail-back response 21
OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS 22
OPEN LANDS PROGRAM PRIORITY AREAS 24
Important Resource Areas 25
Open Lands Priority Areas Map 26
River Corridors 27
Important Agricultural Areas 28
Regional Trail Corridors 28
MASTER PLAN ACTIONS 30
Prioritization Process 30
Open Lands Procedures 30
Development Reviews 32
Partnerships, Grants and Donations 32
Management Program 32
Special Places 33
Small Grants Program 33
Educational Programs 33
Volunteer Programs 34
Resource Research and Mapping 34
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
page
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS 35
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 40
PLANNING TEAM 40
APPENDICES 41
Bound in main master plan report
Appendix A— 1995 Ballot Language 42
Appendix B— 1999 Ballot Language 57
Appendix C — 1993 Parks Master Plan Flowchart 61
Appendix D—Project Chronology/List of Meetings 62
Appendix E— Special Places Program 63
Appendix F—Citizen Survey and Survey Report 66
Appendix G—Acquisition Process 94
Appendix Fl—Open Lands Property Evaluation 98
Appendix I—Management Planning Process 103
Bound in separate volume (on file with Parks and Open Lands Department)
Appendix J—Summary of Public Comments
Public Meetings: December 5/6, 2000
Workshop Charette: January 18, 2001
Public Meetings: April 17/18 and May 17, 2001
Newsletter#2 Comments: April 2001
Public Meetings: August 14/15, 2001
Mailed-in public comment
Cover Photos: Top Left:Devil's Backbone Open Space—Scott Bacon;Top Right Scott Fraser;Bottom Left—Scott
Fraser;Bottom Center:Long View Farm Open Space—Mike Strunk;Bottom Right—W.Perry Conway
Photos without credits by Mike Strunk,DHM Design
4
INTRODUCTION
Project Background
Larimer County is among the fastest growing areas in the nation.
Given the current growth rate, open space protection cannot keep
up with land development. Within the county limits exist many
unique resources including important wildlife habitat,prime agri-
cultural lands, scenic vistas, and landscapes ranging from plains
to alpine tundra. However, places that are special to the citizens
of Larimer County are being lost to increased development.
In 1993 Larimer County completed the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan outlining five goals and the
following mission statement(see Appendix C— 1993 Comprehensive Parks Master Plan Flow Chart):
"The mission of the Larimer County Parks Department is to pro-
vide high quality outdoor recreational opportunities for present
and future residents of the County and its visitors. This includes
the provision of regional parks, open space areas, trails and the
protection of natural, scenic, historic, agricultural and paleonto-
logical resources." The five goals included:
! 1. Provide diverse opportunities for water-based recreation;
2. Protect open space,within the County;
3 Coordinate the development of a regional trail system;
P. ' 4. Provide a safe,high quality experience for all users of County
parks and facilities; and
5. Provide adequate funding and make the most of available
resources.
The 1993 Comprehensive Parks Master Plan advocated the protec-
tion of"areas that contain significant natural, scenic, historic, ar-
chaeological and paleontological resources," with particular em-
phasis on"areas of critical wildlife habitat or other areas that make
an important contribution to the County's biological diversity." In
response to public concern to protect these resource values and open
space in Larimer County,voters in 1995 approved a''/percent sales
tax throughout Larimer County for the"acquisition,protection,im-
provement and long-term maintenance of open space, natural ar-
eas, wildlife habitat,parks and trails...."
• This open space sales tax has played a large role in allowing the Parks and Open Lands Department to
fulfill many of the five goals in the original 1993 plan. Specifically:
• Resources for diverse water based recreational opportunities are now available beyond the
current motorized boating activities on the four large reservoirs;
• Dollars have been allocated to improvements at the existing reservoirs;
• Resources are now available for the protection of open space;
• A regional trail system is being established with participation from willing participants;
• Resources are mandated to be set aside to manage the protected open lands and provide high
quality experiences; and
• Dollars are available to leverage grants and donations.
5
Following the passage of the open space sales tax in 1995,the Open Lands Program was established with a
citizen-based Open Lands Advisory Board. The Board of County Commissioners and the Open Lands
Advisory Board adopted the following mission statement and guiding principles to provide direction focused
specifically to the Open Lands Program:
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Open Lands Program is to preserve and protect significant open space, natu-
ral areas, 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. Efforts to fulfill this mission are guided by the following principles:
Guiding Principles
• Important open lands, natural areas,parks and trails are defined in the Help Preserve Open
Spaces Initiative, the Larimer County Parks Master Plan, and other adopted plans.
• Available resources will be invested to achieve a balance between urgent, immediate demands
and farsighted, long-range goals.
• Acquisition is fair to property owners, taxpayers and Larimer County citizens, and is from
willing sellers only.
• An emphasis is focused on working with willing landowners to develop land-use alternatives
and protection strategies that meet the landowner's financial needs and the County's goal to
preserve significant open lands.
• Stewardship is very important. Larimer County will develop wise management policies that
fit within fiscal resources. When development of trails and outdoor recreation facilities is
determined to be appropriate then development and management of these facilities will mini-
mize conflicts with wildlife and will be compatible with the natural environment.
• Distribution offunds over time for open lands,parks and trails is balanced and fairly distrib-
uted throughout the County.
• Cooperation with partners is important to leverage available resources.
By the fall of 1999, over 8000 acres of open space had been preserved and several miles of trails were
open to public use. With the approaching sunset of the sales tax,a grass-roots campaign in 1999 resulted
in voters extending the open space sales tax through December 2018, and establishing bonding authority
for the County.
6
In 2000, Larimer County began preparation of this Open Lands Master Plan to guide future land protec-
tion efforts and regional frail projects. It is important to note that the 2001 Open Lands Master Plan is an
update and expansion to the 1993 Larimer County Parks Comprehensive Parks Master Plan. The 1993
Parks Master Plan focused on detailed cost analysis for the existing regional parks in Larimer County and
recommended the establishment of an Open Lands Program.
The 2001 Open Lands Master Plan, however, focuses on the specific goals and mission of this Open
Lands Program. The current plan also focuses on priority areas
that have been identified through various scientific studies and
public input and surveys conducted since 1993.
Workshop Charette
Planning Process and Public Input
This Master Plan was prepared using a participatory process with public input throughout the project and
.at five key phases.
Phase Timeframe Communication Methods
Resource Mapping November 2000- Newsletter#1
Issues Identification February 2001 Webpage
Public Preferences Public Meetings
Alternatives Brainstorming Citizen Survey
Workshop Charette
Public Comment
Resource Analysis March 2001 - Newsletter#2 (mail-back response)
Open Lands Program May 2001 Webpage
Priority Areas Map Public Meetings&Comment
Draft Master Plan June 2001 - Newsletter#3 (Draft Plan summary)
September 2001 Webpage
Printed Report
Public Meetings&Comment
Final Master Plan October— Webpage
November 2001 Printed Report
Public Meetings&Comment
Planning Commission Meeting(open to public)
County Commissioners Meeting (open to public)
Adoption of Master Plan December 2001 Webpage
Planning Commission Meeting(open to public)
County Commissioners Meeting(open to public)
Public Comment
7
EXISTING CONDITIONS & RESOURCES
To prepare a master plan that responds to the Open Lands Program's
Mission Statement and Guiding Principles, it was necessary to
analyze all available resource data for Larimer County. Using data •
from the County's geographic information system (GIS), previ-
ously completed planning documents, other sources and on-site
observation,a series of maps were prepared that illustrate existing
conditions and resources. These maps and an accompanying nar-
rative description are contained in this section of the report.
Study Area/ Countywide Open Space Priorities (see Countywide Open Space Priorities map)
This master plan addresses all of Larimer County, from the Continental Divide east to the plains near
Interstate 25 and from the Wyoming border to the Boulder County line. During the planning process, it
became apparent that the majority of open space issues were located in the Front Range area, from the
foothills east,in areas of urban pressure. Therefore,much of the focus of this document covers this Front
Range area. Larimer County will,however,work in partnership with other agencies and non-profit orga-
nizations to protect natural resources and open space in the outlying portions of the County.
In particular, in the Estes Valley, the Larimer County Open Lands Program has developed a strong rela-
tionship with the Estes Valley Land Trust, Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District,and Town of Estes
Park. Larimer County will continue to partner with these Estes Valley organizations,providing dollars for
land protection and regional trail planning and development while the land trust and recreation and parks
district lead the planning efforts.
Public Lands (see Public Lands map)
The Front Range area is bordered on the west by scattered sections of Roosevelt National Forest. Colo-
rado State Parks and Division of Wildlife manage lands at several locations within the Front Range area,
most notably Lory State Park, north of Horsetooth Mountain Park and Boyd Lake State Park, east of
Loveland. The City of Fort Collins,City of Loveland and Larimer
County own and manage significant open space,and these lands,
outside municipal boundaries, are
also shown on the map. Large tracts
of protected open space and parkland
iller are shown in the Horsetooth, Fort
Collins/Loveland corridor, Fossil
, Creek Reservoir,and Blue Mountain =
areas. Conservation easements have la
been used to successfully protect V
Rimrock Open Space
open space by Larimer County,other
jurisdictions and non-profit organizations. Conservation easements completed
in partnership with Larimer County outside the limits of incorporated cities
are also illustrated on the Public Lands Map. Conservation easement lands in
the Blue Mountain area and at the mouth of the Big Thompson River Canyon
I are two of the larger conservation easement projects completed by Larimer
Eagle's Nest Open Space County. A complete inventory of Larimer County Open Lands properties,as
of July 2001, follows.
8
ACQUISITION INVENTORY
Na. Acnege Acquisition Coat Donation/Bargain Salo Os' Pamerships Public Access Comments
Opa Lamle
Fort Colas/Loveland Corridor
Fort Cotes 688333
3228999 1794,500 Loveland 344,166 Future regional trail Leased for depend fanumg
h ,. GOCO 400000,
FM Cans 5.80.000
Cathy Fromm frame 240.0 1,000,000 180,000 Yes Managed by Fort Collins as part of the Fromme Prattle
Lamer Cty Nat Res 240,000
94? Y ne6ec 1. Loveland 1.892,7637
y �4- e r'.ur_ - �' ]920 3139,000 437,881 Fort Calms 308,355.3 Furore repeal trail Managed by City of Loveland:Leased for dryland farming
p [„ OOCO 500,000
sQ- Fu =.v ' alij� 14C P,'.•4 6660 7,468,750 Landowner 19,650 3,524,550 Fort Cans 3.92.550 Future regional open space
Leveled/Berthed Condor
Loveland 668.844
Ryan Gulch Cooaervahos Easement 3266 1393,844 Landowner 150,000 200,000 COCO 325.000 No Momtored by Loveland
Berthoud 50,000
Front Range Mountain Backdrop
Coyote RNpe 839.3 6,585,499 Landowner 21,500 5,223,583 Fort Cola 1,340,416 Yes Managed by Pon Cams as pan of Coyote Ridge Natural Area
mm 1,962240 1,862240 Ft Cam 100,000 Yes,Future Trail
riG _ ' et,at. .J, , ur, 41000 2666,000 Landowner 666,000 1350.000 LOCO 650.000 No Put of the Blue Mowoan Comervanon Project
Harper Cower-anon Easement 240.0 295,000 Landowner 295,000 0 No CE and endowment Runde were donated LLT wilmerdtur CE
Stryker Short*,- - - .m 1,573,020 1223,020 Loveland 150,000
200,000
Yes
i 320.0 951,559 286,500 4 Partners 665,059 Future Regional Trail
Loveland 75,000 Potable fwre trail
995,000 Landowner 548350 271,250 Preserves viewahed at the mouth of the Big Thompson
GOCO 100.000 connection
Larne Feudal,
on 2,093,456 Landowner 93,456 2,000,000 Yes Protects portion N.Fah ofRoulet Rive.
Estes Valley
Chdden/Henrang Cmerrron Easement 160.0 800,000 Landowner 752,000 48,000 No Modored by Estee Valley Land Trutt.Preserve,vicwshed of Longs Peak
EVLT 100,000
Sate:mn Conservation Easement 520.0 520,000 130,000 No Monitored by Estes Valle LandT
GOCO 260,000 Y Y rust;Pmserves prune Ponds Bwedands
Bickel 0.9 135.000 5.000 Ems Park 130,000 Yes Adjacent to Ems Mmcpal Center
Estes Park 10,000
Hone Rouse Memorial Trail 1.5 odes 40,000 10,000 EVLT 10000 Yes,2001 Managed by the Estes Valley Recreation&Palk Dimity
EVRPD 10,000
Lake fates Trd 4 odes 232,500 100,000 4 Partners 132,500 Yes Managed by the Estes Valley Recreation&Park Deanict
Lion Gulch Trdheed 21,521 10,000 US Forest Seance 11,521 Yes Managed by USES
lily Lake/Roessler 18.2 400,000 40,000 COCO,RNPA,Pmate 360000 No Mangeged by Rocky Mountain National Pah
Lily Lake Water and Recreation Rights 14 acre-fret 551,000 Landowner 236,000 30,0006 Partners 285,000 Yes RMNP wd manage Lily Lake and use the water rights to mm¢anwater level.
Eno.Mas Conservation Easement 192.0 335,000 45,000 EVLT,Estes Park 290,000 Homestead only Momtored by Estes Valley LandTrun
Nude.Rivet VaYy
vs 1k - ,,I 20.01 0 0 Lamer County Parks Yes Future baihead location along Poudre Rove Trail
Agricultural Lands
f U.ct_C-r„ 83.0 3]3,500 Landowner 179.280 97.110 Fl Camas 97,110 No
ai ion'_,.. .:. - . .
Expansions to Regional Parks
(-e'dtrit - 7 1+ 177.0 325.000 Donor 325O00 Yes
1 _ ,31 383.5 Ag000 Landowner 31000 589,000 GOCO 150000 Yes Managed as part ofHTMP
Retry(Boyd Lake State Park) 30.0 405.000 90,000 5 Pastors 315,000 Yes Regional Dad
Easement Amer Total 6,563
Emok&Fee Sidle Acreage Tot 12,281 $38258,88. $3,317p6 $19,547,634 $15,393,678
Pii?eofies '�Na" e"il itot"6 te8? Lant*CoirffP'rks'&-.Open Lands
PUBLIC ACCESS
Table of Access Designation of Larimer County Open Lands Properties.
Includes only those properties that are Managed or Monitored by Larimer County.
Name Acreage Type of Access Comments
Lo'' , e. ,� 599.4 Future Access Leased for dryland farming
W
' ` r. • "r , 'I� 0.� Manged by City of Loveland; Leased
4
n
® a vv, i 785.0 Future Access
ro . � xe a . to „ " for dryland fanning
v 1 r, < . 5,
Part of the Fossil Creek Resource
�� o �° �`�J 0 + 63.0 Future Access
°' < x ,. . r � .xs.• .... Mgmt Area
o, sin's ', 5-";.>„' , arx,•. ••., r ' Ile: 437.0 Future Access
r s d m . .w`+}�w
�� ' d Includes a first right of refusal on CE
°e m )� "s" ' 273.6 No Access g
�- � � "'� - , lands and remaining private land
tz =7 Part of the Blue Mountain
,e mho � ' n at 4100.0 Limited Access�,.. _ Conservation Project
f
® �1� � 423.0 Current Access
se x .a rF, f
a . ° �t n k 1.6 No Access
�+ t . y 1 � 1 t: n p !U 't.
` .l'RYR * �%f az �' 4'}] ;�, Additional $35,560 in partnership funds
R� �° ° °v o ...C2,545-54 ', ,y; w a' 335.1 Future Access went to LLT for stewardship costs on the
. - 1 5r' ii , 70-acre Parrish CE they hold.
t Preserves viewshed at the mouth of the
S amp 1 a ° c 6gik r 594.5 Limited Access
�� . .�; .�. r Big Thompson
E i t , >.° �� - Protects portion N. Fork of Poudre
'-it .ftmi.t.ikiii‘iat
770.0 Future Access
:4. �., �r River.
.. �,k,� `^ ?� `> � �4r „ t- _, 72.0 No Access
r E r e ' f"• Future trailhead location along Poudre
n '� `aP 20.0 Current Access
r "r *, r> :' r p RiverTrail
it l4,44,4j-
_`� �7a� 4' '' .�I ' .• 83.0 No Access
, ., a aYpM.Svs�x l;N,�iM »':',42,-,‘
; 2 ,
� �'� J v gTM�w� 177.0 Current Access
'3 y s t
6 D .� a J Ida �- e ° ' -. p . y,'
h � ry , : �, 101.5 Future Access Managed as part of HTMP
�r°� � �od � � 1/4 i " j ° 282 0 Current Access Managed as part of HTMP
Larimer County Open Lands Program
Percentage of Open Lands Managed or Monitored by Larimer County
with Current, Current Limited, Future and No Public Access
6% 7%
LI
Ctffrern Access
Future Access
❑Current Limited Access
37% ❑No Access
50 o Chart includes only those lands monitored or managed by
Larimer County .Open Lands Program There are an additional
3061 acres tow hich the Larimer County Open Lands program
has contributed dollars.
LARAMIE RIVER VALLEY&RED FEATHER LAKES AREAS
- Lamer County will work with these communities,
other agencies and non-profit organizations to
protect natural resources and open space.
The County will work in partnership to develop
regional trails as appropriate.
Open Lands protection and trail projects will be
evaluated by Larimer County upon request.as
determined on a case by case basis.
r ..I .0--
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as
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`f ' �I • LANDS PROGRAM
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ESTES VALLEY AREA lia + a` '"`+ 1,•''C
• Lanmer County will continue to work with the
is F�
Town of Estes Park,Estes Valley Land Trust,
Estes Valley Recreation and Park Distract,
oth
er
Mountain National Park and other
partners to protect natural resources and
open space.
The County will work in partnership to ii
develop County
as as appropriate
- Planning in the Estes Valley will continue
to be led by Estes Valley entities and North
supported by Larimer County upon request
as determined an a case by case basis WENS 4 a 16
I 1
Scale 1:150,000
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS MASTER PLAN URIMER
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LARIME1t COUNTY OPEN LANDS MASTER PLAN FIMta
dhm design Lo n
JU Y1B;�, PUBLIC LANDSganiiiia
r
Hydrology & Wetland Resources (see Hydrology & Wetland Resources map)
Flood zones along river and stream corridors pose both threats to de-
velopment and opportunity for open lands protection, as shown on
the map. Certainly the Cache la Poudre, Big Thompson, and Little >.,..t ' A' t r
Thompson rivers are well known for their periodic flooding, as are
other streams including Dry Creek,Boxelder Creek,Buckhorn Creek
and other tributaries. Wetlands, important as groundwater recharge
zones and habitat for many plant and animal species,are found along
many streams,rivers and lakes,particularly in areas of gentle topog-
raphy. Wetlands are important for diverse habitat value,flood attenu-
ation and water quality value. The Hydrology and Wetlands Map origi-
nated with mapping done by David J. Cooper, Ph.D. and David M.
Merritt, M.S. with Colorado State University (1996), for the 1997 Larimer County Master Plan.
Wildlife (see Wildlife map)
The Front Range of Larimer County provides vast wildlife habitat k
areas, especially in the foothills along the west and north sides of the /
study area. As seen on the Wildlife Map, mule deer and pronghorn "
antelope concentration areas are predominately in the foothills and
northern portions of the county. There is a bighorn sheep lambing
area in the Big Thompson Canyon, east of Drake, and severe winter '-
range and migration corridors for elk in the Little Thompson River, [ '- ^
Big Thompson River and Poudre River areas near the west side of the
study area. Whereas much of the mule deer and pronghorn habitat is currently on private lands,most of
the elk winter range is on national forest lands. Closer to the urban areas,along river corridors and around
lakes and reservoirs, is duck winter range. Protection of wildlife was a primary public concern in the
1995 and 1999 open space campaigns and remains so throughout this master planning process. Accord-
ing to the scientific citizen survey conducted in 2001, respondents cited wildlife habitat as the most
important feature that should be protected. Most of the data on the Wildlife Map originated with the
Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and was used in the 1997
Larimer County Master Plan.
Rare/Sensitive Species (see Rare/Sensitive Species map)
+ Areas of rare or sensitive plant and animal species have been
indentified within the Front Range area and are illustrated on the
r►� Alt%
x "4 4`r Rare/Sensitive Species Map. The Laramie Foothills, north of Fort
n�.;§ Collins, and the hogbacks south of Horsetooth are especially rich in
m: a these species. River and stream corridors in the Front Range are
3 also important to rare and sensitive species. Data from both the
Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) and the Colorado Di-
vision of Wildlife (CDOW)were used to compile this map.
In 1996,the CNHP completed an assessment project to identify locations within Larimer County contain-
ing rare or imperiled plant and animal species and significant natural communities(Kettler et. al 1996)1.
Over 150 rare or imperiled plant or animal species and significant natural communities were documented
in Larimer County. The CDOW analyzed satellite data to identify those vegetation types that cover less
than 1% of the county landmass, and are therefore relatively rare in occurence. This rare vegetation
generally corresponds with river corridor vegetation and wetland vegetation.
'Kepler,Si.. Sanderson,S.Spackman,K.Fayette,C.Pague,D.Clark,and A.Hicks. 1996.Significant Plant,Animal,and Wetland Resources of Lorimer
County and Their Conservation.Colorado Natural Heritage Program.
13
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dhm design LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS MASTER PLAN fiaiI ,,nRIMER
JULY18,2001 HYDROLOGY & WETLAND RESOURCES ammo
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iii anunrlaee,
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LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS MASTER PLAN MINOR
dhmdesi�n (nh1)
JULY 18,2001 RARE/SENSITIVE SPECIES Man
Historic&Cultural Resources
As a gateway to the Rocky Mountains,and as a travel corridor between Colorado and Wyoming,Larimer
County's Front Range area has a wealth of historic and cultural resources. An excellent map of many of
those sites is contained in the County's 1993 Comprehensive Parks Master Plan. Since this map is not
available in digital form, it is included in this report by reference. This planning document, like many
others, does not contain a map of historic and cultural features in an effort to provide maximum protec-
tion to those resources. In general, the Open Lands Program will not target an area for protection solely
because of historic or archaeological resources. Rather, cultural resource sites within areas that are pro-
posed for protection primarily because of open space or agricultural values will be evaluated and their
protection determined using the existing evaluation processes.
Opportunities & Constraints 1 (see Opportunities & Constraints 1 map)
Using GIS, the available resource data layers (wildlife, hydrology and wetlands, rare/sensitive species,
etc.), were overlaid to illustrate the most sensitive resource areas, shown as the darkest shaded areas on
the Opportunities and Constraints 1 Map. Note:this map did not include agricultural land data as a layer,
as prime agricultural lands data was not available via GIS. The darker areas,predominantly in the Laramie
Foothills,along the hogbacks in the Horsetooth area,and along the stream and river corridors, are highly
important areas in terms of natural resources,and are prime opportunities for protection. The white areas,
have comparatively little natural resource importance. This map was used as a primary tool in formulat-
ing open space alternatives,and ultimately,in identifying the Open Lands Program Priority Areas that are
described in the Master Plan Actions section of this report.
Opportunities & Constraints 2 (see Opportunities& Constraints 2 map)
Between 1993 and 2000,many planning studies were adopted for the Front Range area that did not utilize
computer-based technology. This is a result of several factors: GIS is still an emerging technology;digital
resource data was not,and is not,always available;and the cost of utilizing GIS technology is still consid-
erably higher than traditional mapping techniques and is prohibitively expensive to many planning of-
fices. For this Open Lands Master Plan, a total of eight planning documents containing traditionally
illustrated (hand-drawn) resource maps were synthesized to create the Opportunities & Constraints 2
Map. This map, which is also hand-drawn, was used in conjunction with the Opportunities & Con-
straints 1 Map to help develop the Open Lands Program Priority Areas Map that is described in the
Master Plan Actions section of this report.
The planning documents utilized in creating the Opportunities & Constraints 2 Map include:
• Larimer County Comprehensive Parks Master Plan, 1993
• Northern Colorado Regional Planning Study, 1995
• Significant Plant, Animal and Wetland Resources of Larimer County, 1996
• Big Thompson River Corridor Study Interim Submittal, 1997
• Little Thompson River Corridor Study, 1998
• Front Range Mountain Backdrop Phase 2 Final Report, 1998
• Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan, 1998
• Berthoud&Loveland Community Separator Study, in process
17
{[ Wyoming FN..gariSik1 '`9` -.; Legend
,.r )' ,e • 1, 4 '".../A,
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YS v ` '.. vy R. '. 6{I (� «'.,.,S•P Major Rivers
a' yt PS Oounlours
o
: "' - Ir Or t .jt 4 ��t� wl9
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a 'ACtrl ( PoMwally Protected Lands
' �7\( % o stales Forest
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Roads
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4«l�l A `v County Road
�F 4ry y •
Other Roads• tt•
"''" b • `
a n y� _ Open Land Protection Potties
�.� Identified by Open Land
Aov wn Board a County
,ra I.
Commssoners.Jan..ary 2000
Jy -•~ E Preservation Opportunities
s h ` '\'')
• -I. I - IIII Mosl OPPonunh
, 1 e For Presentatioea
n
! Ir_ �' Areas nihtepr opponunln for
\ u ace n lets of natural
<1 � • \ resources those areas with
t / 1(k no color(wheal
I ,2"'A~'YJJ- �� 1 \ Note- Tns map does not illustrate agrlwnura
if Y, ♦ I I ors^^ f e 7r� and premoratwn oPponunmes. These are
! t :ftcci �y� 1�: t aaenuea ov lM1e on9ona LE5n Process
lilt? ' siii
i l t See the Master Plan rePon leer for more
Tai; NM
1 �1 _ . information
1'I t \
A
ii
�3 .ti 1q;`. � ;it '`.
Noon
stn a Sul fs'1>Yl�.. )s 15j11 1 , Te hones I 2 a
g
II c
\ r 1 `y�sy_�� e,r a`to q a v
2}ms's}rI Tastes. — I - Scale 150,000
ible
';fir a a
d ' a
a y✓ SA.
4. _ • J " _ Y hs� {i t 7 , OPPORTUNITIES&
t -' Z l ` .p CONSTRAINTS t
PURPOSE OF MAP
a •3 -1-,y� .�dr _ I his map represents a oomplemnof
+� - resource values teat are lueeated o,
' %r 1 f . _ :t•iii 7 semasler Wetlands.Rararate eal feas a c Hyemwavaonent of ms
r �L f a arsvaes lens I ve reso.ra areas
{GS, f1 r1�s' 3�<�1 . I _ � e 1 tien
tool:node ee eons dared wrams
a\ L h ~i' yr l ab. i mde,,empna,l and its opportunities
1 ``L�` t ' ka �C C _ �L� s pr- tun one Iac
n apace protectionpublic
it:Cl \rS le"-L cg -Y•} 'e' ens nap slwala oa used n wryunclw r
'�.. ( • •,�. m� S F 11 Ina OppewdtiesnCd resource
EY'4....-$:,:- 1y F - k'�A s� A� w which illustrates resource values
-'" •`'4�- r • : �' t that were closeted nawee.ar err of
a '\.X a 2 l - _ I planning pens that were completed
`� ,Y kt . e between 1993 2000
- {n.y 1,(�y a \ mar, LEVEL OF DETAIL ACCURACY
T-‘.
Ln l P 1 Triolocationsofes o resources and
\ + TA's 1 mgaMt. beboundaries shown ones map should
tu ,a., }'��� V�t Jr' _ T `r s.o...... ce is ea schematic representations
\�1 (�i •.i. I 1 that valid only for general plara,g
) purposes Because of Ina ae wetly
• { t4 It - / - ,' a of 9 o see P Wrng
�1.71,_
�/ t « ; w• — '..-�C, f • to map a ca lee Pe of the
�)1 \'''•••••O' , (II r •\'�_ _ \-.1 resource a hcomponentotals
' p' i �. Po Lands Master PI' ay of
�
1F • eanaanes cannot be
a guaranteed Precise analysis and held
• T a4 should be completedbefore
` a'` decisions are made regard ry
pemin mod Parcels
_^ �. , - ,Le HISTORIC SITES
Tome are doe Im 1 etas in the
1 i. M - r ►•'uLt� 1 Front Rape study area Because of
IT +�_ 1iii the looted scope fMI uaa
w T analysis OmpOnern of the matter pa,
5 •
d Nay not shown On Ines map_ An
i • Ibnl map of these localrons n
�4 , coma red n me 1993 Parks Master
l �� Plan
IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL LANDS
WNW Cele rs considerable Slier Sit 0
' t'v17 I s , SLov.Ian a t. Protecing bootee agricultural ands.
.� . ...yava„r. here surnnCy Cannier for G6
1 +Lk -� l .. dam CurmnllY.00ounty s
�s� ) a Y-R \i v& 1 I participating the o Iwmet or
J I'Ftr�slt�g� iiP 3k O � a care toidentify Land
Evaluation
agricultural
S a3 p { aid through the LAMB luaton Sae• x > 'w c5t I ' - Assessmem(LESAp as whcnwll
yi te,&fS'`'� Se A S„ S4 Q�:i"� ( ry l oe completed later,n2001
L -' '~-ry Y ' �'' t/ n t DATA SOURCES
L ey3 j _ kk i Tors map Iscompilationf Duce
1'R ♦ `' ! !rIlla e data obtained f Me L county
r 1 - GIS office Cop IY Mat data ante
r ry ft t 1 a--� ,✓ A t from a wide n w rrdrrg
IC Paul y ^`"^,d( r,. _J s:. '4 xs •'� universities tam and loco, r as.
F ,S. V` a nei and Who-rvreu11ar19 who
+tF3.,%,-7, +� .� d f.‘-k,, t'' .may ru A�11 .•v a \ Si. * Johnalown prepared the data for govetrtement
�� x '� h , ; 55��\ I 1 e
1 1 ' {{ 1 r Gngo
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y
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1-
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS MASTER PLAN lAUINIIN
dhm design °°"ll
JULY Ta,2001 OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS 1 Sri
N
k I
I
/I
�I� Lpp LEGEND
we
Symbol Resource Data Source
v O t -
Is ` BOTTOMLAND RIPARIAN AREAS 1993 Master Plan
i +, RE OINALCORRIDORS 1995 N.Colorado
4.1
Poudre River Regional Planning p' e ' i ittle O Thompson
n River Study
I �.
' ' HISTORIC TRAILS 1993 Master Plan
1
��_ EXISTING REGIONAL Open Lands Stan
TRAILS
, .r t, V II - ill ' HIGH VALUE 1990LittleSENSITIVITY Thompson River
•
LANDSCAPES Corridor Study
S
` , I SIGNIFICANT VIEWS 2000 Berthoud t
r t/j u.r. a Loverlend Separator
tudy
...,--77.--
.- �� 1. `` Back
s 1 /
I • CRITICAL PRESERVATION 7DD5 Mountain
CANDIDATE LANDS Backdrop Study 01 Laramie Foothills
2 Laramie Foothills
/ Al , le 3 Campbell Mountain
C yv a .� 4 Horaelheil Pus
k = y, • 5 North Hogback
♦ 1'I ' l , S Cache La Poutlre
it
a I , 7 Bellvue
a •', � B Hogback
_ 9 Buckhorn Creek
a
I e ; ' _` I s 10 Big Thompson River
'. ' - 11 Devils Backbone
I
• �� 1®y V 12 Carter Lake
■ / � _r_ iiii I 13 Little Thompson River
R■■ \ . •'.
■ Y" �._y �� e Si d I Ii
rf, i I I • l
J. r 1
%I a. .4% , OPPORTUNITIES R CONSTRANlTS g
rune of MAP
1 �• This map represents some of the most important resources
And �\ a., that were illustrated in a wide variety of planning documents"et
e between 19932000. It is a completion of resource
iiie. • 1 information that appeared as both hand-drafted maps and in
- _ . dig@at form from sources that are not on file in the Larimer
�I a County GIS office. It illustrates sensitive resources areas
" r `�, that should be considered constraints to development and
� { _ thus opportunities fa open space protection and pudic
' rea Jetion.
'u. '. I This map should be used in conjunction with the
Hi; ` 7, ,- - 1- Opportunities & Constraints 1 map, which illustrates
� !!<anti....
"tsar' ,z I ,A • resource values that are available in digital farm from the
,. � -w. GIS office.
ar.awrals ^ `, I �'S limy
t in .� ``y.
ti 4 111O
�eC t Y(fll—tom. LEVEL OF DETAIL&ACCURACY
' III� r1 i r 'rT 1! •. The locations of the resources and boundaries shown on this
P• � A :-e4 map should be considered schematic representations that
h s ` I are valid only for
, general planning Durposes. Because of the
.�., , , ' I'1'> °t " ei F� �� ' wide variety of sources used in preparing this map and the
r ,I 1 s'&' 1 € a limited scope of the resource analysis component of this
1 r, 7'1- - .,', —?
` 4 Open Lands Master Plan, accuracy boundaries cannot be
f ,. A : guaranteed. Precise analysis and field verification should be
l ' r ,.t'„l_ i,i, I completed before final decisions are made regarding specific
f .u-` _. I f •` land parcels.
I'-r -1 '- HISTORIC SITES
1t i' 1 ♦ There me dozens of historic sites in the Front Range study
I r ; area. Because of the limited scope of this resource analysis
at 1 ''' • 1' +\ component of the master plan, they are net shown on this
• ��;J map. An excellent map of these locations is contained in the
■j I , I • 1 „� 1999 Parks Master Plan.
t
riff
„ IMPORTANT AGCULTURALLANDS
" 1 While there is considerable interest in protecting important
•'w•^ AGRICULTURAL
lands, there is not a good source for GIS
II
_ g ... j- ❑ _ti mapping d this theme. Currently, Lackner County is
.i.i ilk _ti - l participating in the development of criteria to identify
I important agricultural land through the Land Evaluation Site
n� 4 Je, ) Assessment (LESA) process,which will be completed later
Ma- - ll . la '� a in 2001
7 � I fl
W.? _
I �i y
. n . 'N- ss
1 t' • Sr
t A
1L` 17
...VI
_III �( 7711 144
•
at le 1
i is
III . :\'ilt:LI PI I.". if '
ft' I r i
•
(- 11 rt I 1
It a.re
MER COUNTY OPEN LANDS ER PLAN I dhmd8���gn OPPORTUNITIES� & CONSTRAINTS 2 COA1M11iED1OE%C�E������
JULY Ct
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
A critical step in the master planning process was to determine public perceptions about the needs,pref-
erences, and priorities regarding future open space acquisitions and regional trail corridors. Assessment
of these needs utilized a multifaceted approach, summarized below:
• input from public meetings and over 35 board,commission and non-profit organization meetings
• scientific citizen survey
• newsletter with mail-back response card
Public Meetings
Public meetings were held at three key points in the planning process: I) to identify issues, early in the
project,2)to review the Open Lands Program Priority Areas Map,midway through the process,and 3)to
review the Draft Master Plan report. In December 2000,initial meetings were held in Fort Collins and Loveland;
mid-point meetings were held in the Spring of 2001,in Loveland,Fort Collins and Estes Park;and meetings to
present the Draft Master Plan were held in August in Loveland and Fort Collins. In addition to public meetings
that were held specifically to discuss the master plan,approximately two dozen meetings were held with boards,
commissions and non-profit organizations to discuss the master plan;the public was welcome at all of these
events(see list in Appendix D). In total,input from over 35 meetings that were open to the public was used to
define community needs and preferences with regards to open space and regional trails in Larimer County.
Scientific Citizen Survey
This section contains an overview of the survey methods and results. A detailed analysis of the survey
and its findings can be found in Appendix F. The scientific citizen survey was conducted by an indepen-
dent professional survey consulting company, RRC Associates.
In January 2001, a written survey instrument was mailed to a random sampling of 2000 Larimer County
residents. 221 surveys were undeliverable, while 343 were successfully returned after reminder post-
cards were sent, for an initial response rate of 19.3%. A non-respondent bias test was performed and
found insignificant, yielding an additional forty-one valid responses for a final response rate of 21.5%.
Goals of the survey were to gather public opinion regarding:
• importance and familiarity with the Open Lands Program
• types of land the Open Lands Program should be protecting(lands for public access, limited
public access, or no public access—wildlife habitat or agriculture)
• allocation of funds to protect various types of land features
• the ratio of acres protected with conservation easements vs. fee simple acquisition
• importance of a regional trail system
• willingness to pay entrance fees at regional open spaces
A summary of survey results are as follows:
• Three out of four citizens feel that the Open Lands Program is important or very important.
• Nearly three out of four citizens feel that lands providing some kind of public access should be an
acquisition priority for the Open Lands Program. One out of four citizens feel that it is justifiable
to protect some land because of wildlife or agricultural values,without providing direct physical
access.
• According to respondents,wildlife habitat,lands with outstanding scenic qualities,and wetlands/
river corridors were the top three types of land features that should be protected.
20
• Knowing that fee-simple acquisitions typically allow for public access,and are more expensive
to purchase and manage,respondents said that 55%of lands should be protected this way.
Conservation easements,which typically do not allow for public access and are less expensive
to purchase and manage should comprise 45%of protected lands.
• Almost three out of four citizens feel that developing a regional trail system is an important role
of the Open Lands Program.
• The top five activities enjoyed on Open Lands included Walking,Hiking,Bicycling/Mountain
Biking,Fishing and Picnicking. Each activity was enjoyed by over 50%of the respondents.
• Over half of the respondents would be willing to pay$2-5 to access a regional open space
Newsletter with mail-back response
The second newsletter, distributed in April 2001, included a map and narrative describing preliminary
concepts being considered for the master plan. A mail-back response form was included, allowing citi-
zens to provide input on their priorities. About 90 response forms were returned indicating preferences
that were consistent with the Scientific Citizen Survey results and the Open Lands Program Priority
Areas Map.
21
OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS
Standards for open space and regional trail protection, development and use, are of great benefit to open
lands managers and the general public. By having standards in place, all parties know what is expected
and permitted and day-to-day decisions can be made using justifiable rationale. Originally incorporated
into the 1993 Comprehensive Parks Master Plan, these standards are also included below.
S ti S t i v ^ .�'; !'``{�(1� °d 7 , :ai e Y°} a rg"s
ep•r 3 »' a. ' �Y
Open
Space
A. Regional 500+ac Large area with natural • Nature study • Parking Generally accessible
resource values of regional and • Picnic tables to population centers
significance observation • Fire grates or
for nature-oriented, • Picnicking grills
outdoor recreation. • Hiking • Potable water
Emphasis on resource • Mountain • Restrooms
preservation. biking • Interpretive
• Fishing signage
• Wakeless • Nature center
boating • Multi-purpose
• Backcountry trails
camping • Primitive
• Primitive campsites
camping • Boat ramp,if
• Horseback appropriate
riding
• Interpretation
B. Natural 100-500 ac. Area with natural resource • Nature • Parking Accessible to
Areas values to serve as day-use observation • Picnic tables population centers
area for nature-oriented, • Picnicking • Restrooms
outdoor recreation. Could • Hiking • Multipurpose
also have secondary • Biking trails
purpose of providing • Horseback • Benches
buffers between riding
communities. May
correspond to an open
space corridor along
drainages.
C. Special 20-100 ac. Protect areas with Varies,based on Minimal Dependent upon
Resource important environmental sensitivity of the resource
Areas resource values,such as resources
wildlife habitat,scenic
areas,riparian/wetlands,
rare plant communities.
D. Water- 50+ac. Water-based recreation • Wakeless • Boat ramp Accessible to
Based Land with an emphasis on boating • Picnic tables population centers
Areas resource preservation. • Fishing • Fire grates
• Nature • Primitive
observation campsites
• Picnicking • Restrooms
• Primitive
camping
• Swimming
22
Open Space and Trails Definitions and Standards (continued)
•
t
E. Historic/ Variable Protect regionally • Interpretation/ Dependent upon Dependent upon
Cultural significant historic, education use resource
Site archaeologic or
paleontologic sites or
structures in conjunction
with lands with open space
or agricultural value.
Trails
A. Regional 100+,Land Provide opportunities for • Recreational • 10'paved Accessible to
Trail R.O.W. 10' county residents,with Biking trail population centers.
width varying ability levels and • Horseback • 5'non-paved
paved 5' athletic interests,to Riding trail Paved trail grades not
width non- experience the natural and • Walking • Benches to exceed 8%.
paved cultural landscape without • Jogging • Interpretive
the influence of motorized • Cross-country signage Along scenic
vehicles. skiing • Trailheads drainages,railroads,
• Nature (See B. valleys,ridges,
Observation Natural irrigation
• Interpretation Areas) ditches/canals,
• Fishing • River access pipelines,power lines
or other linear
• Non-motorized points
physical features.
Boating
• Picnicking
Trails
B. On-street 6-8'width Separate vehicular and • Recreational • Paved lane on Scenic Roads.
paved depend-ing bicycle lanes on roadways Road Biking both sides of
bicycle on design to improve road safety and • Commuter road Link to population
lane speeds of the recreational experience Biking • Identification centers.
road for the bicyclist. signage
Route to recreation
Provide links between area of regional
communities and access to significance.
recreation areas of regional
significance. Frequented bicycle
routes.
Scenic route
C. Access 3'width Access to public lands. • Mountain • Unpaved Dependant upon
Trail Biking shoulder or location of public
R.O.W. Link to other trails or to • Hiking trail lands or trail links.
varies as complete loop. • Jogging
available • Horseback On-mad shoulder or
Riding adjacent to mad
• Cross-country within R.O.W.
skiing
23
OPEN LANDS PROGRAM PRIORITY AREAS
As a result of the public meetings and survey findings described above,several key issues and goals were
identified that were of primary concern to Larimer County citizens:
• Land is being developed at a rate that is alarming to many citizens.
• The most important wildlife habitat,river corridors,wetlands,ridgelines,agricultural lands and simi-
lar resource areas should be identified and protected as open space.
• Land should be protected by acquiring titles from willing sellers at fair market value,or from donors,
or by purchasing conservation easements.
• A system of regional trails should be developed to connect open space areas with cities and other
public lands.
• Larimer County should continue to work in partnership with cities and towns, state and federal agen-
cies, and non-profit organizations to leverage fiscal budgets and personnel expertise to maximize
open space protection.
The response to these issues and goals is illustrated on the Open Lands Program Priority Areas Map and
described in the following section of this report. It must be realized that this section of the report,and the
Open Lands Program Priority Areas Map, describe and illustrate
actions that will be undertaken in phases, as funds become avail-
able and as priorities are established by the Board of County Com-
missioners and the Open Lands Advisory Board. It is not the in-
tention of Larimer County to acquire all land within the "Impor-
tant Resource Areas" or"Important Agricultural Areas." Rather,
these areas will be considered as prime candidates for protection
when willing landowners desire to sell their land,or to sell conser-
vation easements to the Larimer County Open Lands Program.
Similarly, some of the regional trails that are described and illus-
trated in this setion of the master plan may not be developed. Again, Key Issues
that will depend on willing landowners,funding availability and priorities that are set by Larimer County.
Additionally, it should be noted that lands outside the important resource and agricultural areas are not
precluded from being considered for protection.
24
Important Resource Areas
Important resource areas have been identified in which the Open Lands Program will focus its protection
efforts.Important resource areas are those that include significant wildlife habitat,preserve large ecosystems of
importance,protect rare plant species,or contain other resource values. These areas,with conceptual bound-
aries,are shown on the accompanying map. When compared to the Opportunities and Constraints maps,this
map generally corresponds to areas with high values for protection;they also respond to portions of the County
that were identified as areas ofconcem to citizens who attended the public meetings or gave comment during the
planning process. The Important Resource Areas include the following:
• Laramie Foothills
• U.S. Highway 287 corridor north of Ted's Place to Owl Canyon
• Bellvue/Mouth of the Poudre Canyon
• Buckhorn/Redstone Foothills
• Devil's Backbone to Horsetooth
• Mouth of the Big Thompson Canyon
• Blue Mountain Area
• Lonetree/Welch Reservoir Area
• Berthoud/Loveland Separator
• Estes Valley
• Fossil Creek Reservoir
• Ft. Collins/Loveland Separator
U
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
25
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tdhm design LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS MASTER PLAN
ounn
OCTOBER 2001 OPEN LANDS PROGRAM PRIORITY AREAS ammo
In some of these areas, the Open Lands Program has completed land protection projects and to date in
total has protected over 12,000 acres. Also in some areas,new projects are currently underway and will
continue. Specifically in the Estes Valley and Berthoud/Loveland Separator, Larimer County will con-
tinue to partner with dollars for land protection efforts while these two communities lead the main plan-
ning efforts. In general, the 2001 Citizen Survey determined that residents support the use of both fee
simple acquisition (purchase of titles from willing sellers at fair market value) and conservation ease-
ments(CEs)to protect open lands. Specifically, survey respondents indicated that 55%of the protected
areas should be acquired in fee simple while 45%should be protected with CEs. Fee simple acquisitions
generally provide passive recreational use. Most of the land protected with CEs would be important
wildlife habitat or agricultural land, and would thus provide visual, but not necessarily physical, public
access. Larimer County will continue on a case by case basis to use various methods to complete nego-
tiations that will work for both the landowner and the County.
In the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area, Larimer County and partners have completed purchases of land and
conservation easements, protecting over 650 acres of land for natural resource protection and passive
recreation opportunities. While land protection efforts surrounding the reservoir have been completed,
development of on-site facilities forpassive recreational uses at this regional open space still remain in the future.
The Resource Management Plan(2000)for Fossil Creek Reservoir details recommended improvements such as
trails,a parking area,bird viewing blinds,etc.to be implemented by Larimer County.
Similarly,in the separator between Ft.Collins and Loveland,land protection efforts have been completed
by Larimer County and partners. Remaining efforts include future regional trail connections and devel-
opment of interpretive signage at a roadway kiosk at Long View Farm Open Space.
River Corridors
The three major river corridors which run through Larimer County, the Cache
La Poudre, Big Thompson and Little Thompson rivers, are widely recognized
as important resource areas. While some portions of these corridors have al-
ready been protected— separately and
in partnership with Fort Collins,
Loveland and Larimer County—other
portions remain threatened by develop-
ment and incompatible land use. This _
master plan calls for continued protec-
tion efforts by Larimer County, in part- I A r
• nership with other jurisdictions, in the
river corridors outside the limits of in-
Poudre River in Fort Collins corporated towns and cities.
27
Important Agricultural Areas
Agriculture still serves an important economic and social role in
Larimer County,and there are soils of national importance present
in the county . Farmers, ranchers, government agencies and the
residents of Larimer County are concerned about how the expan-
sion of residential, commercial and industrial development into ---
rural areas will affect agriculture. Although detailed GIS data is .
not currently available that identifies lands with highest agricul-
tural value,the public process identified several areas that are widely
recognized as being important agricultural lands. In addition,the
Larimer County Agricultural Advisory Board has given input on
the locations of prime agricultural lands. The following areas are n.
illustrated on the Open Lands Program Priority Areas map.
• Buckeye/Waverly
• Wellington
• Southeastern Larimer County
Long View Farm Open Space
Regional Trail Corridors
One of the priorities identified during the public process is the need to acquire appropriate land, ease-
ments and rights-of-way to develop a regional trails system.Accordingly,the Open Lands Program Prior-
ity Areas map illustrates a variety of regional trail corridors. Regional trails are those routes that extend
through a widely varied landscape that may be managed by multiple jurisdictions and which may be used
for transportation as well as recreation.
Future regional trails may connect existing trails,public lands and
existing communities. Future regional trails may also be located
in the vicinity of river and stream corridors, or along other linear
features such as roads,railroad grades,utility corridors and irriga-
tion canals, subject to successful negotiations with willing land-
owners.
The regional trail corridors outlined in the 1993 Comprehensive
Parks Master Plan will remain as a priority in this plan. Regional
trails will be developed in the general locations shown on the Open
Lands Program Priority Areas map provided they are designed and Cathy Fromme Prairie
managed to protect wildlife values. Indicated routes are only gen-
eral, schematic corridors. Final alignments will be determined with further detailed study. Future trail
routes will be identified in cooperation with willing landowners, with respect to cost feasibility, and in
response to sensitive wildlife and other natural resources. Trails will be aligned to minimize impacts to
wildlife habitat,may cross roads using existing or new underpasses or overpasses,and may have seasonal
closures or limitations on types of uses to help protect wildlife. They will be designed and managed in
consultation with wildlife experts including those from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Regional
trails may be aligned along historic trail corridors where feasible and will be designed and developed to
provide an overall mix of recreational opportunities to accommodate a variety of user groups and indi-
viduals with different levels of ability.
28
Regional trails that are included in this Master Plan,and illustrated on the Open Lands Program Priority Areas
Map,include the following:
• Berthoud Trail (Berthoud to Lonetree Reservoir, west to Carter Lake Trail)
• Lonetree Trail (Big Thompson to Carter Lake via Lonetree Reservoir)
• Little Thompson River Trail (Red-tail Ridge downstream to Weld County)
• Red-tail Ridge Trail (Carter Lake to Little Thompson River)
• Pinewood Trail (Open Lands Visitor Center to Roosevelt National Forest)
• Carter Lake Trail (Big Thompson River to Carter Lake)
• Lower Big Thompson River Trail
• Upper Big Thompson River Trail
• Devil's Backbone to Horsetooth Reservoir Trail
• TKi. • Duck Lake Trail (Fossil Creek Reservoir to Boyd Lake)
• Fossil Creek Trail(Cathy Fromme Prairie to Fossil Creek Reservoir)
• Long View Trail (CR 17 connection between Ft. Collins and Loveland)
ax•' • • Buckhorn Trail
(between Horsetooth Reservoir&Big Thompson River)
• Hansen Irrigation Canal Trail(between Poudre River&Horsetooth Reservoir)
Poudre River Trail in • Lower Poudre River Trail (Timnath to Weld County)
Fort Collins • Upper Poudre River Trail (Lion's Park—west)
• Dry Creek Trail (Wellington to Poudre River—west)
• Boxelder Creek Trail (Wellington to Poudre River—east)
• Old Trappers Trail (Laramie Foothills)
• Overland Cherokee Trail (Laramie Foothills)
29
MASTER PLAN ACTIONS
Recommendations for future actions or activities by the Open Lands Program are summarized below:
Prioritization Process
This Open Lands Master Plan and the Open Lands Program Priority Areas Map describe a number of
schematically depicted important resource areas and agricultural lands to be protected and regional trail
corridors to be developed. It is not the intention,nor is it possible,for Larimer County to protect all of the
lands or complete all of the trails within these areas. Rather, these areas will be considered as prime
candidates for protection with willing sellers only. To determine the priority areas for protection efforts
and priority regional trails to be developed,the Board of County Commissioners and Open Lands Advi-
sory Board will conduct a periodic prioritization process to determine those areas that should be a focus
for protection. The prioritization process will take into account the development pressure in each of the
areas, land costs and value, balancing urgent, immediate demands and far-sighted, long-range goals,
natural resource protection and endangerment,agricultural value,input received via different methodolo-
gies during this master planning process and other factors.
Open Lands Procedures
Procedures and processes have been developed for the Open Lands Program for acquisition of lands,
evaluation of open lands being considered for acquisition, agricultural lands being considered for acqui-
sition and for development of management plans.
Acquisition Process
To ensure that an efficient and fair process is followed for initiating and completing property acquisitions,
an Acquisition Process for the Open Lands Program was developed and adopted by the Board of County
Commissioners and Open Lands Advisory Board (see Appendix G). The Acquisition Process is an 11-
step process that allows the Open Lands Program to adequately conduct property acquisitions while
allowing for sufficient public input and review by the Board of Commissioners and Open Lands Advisory
Board. While negotiations must be conducted confidentially,the public has opportunity to comment on
acquisitions at several key phases: during the final review of the property at an advertised Open Lands
Advisory Board meeting and at an advertised Board of Commissioners session.
Open Lands Property Evaluation
An evaluation form was developed and adopted by the Board of County Commissioners and Open Lands
Advisory Board and is completed for each open lands property prior to acquisition (see Appendix H).
The evaluation form includes information on the environmental, cultural, economic, political, aesthetic,
agricultural,public use, and contextual value of the property being evaluated. The process consists of an
index of a high, medium, or low ranking for each of the criteria applicable to the property in question.
There may be situations on some properties where a particular evaluation criterion is not applicable and
therefore not ranked.
The evaluation form is used by Larimer County with input from appropriate professionals and/or experts
to evaluate various properties against the evaluation criteria so that the Open Lands Advisory Board can
make reasoned decisions for recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. The scoring
system is an index,not a precise measurement,and is used as a guideline for setting priorities and making
recommendations.
30
LESA Evaluation
Larimer County's Agricultural Advisory Board and the American Farmland Trust have been working in
partnership to develop a systematic methodology specifically for Larimer County for identifying impor-
tant agricultural lands. The Land Evaluation Site Assessment(LESA) system was adopted in July, 2001
by the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners. The Open Lands Program will use the LESA
system in evaluating specific agricultural parcels within the larger identified important agricultural areas.
The LESA system was developed by a local LESA committee appointed by the County Commissioners to
determine the quality and sustainability of land for agricultural uses. More specifically,the LESA system
was developed to provide a tool that would meet public policy needs for analyzing farmland conversion
and protection issues by combining assessments of soil-based qualities of a site with non-soil factors that
affect a site's importance for agricultural use. LESA consists of two components: land evaluation (LE)
and site assessment(SA).
Land Evaluation Component
LE is used to rate the soils for a given area from best to poorest based on soil capability units taken
from the Larimer County Soil Survey.
Site Assessment Component
SA factors include farm size/percentage suitable for agriculture, water availability, land condi-
tion, distance to an annexed boundary, habitat value, strategic value, visual/scenic value and cul-
tural/historic values.
Management Planning Process
When lands are acquired by the Open Lands Program, a management plan specific to the property is
developed via a management planning process(see Appendix I). Management plans address the existing
condition of the property at the time of purchase, issues and constraints identified, and management
actions and implementation steps to be carried out. In the back of each plan,the specific implementation
steps are listed with cost projections,responsible individuals and a timeline for project completion.
The management planning process includes public input in several facets. A minimum of two public
meetings are held,and property owners within %-mile are notified of these meetings. The initial meeting
is a work session where issues and constraints are identified regarding the potential uses or limitations to
use of a property. The second meeting includes a presentation of the draft plan and opportunity for
comments. A technical advisory group is assembled for each property, comprising individuals with spe-
cialties in natural resources,outdoor recreation activities and other interests specific to the property. The
technical advisory committee makes a site visit,attends the public meetings and reviews the management
plan.
Prior to the completion of management plans properties are not open to public access, are managed for
weed control, fencing, signage, and the property is patrolled by a ranger.
31
Development Reviews
Reviews of land development proposals submitted to the Larimer County Planning Department, includ-
ing those within Municipal Growth Management Areas, are conducted to ensure that the goals of the
Open Lands Program are being supported. With the completion of this Open Lands Master Plan,propos-
als will be reviewed to determine if development proposals will impact important resource or agricultural
areas identified as priorities by the Master Plan. In addition,regional trail reservations or easements will
be requested as part of the review process to create regional trails identified in the Master Plan. Examples
of coordination with development proposals to achieve the goals outlined in the Master Plan include,but
are not limited to, the following:
• Review development proposals that are adjacent to existing protected open space areas to ensure
compatibility and resolve any access issues.
• Review development proposals that are within priority open space/agricultural protection areas
identified in the Open Lands Master Plan to ensure compatibility with Open Lands strategies.
• Review development proposals for opportunities to create regional trail segments.
• Assess parkland fees in lieu of land dedication, or request parkland dedications for planned open
space areas.
Partnerships, Grants, and Donations
In the 1993 Parks Master Plan, it was recommended that the pro-
tection of open space use innovative, low-cost techniques includ-
ing _ 3
donations,conservation easements,public/private partnerships
and a variety of others. Many of the accomplishments of the Open
Lands Program to date are the result of partnerships between
Larimer County,other jurisdictions,state and federal agencies,non- t "
profit organizations and private landowners. The following table -
outlines the acquisition costs and funds spent or committed by the
Open Lands Program and partners since 1996. Lake Estes Trail
Result of an Estes Valley partnership
Total Acquisition Larimer County Partners $ Donation $
Acreage Cost Open Lands S
12,281 $38,258,888 $19,547,634 $15,393,618 $3,317,636
Larimer County Open Lands Program will continue to work in partnership into the future as an important
way of leveraging funds and coordinating land protection efforts.
Management Program
Larimer County recognizes the importance of managing open lands acquired by the County over the long
term. Citizens who crafted the "Help Preserve Open Spaces"ballot initiative also recognized the impor-
tance of managing open lands over the long term. The ballot initiative requires that at least 15% of the
County's share of the open space tax be set aside for long term management and a maximum of 30%may
be set aside for those purposes. As a result, during the summer of 2000, Open Lands staff completed a
study of long-term management costs for lands acquired with the County's share of the open space sales
tax. Cash flow projections were developed to estimate annual management cost for Larimer County
Open Lands.
32
It is recommended that work sessions with the Board of County Commissioners and Open Lands Advisory
Board be held to determine the best course of action,within the parameters of the ballot language,of the various
options available for ensuring appropriate management of open lands properties.
Special Places
Larimer County contains a wealth of unique or important geo-
logic, natural, scenic, archaeological, paleontological or historic
resources of value to the citizens of the county.
The Larimer County Master Plan,
1997,speaks to Special Places with ar- ,
chaeological,cultural and aesthetic re- s
source values. Further, the Larimer
County Land Use Code, 1999, defines Devil's Backbone Open Space
. Special Places as those with"Sites and
structures listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places and iden-
tified in the Larimer County Parks Comprehensive Master Plan." The Open
Lands master planning process has addressed Special Places. Nomination for
special places designation will be a voluntary process by the landowner. Nomi-
nations will be reviewed by the Open Lands Advisory Board and determined
yt by the Board of County Commissioners based on a set of developed criteria.
Appendix E includes criteria for Special Places designation and an approach
for the Special Places nomination process.
Small Grants Program
A Small Grants Program will continue to provide financing to projects nominated by individuals, non-
profit organizations and others for the protection or enhancement of open space, trails, natural areas,
wildlife habitat,river areas and wetlands on private or public land. Currently, $10,000 annually has been
awarded for grants up to $2,000 each for these projects. Selection of a project is made if it is consistent
with the Open Lands Master Plan and if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
• Provides or enhances natural areas, including wildlife habitat, river areas and wetlands
• Provides linkages with existing open lands
• Provides opportunities for environmental education, outdoor recreation or nature interpretation
Educational Programs
Educational seminars will continue to be held on a biannual basis with an emphasis on topics relevant to
the Open Lands Program. Specifically, programs might include educational sessions on conservation
easements and other open lands related topics for realtors,lawyers,attorneys,landowners,and appraisers.
Environmental education programs will continue on open lands properties including such events and
activities as naturalist-led hikes, interpretive brochures and signage,partnerships with local schools for
outdoor classroom opportunities,partnerships with the Division of Wildlife and schools for the Teaching
Environment Naturally Program, and others.
33
Volunteer Programs
Larimer County will continue to utilize and expand volunteers and volunteer efforts to accomplish the
goals of the Open Lands Program. Volunteer projects might include trail building and maintenance,
naturalists for interpretive hikes/programs, weed warriors, office assistants, plant and wildlife invento-
ries,cultural resource inventories,fence building,trash removal,adopt-an-open-
space, etc.
Resource Research and Mapping
Completion of the Open Lands Master Plan is only one step in the protection
of important resource areas and the development of regional trails. The Open
Lands Program will continue to add to the mapping and database that describes
and illustrates important resource and agricultural values. Current GIS data/
mapping gaps include important agricultural lands and cultural and historic
resources; these will be added as funds permit. The maps that are included in
this master plan report are in digital form and will be kept up to date by Latimer
County as new areas are protected and regional trails completed. The Open
Lands Program will also continue to monitor public opinion as needed with
future surveys and via public meetings,newsletters and a web page.
34
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Help Preserve Open Spaces sales and use tax revenue is shared by Larimer County and six munici-
palities. The tax is not imposed on food. The sales tax continues through 2018, and total revenue
collected to date is over$37 million. Revenue sharing is an essential part of Help Preserve Open Spaces
which ensures that residents from throughout the County benefit from the Open Spaces sales tax. Shares
to municipalities are distributed based on population or sales tax generation;whichever is most beneficial
to that town. Each town must use its share for open space, natural areas, regional parks, or trails. Al-
though the percent fluctuates,at least 55%is distributed to the towns of Berthoud,Estes Park,Ft.Collins,
Loveland, Timnath, and Wellington, and the remaining funds but no less that 35% are allocated to the
County.
Annual Revenue Distribution of Open Space Tax Dollars*
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Total
Larimer County 2,259,975 2,485,421 2,707,553 3,067,810 3,294,869 13,815,628
Berthoud 71,154 80,969 87,574 101,539 110,862 452,098
Estes Park 161,905 178,198 193,453 224,779 222,608 980,943
Fort Collins 2,107,473 2,319,562 2,487,606 2,850,066 3,109,001 12,873,708
Loveland 847,210 932,139 1,003,872 1,146,823 1,234,060 5,164,104
Timnath 4,221 4,646 5,025 5,732 5,742 25,366
Wellington 29, 848 32,520 40,557 47,494 53,444 203,863
TOTALS 5,481,786 6,033,455 6,525,640 7,444,243 8,030,585 33,515,709
*These figures are unaudited and have been rounded when appropriate.
Larimer County's Share
In the year 2000, Larimer County received approximately 42% of the Help Preserve Open Spaces Sales
Tax dollars. These dollars are split between three separate funds by use(see"Allowable Uses of the Open
Spaces Sales Tax" Pie Chart on Page 36). These three separate funds include acquisition and develop-
ment, open lands management and a discretionary fund.
35
Allowable Uses of the 1/4 Percent Open Space Sales Tax
Per the Help Preserve Open Spaces Law
Acquisition and Development Fund Management Fund
Acquisition and Development of Open Long-term Management of Open
Space, Trails, and Agricultural Lands, and Space Sales Tax Acquisitions
Bond Repayment.
15%
70%
Discretionary Revenue
• Acquisition and Improvement of
Open Space, and/or
• Long-term Management of Open
Space, and/or
• Improvements to Existing(as of
11/95) Reservoir Parks
Acquisition and Development Fund
A minimum of 70% and maximum of 85% of the Open Space Sales Tax dollars are set aside into the
acquisition and development fund for the purchase of open lands properties and conservation easements,
development of properties including trailheads,parking areas,trails, fencing,etc.,and administration. A
portion of the acquisition and development fund is called the Revenue Bond Fund, described below:
Revenue Bond Fund
In 1999,a citizens' initiative to extend the existing"Help Preserve Open Spaces"sales and use tax and to
authorize revenue bonds for the preservation of open space was passed. Establishing bonding authority
was the fiscally responsible alternative to allowing the County to purchase lands at today's prices while
still available. The County may now issue revenue bonds, payable from the proceeds of the open space
sales and use tax allocated to the County. Revenue bonds totaling $15,065,000 were issued in July of
2000, with a tax exempt bond interest rate of 5.4%, repayable over the life of the tax or 18 years. The
36
proceeds are being used to finance land acquisitions and capital improvements relating to open space,natural
areas,regional parks,and trails to benefit the citizens of Larimer County. The initiative allows Larimer County to
potentially bond up to$54 million.
Management Fund
The Larimer County Open Lands Program recognizes the importance of managing open lands acquired
by the County over the long term. As a result, during the summer of 2000, the Open Lands Program
completed a study of management costs for lands acquired with the County's share of the open space
sales tax. Cash flow projections were developed to estimate annual management costs for Larimer County
Open Lands.
The citizens who crafted the "Help Preserve Open Spaces"ballot initiative also recognized the impor-
tance of managing open land over the long-term. The ballot initiative requires that at least 15%, and up
to 30%,of the open space tax dollars must be set aside for management costs. Since the inception of the
Open Lands Program in 1996, at least 15% of the sales tax revenue has been set aside annually into a
management fund to cover management costs. The total set aside to date is approximately$2,000,000.
Discretionary Revenue
Fifteen percent of the sales tax revenue is considered discretionary and can be used either for acquisition
and development, management or toward improvements of facilities at the County's reservoirs. From
1996-2000, 15% was set aside for management. In 2001 and 2002, 23% will be set aside for manage-
ment. Since 1996 and through 2003, 5% has been allocated to improvements at the existing reservoirs.
The reservoir improvement projects and dollars allocated are listed in the table below:
Existing Regional Park Project Open Lands Project
Cost Program
Contribution
South Bay—Horsetooth $200,000 $200,000 Expansion of existing boat ramp
Res. and cam 6! ound im'rovements.
Satanka Cove- Horsetooth $179,935 $100,000 Expansion of the existing boat
Res. ramp, picnic facilities &
handicaI access
South Shore— Horsetooth $345,000 $233,934 Campground, boat ramps and
Res. da -use facilit improvements.
Regional Park $550,000 $225,000 Facility improvement projects to
Improvements existin_ reservoirs.
Parking Area - Pinewood $123,500 $123,500 Expansion and improvements to
Res. Fisherman's Cove Parkin: Area.
Fishing Pier- Flatiron $10,000 $10,000 Build a handica. fishin: •ier.
Eagle Campground— $542,000 $290,001 Campground expansion,
Carter Lake electrical sites, picnic areas, and
access improvements.
37
Larimer County Open Lands Program
Sales Tax and Parkland Fee Projections 1996-2018
as of September 27, 2001
Projected Receipts:
Estimated Sales Tax(1996-2018)' $111,142,764
Revenue Bond Proceeds 13,921,454
Debt Service Reserve 1,275,581
Parkland Fees2 6,770,726
Estimated Interest Earned @ 4%
Fund Balance3 7,478,023
Debt Service Reserve° 1,308,512
Parkland fees 255,940
Revenue Bonds Proceeds 300,048
Miscellaneous 5,440
Total Projected Receipts $142,458,488
Projected Disbursements:
Administration Costs 17,975,822
Bond Principal, Interest and Issue Cost 24,225,956
Management Costs @ 15%minimum 16,671,415
Plans/Studies 223,769
Acquisition and Development Projects
General Costs 9,977,211
Non-Bonds 7,439,791
Bonds 9,306,357
Future Acqusitions&Development 39,966,753
Sub-total Acquisition and Development 66,690,112
Total Projected Disbursements 125,787,074
Discretionary Funds (15%) $16,671,414
(Can be used for Acquisition&Development or
Management or Improvements to Existing Reserviors)
Additional Information and Assumptions:
'Sales Tax Revenues are projected to increase at 5%per annum
2 Parkland Fees are projected at 4%per annum
3 The Debt Service Reserve is an alternative to purchasing a surity bond
Fund Balance interest was based on average acquisitions continuing with a 6%inflation factor
s See attached Summary of Administration and General Acquisition&Development Cost
38
Summary of Administration and General Acquisition & Development Costs
Administration Costs:
(12.6%of total projected receipts)
Salary and Benefits-
Open Lands Staff=4 FTEs
Allocated share of Parks and Open Lands Department Administrative and Accounting Staff
0&M Expenses-
Operating Supplies and Equipment
Telephone/Data Lines,Postage and Printing
Legal Services and Consultant Services
Meetings/Activities and Employee Development
Indirect Cost Allocation Relating to Shared Departmental Services
Administrative Allocation Relating to Shared Admin and Accounting Services
General Acquisition and Development Costs:
(15%of Acquisition&Development Costs)
Salary and Benefits-
Lands Land Agents= 1 FTE equivalent
•
O&M Expenses-
Operating Supplies and Equipment
Pre-acquisition Cost including Appraisals,Surveys and Title Work
Legal Services and Consultant Services
Telephone/Data Lines and Printing
Meetings/Activities and Employee Development
Small Grant Program
Note: This list is intended to show the types of expenses which may be included in the
above categories.
39
In acknowledgement of those individuals who contributed directly and substantially in preparation of this master plan.
Open Lands Advisory Board
Wendell Amos
Mark DeGregorio
Eric Hamrick
Brian Hayes
John Heaton
Lori Jeffrey
Milan Karspeck
Merrill Kaufmann
Tom Keith
Larry Kendall
Duane Pond
Nancy Wallace
Tom Shoemaker(former member)
Linda Stanley(former member)
Larimer County Board of Commissioners
Kathay Rennels, chair
Tom Bender
Glenn Gibson
Jim Disney(former commissioner)
Cheryl Olson(former commissioner)
PLANNING TEAM
Larimer County
K-Lynn Cameron, Program Manager
Meegan Flenniken, Project Manager/Resource Specialist
Kerni Traynor, Technician
Lori Smith,Accountant
Charlie Gindler, Technician
Gary Buffington, Parks and Open Lands Director
Larry Timm, Planning Director
Jill Bennett, Senior Planner
Dan Kunis, GIS Specialist
DHM Design Corporation,planning consultants
Mike Strunk, Senior Project Manager
Bud Simon,Principal-In-Charge
Jennifer Owczarzak, Landscape Architect/GIS technician
Cliff Lind,Landscape Architect/GIS technician
Sara Miller, Desktop Publisher
Jamie Glennon, Desktop Publisher
RRC Associates, survey consultants
Chris Cares, Principal
Nate Fristoe, Project Manager
40
APPENDICES
List of Appendices page
• Appendix A— 1995 Ballot Language 42
• Appendix B— 1999 Ballot Language 57
• Appendix C— 1993 Parks Master Plan Flowchart 61
• Appendix D—Project Chronology/List of Meetings 62
• Appendix E—Special Places Program 63
• Appendix F—Citizen Survey and Survey Report 66
• Appendix G—Acquisition Process 94
• Appendix H—Open Lands Property Evaluation 98
• Appendix I—Management Planning Process 103
41
Appendix A— 1995 Ballot Language
RESOLUTION NO.R95-123g
RESOLUTION CALLING ELECTION,CERTIFYNG BALLOT TITLE
AND CONFORMING A PROPOSAL FOR A COUNTY-WIDE SALES AND USE TAX
TO STATUTORY REUIREMENTS
WHEREAS,Article 2 of Title 29 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), as amended,
authorizes referral of a county-wide sales and use tax to the registered electors of a county either by
resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners or by petition initiated and signed by five
percent of the registered electors of the county; and
WHEREAS, a Petition entitled"HELP PRESERVE OPEN SPACES INITIATIVE"requesting
a proposal for a county-wide one-fourth of one cent sales and use tax to provide money for open space,
natural areas, wildlife habitat, parks and trails has been presented to this Board; and
WHEREAS,the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder has provided certification, as required by
29-2-104 (4), C.R.S.,that the Petition has been signed by at least five percent of the registered electors
of Larimer County; and
WHEREAS,pursuant to 29-2-104 (4), C.R.S., the Board of County Commissioners, upon
being presented with a petition requesting a proposal for a county-wide sales and use tax, which is
certified by the County Clerk and Recorder as being signed by five percent of the registered electors of
Larimer County, is required to submit such proposal to the registered electors of Larimer County; and
WHEREAS, Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution requires voter approval of the
proposed county-wide sales and use tax; and
WHREAS, 29-2-105 requires that a proposal for a county-wide sales and use tax contain
certain provisions and the Petition requesting the proposal does not include certain provisions required
by statute, and it is, therefore,necessary to amend the proposal prior to submission to the electorate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION-
ERS OF LARIMER COUNTY:
Section 1. Election Called. It is hereby determined that an election shall be held on November
7, 1995, as part of the coordinated odd-year election, for the purpose of submitting to the registered
electors of Larimer County the question set forth hereafter. The conduct of the election shall conform,
so far as practicable, to the general election laws of the State of Colorado.
Section 2. Election Official. The Larimer County Clerk is hereby designated as the County's
"designated election official", as defined in Section 1-1-104 (8), C.R.S. as the person responsible for
running the election, and is directed and authorized to take such action as may be necessary to call,
hold and canvass election in accordance with law.
Section 3. Ballot Title. The ballot title shall be as follows and is hereby certified to the
Larimer County Clerk and Recorder for submission to the registered electors of Larimer County:
42
SHALL LARIMER COUNTY TAXES BE INCREASED $6,200,000 ANNUALLY, COM-
MENCING IN 1996,AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS ARE RAISED
ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, FOR OPEN SPACE,NATURAL AREA, WILDLIFE HABI-
TAT, PARK AND TRAIL PURPOSES, SUCH TAX TO CONSIST OF A ONE QUARTER
PERCENT (1/4%) COUNTY-WIDE SALES AND USE TAX (NOT ON FOOD)TO BE
IMPOSED BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1996, AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2003, OF
WHICH A MINIUMUM OF 55% OF THE REVENUES ARE PLEDGED TO THE
MUNICIPALIITEIS OF LOVELAND, FORT COLLINS, ESTES PARK,BERTHOUD,
TIMNATH, AND WELLINGTON; AND NOT MORE THAN 45% OF THE REVENUES
ARE PLEDGED TO LARMIER COUNTY; ALL FOR THE ACQUISTION, PROTECTION,
IMPROVEMENT AND LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACE,NATURAL
AREAS,WILDLIFE HABITAT, PARKS AND TRAILS,ALL AS IS MORE PARTICULARY
DESCRIBED IN THE HELP PRESERVE OPEN SPACES INITIATIVE; AND SHALL THE
PROCEEDS OF SUCH SALES AND USE TAXES, AND INVESTMENT INCOME
THEREON CONSTITUTE VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGES ANI) BE COL-
LECTED AND SPENT BY THE COUNTY WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY EXPENDITURE,
REVENUE-RAISING,OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X,
SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION,AND WITHOUT LIMITING IN
ANY YEAR THE AMOUNT OF OTHER REVENUES THAT MAY BE COLLECTED AND
SPENT BY THE COUNTY?
YES
NO
Section 4. Notices of Election.
a) Pursuant to 29-2-104 (5) C.R.S., the County Clerk and Recorder shall cause to be published the
text, as amended, of the proposal for a county-wide sales and use tax four separate times, a
week apart, in the official newspaper of Larimer County and each city and incorporated town
within Larimer County.
b) The County Clerk and Recorder shall cause to be published, at least ten days before the elec-
tion, the notice required by 1-5-205 C.R.S. Such notice shall be in the form and contain the
information required by law. Said notice shall also be posted as required by 1-5-205 (1.3).
c) The County Clerk and Recorder shall cause a notice to all registered electors and the County to
be mailed in accordance with Article X, Section 20 (3)(b) of the Colorado Constitution and
other applicable laws. Such notice shall be in the form and contain the information required by
law.
d) In addition, such other notice of the election as may be required by law or deemed by the
County Clerk and Recorder to,be necessary or appropriate shall be given in the time, form and
manner required by law.
Section 5. Amendments to Text of Proposal. Numbered paragraph 29 of the text of the proposal
for a county-wide sales and use tax shall be amended to read as follows:
THAT a county-wide one quarter of one percent(0.25%) sales tax in accordance with the provisions
of Article 2,Title 29, Colorado Revised Statutes,as amended, shall hereby be imposed on the sale of
tangible personal property at retail or the furnishing of services in Larimer County as provided in
43
Paragraph(d) of Subsection(1)of Section 29-2-105, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended,and as
is more fully hereinafter set forth. For the purposes of this sales tax initiative, all retail sales are
consummated at the place of business of the retailer unless the tangible personal property sold is
delivered by the retailer or his agent to a destination outside the limits of Larimer County or to a
common carrier for delivery to a destination outside the limits of Larimer County. The gross receipts
from such sales shall include delivery charges when such charges are subject to the state sales and use
tax imposed by Article 26 of Title 39, Colorado Revised Statutes,as amended,regardless of the place
to which delivery is made. In the event a retailer has no permanent place of business in Larimer
County or has more than one place of business, the place or places at which the retail sales are con-
summated for the purpose of a sales tax imposed by this initiative shall be determined by the provi-
sions of Article 26 of Title 39, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, and by rules and regulations
promulgated by the Department of Revenue. The amount subject to tax shall not include the amount
of any sales or use tax imposed by Article 26 of Title 39,Colorado Revised Statutes,as amended. The
tangible personal property and services taxable pursuant to this initiative shall be the same as the
tangible personal property and services taxable pursuant to Section 39-26-104, Colorado Revised
Statutes, as amended, and subject to the same exemptions as those specified in Section 39-26-114,
Colorado Revised Statutes,as amended,and further subject to the exemption for sales of food(as the
term"food"is defined in Section 39-26-102(4.5)) specified in Section 39-26-114 0)(a)(XX), Colo-
rado Revised Statutes, as amended, the exemption for purchases of machinery and machine tools
specified in Section 39-26-114 (11), Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, and the exemption for
sales and purchases of those items in Section 39-026-114(1)(a)(XXI),Colorado Revised Statutes,as
amended. All sales of personal property on which a specific ownership tax has been paid or is
payable shall be exempt from the sales tax imposed by Larimer County when such sales meet both of
the following conditions:
a) The purchaser is a non-resident of or has his principal place of business outside of Larimer
County; and
b) Such personal property is registered or required to be registered outside the limits of Larimer
County under the laws of the State of Colorado.
The county-wide sales tax shall not apply to the sale of construction and building materials, as the
term is used in Section 29-2-109, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, if such materials are
picked up by the purchaser and if the purchaser of such materials presents to the retailer a building
permit or other documentation acceptable to the County evidencing that a local use tax has been
paid or is required to be paid.
The county-wide sales tax will not apply to the sale of tangible personal property at retail or the
furnishing of services if the transaction was previously subjected to a sales or use tax lawfully
imposed on the purchaser or user by another statutory or home rule county equal to or in excess of
that sought to be imposed by Larimer County. A credit shall be granted against the sales tax im-
posed by Larimer County with respect to such transaction equal in amount to the lawfully imposed
local sales or use tax previously paid by the purchaser or user to the previous statutory or home rule
county. The amount of the credit shall not exceed the sales tax imposed by Larimer County.
The county-wide sales tax will not apply to the sale of food purchased with food stamps. For
purposes of this paragraph, "food" shall have the meaning as provided in 7 U.S.C. Section 2012 (g)
as such section exists on October I, 1987 or is thereafter amended.
The county-wide sales tax will not apply to the sale of food purchases with funds provided by the
44
special supplemental food program for women, infants and children, 42 U.S.C. Section 1786. For
purposes of the paragraph, "food"shall have the same meaning as provided in 42 U.S.C. Section
1786 as such section exists on October 1, 1987 or is thereafter amended.
Any person engaging in the business of selling tangible personal property at retail, or the furnishing
of certain services as herein specified, is required to obtain a license therefore, which license shall
be granted at no cost and issued by a designated official of the Larimer County Financial Adminis-
tration Division, and shall be in force and effect until the 315`day of December of 2003, unless
sooner revoked. Such license shall be granted upon application stating the name and address of the
person desiring such license, the name of such business and location, and such other facts as the
said official may reasonably require. In case business is transacted at two (2)or more separate
places by one person, a separate license for each place of business shall be required. Each license
shall be numbered and shall show the name, residence, place and character of a business of the
licensee and shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the place of business for which it is issued.
No license shall be provided in Section 39-26-103, C.R.S., and any amendment thereto enacted
before the effective date of this initiative, which provision is incorporated herein by this reference.
No license shall be required for any person engaged exclusively in the business of selling com-
modities, which are exempt from taxation under this initiative.
The vendor(retailer) shall be entitled as collecting agent to withhold a collection fee in the same
amount and in the same manner as authorized in Section 39-26-105, C.R.S., and any amendment
thereto enacted before or after the effective date of this proposal, from the total amount due by
vendor to the County. No vendor shall be entitled to the collection fee for any month that the
vendor is or remains delinquent.
The sales tax imposed shall be collected, administered and enforced by the Executive Director of
the Department of Revenue in the same manner as the collection, administration and enforcement
of the Colorado State sales tax, as provided by Article 26 of Title 39, Colorado Revised Statutes, as
amended.
A copy of the text of the amended proposal is attached hereto.
ADOPTED this day of , 1995.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF THE COUNTY OF LARIMER
ATTEST:
Deputy Clerk of the Board By:
Chairman
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DATE:
ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY
45
HELP PRESERVE OPEN SPACES INITIATIVE
WHEREAS,there is citizen support in Larimer County to preserve and provide open space,natural areas,
wildlife habitat,parks and trails for today and for the future; and
WHEREAS, the need exists now in Larimer County and in the cities and towns of Loveland, Fort
Collins, Estes Park, Berthoud, Timnath and Wellington to protect, acquire, improve and maintain
open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat,parks and trails; and
WHEREAS, no other county-wide funding source exists to protect open space and provide trails;
and
WHEREAS, the intent of this initiative is to establish one county-wide sales and use tax to be
shared by Larimer County, Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Berthoud, Timnath and Wellington
for open space, natural area, wildlife habitat, park and trail purposes on a willing seller basis only;
and
WHEREAS, Larimer County and the cities and towns in Larimer County have developed master
plans for open space,natural area, park and trail purposes, and
WHEREAS, Larimer County will coordinate with unincorporated communities including but not
limited to Laporte, Bellvue, Redfeather Lakes regarding their open space,natural area, wildlife
habitat, park and trail goals; and
WHEREASE, the intent of this inititative is to supplement existing funding sources, if any, for
open space, natural area, wildlife habitat, park and trail purposes; and
WHEREAS, agriculture is determined to be significant to Larimer County's cultural heritage,
therefore preservation of lands for agricultural purposes from willing participants is desirable; and
WHEREAS, Larimer County and the cities and towns in Larimer County will partner with each
other and with land trusts and other state and federal agencies in order to jointly pursue funds from
the GO Colorado Trust Fund as well as other appropriate grant programs; and
WHEREAS, there is a citizen effort to place an initiative on the November, 1995 ballot to fund
open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat, parks and trails with a county-wide ''A cent sales and use
tax(not on food) that is limited to eight years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. THAT for the purposes of open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat,parks and trails, a county-
wide one quarter of one percent(0.25%) sales and use tax shall hereby be imposed and the
proceeds of the sales and use tax shall be expended by Larimer County for Larimer County and
on behalf of the municipalities in Larimer County including Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park,
Berthoud, Timnath and Wellington for the following purposes:
a) To acquire fee title interest in real property in Larimer County and within the munici-
palities of Larimer County for open space, natural area, wildlife habitat,park and trail
46
purposes;
b) To acquire less than fee interest in real property such as easements (including conserva-
tion and agricultural), leases, options, future interest, covenants, development rights,
subsurface rights and contractual rights, either on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis,
for open space,natural area, wildlife habitat,park and frail purposes;
c) To acquire water rights and water storage rights for use in connection with the afore-
mentioned purposes;
d) To acquire rights-of-way and easements for trails and access to public lands in Larimer
County and within the municipalities of Larimer County, and to build and improve such
trails and access ways;
e) To allow expenditure of funds for joint projects between counties, municipalities,
recreation districts, other government entities, trusts, foundations or other public or
private entities for open space, natural area, wildlife habitat,park and trail purposes in
Larimer County and within the municipalities of Larimer County;
f) To improve and protect open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat,parks and trails;
g) To manage, patrol and maintain open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat,parks and
trails;
h) To pay for related collection, distribution and construction costs subject to limitations
stated herein.
2. THAT all acquisitions shall be carried out with good faith negotiations with willing sellers; and
that no entity receiving this sales and use tax revenue shall use such funds to make any acquisi-
tion authorized by this initiative through eminent domain or the threat of eminent domain;
3. THAT a separate fund, to be known as the "Larimer County Open Space Fund"(the "Fund")
shall be created and 100% of the revenue (gross receipts less collection and distribution costs)
derived from the sales and use tax shall be deposited thereto; and that a minimum of fifty-five
percent(55%) the revenue deposited thereto shall be attributed to the municipalities located
wholly within Larimer County as further described in paragraph 6; and that the remaining fund
balance, after municipal shares have been attributed, but not less than thirty-five (35%), shall be
allocated to Larimer County to be used solely for the purposes stated herein and as further
described in paragraph 15 below;
4. THAT interest generated from the revenues of the sales and use tax shall be used for the pur-
poses state herein;
5. THAT revenue generated on open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat,parks and trials ac-
quired with this sales and use tax shall be used for the purposes state herein;
6. THAT a minimum of fifty-five percent (55%) of the revenue (gross receipts less collection and
distribution costs) derived from the sales and use tax shall be allocated to municipalities located
wholly with Larimer County; and that the attributable share to each municipality within Larimer
County shall be determined at least annually in accordance with one of two formulas as de-
scribed in(i) and (ii), whichever attributes the larger amount of revenue to that municipality:
(i) Population formula: the amount deemed attributable to a municipality shall be that amount
which bears the same ratio the population within said municipality bears to the total population
of the municipalities of Larimer County; or
47
(ii) Sales tax collection formula: the amount deemed attributable to a municipality shall be that
amount which bears the same ratio the amount of state sales tax revenue collected within said
municipality bears to the total amount of state sales tax revenue collected in the municipalities
of Larimer County whichever benefits that municipality most; and that the source of statistics
for population shall be the same as the current statistics used by the Colorado Division of Local
Government in the Department of Local Affairs; and that the source of statistics for sales tax
collection shall be the same as the current statistics used by the Colorado Department of Rev-
enue;
7. THAT Larimer County shall create a separate account for the municipality of Loveland; and
that 100%of the revenue attributed to Loveland from said sales and use tax and any investment
income thereon which is attributed to Loveland shall be deposited thereto; and that the revenue
deposited shall be used for paying all or any part of the cost of acquiring interests in,protecting,
improving and maintaining open space, natural areas, and wildlife habitat; and parks and
recreational trails as defined in paragraphs 16b and 16c;
8. THAT Larimer County shall create a separate account for the municipality of Fort Collins; and
that 100% of the revenue attributed to Fort Collins from said sales and use tax and any invest-
ment income thereon which is attributed to Fort Collins shall be deposited thereto; and that the
revenue deposited shall be used to further implement the Fort Collins Natural Areas Plan and to
further implement of the Fort Collins trails program; and that a portion of the revenue shall be
used for long-term management and maintenance of natural areas and trails;
9. THAT Larimer County shall create a separate account for the municipality of Estes Park; and
that 100% of the revenue attributed to Estes Park from said sales and use tax and any invest-
ment income thereon which is attributed to Estes Park shall be deposited thereto; and that the
revenue deposited shall be used to fund preservation of open space, wildlife habitat and buffers
to Rocky Mountain National Park and to provide trails as described in the Estes Park Hike and
Bike Plan and the Estes Valley Trails Plan; and that a portion of the revenue shall be used for
long-term management and maintenance of those purposes;
10. THAT Larimer County shall create a separate account for the municipality of Berthoud; and
that 100%of the revenue attributed to Berthoud from said sales and use tax and any investment
income thereon which is attributed to Berthoud all be deposited thereto; and that the revenue
deposited shall be limited to activities that identity, preserve and maintain sites that are natural
habitats for wildlife and native plants specifically including wetlands,reservoirs and river
corridors; protect farmlands and encourage agricultural activities in those surrounding lands
that also contribute to open space and buffers with nearby communities; link the undeveloped
areas associated with the community gateway south of Berthoud with the Little Thompson
corridor;protect the undeveloped lands around and connecting the reservoirs in the Berthoud
area all as described in the Berthoud Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Plan and the Northern
Colorado Regional Planning Study;
11. THAT Larimer County shall create a separate account for the municipality of Timnath; and that
100%of the revenue attributed to Timnath from said sales and use tax and any investment
income thereon which is attributed to Timnath shall be deposited thereto; and that the revenue
deposited shall be used for the purposes stated herein;
48
12. THAT Larimer County shall create a separate account for the municipality of Wellington; and
that 100% of the revenue attributed to Wellington from said sales and use tax and any invest-
ment income thereon which is attributed to Wellington shall be deposited thereto; and that the
revenue deposited shall be used for the purposes stated herein;
13. THAT Larimer County shall distribute funds on behalf of a municipality upon the municipality
representing to the County that the funds are to be used in accordance with this initiative and
the County is entitled to rely upon such representation when making the distribution and shall
not be responsible for any misuse of funds so distributed;
14. THAT each municipality and Larimer County shall prepare a report to the public annually
regarding the use of the revenues attributed to said municipality and Larimer County;
15. THAT, after municipal funds have been allocated, the remaining fund balance (not less than
thirty-five percent) shall be used by Larimer County for the purposes stated herein; and that
over the life of the sales and use tax; (i) not less than seventy percent (70%) of the revenue shall
be used solely for paying all or any part of the costs of acquiring interests in, protecting and
improving open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat,parks and trails; (ii) not less than fifteen
percent(15%)and up to thirty percent (30%) of the revenue shall be set aside to be used solely
for paying all or any part of the long-term costs of operating, maintaining, and administering
such interests and improvements; and(iii) not more than fifteen percent(15%) of the revenue
shall be used solely for paying any part of the costs of improving existing regional parks includ-
ing Carter Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir, Flatiron Reservoir and Pinewood Reservoir; and that, if
Larimer County terminates its lease with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for recreational
management of the aforementioned reservoirs before December 31, 2003, then the revenue
allocated to improving existing regional parks as described in (iii) above shall thereafter be
used solely for paying all or any part of the costs of acquiring interests in,protecting and im-
proving open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat, parks and trails. The above use of funds
shall be determined as of December 31, 2003, the last effective day of the sales and use tax.
16. THAT, specifically for the revenues attributed to Larimer County, open space,natural areas,
wildlife habitat, parks and trails are defined as, but not limited to, those lands generally de-
scribed in the Larimer County Comprehensive Parks Master Plan adopted by the Board of
County Commissioners on June 14, 1993, or as may hereafter be amended by the Board, in
which it has been determined that it is, or may in the future be, within the public interest to
acquire an interest in order to assure their protection; and that open space, natural area, wildlife
habitat,park and trail acquisitions and improvements shall be, or similar in character to those
described below:
a. Open space lands may include:
• Lands with significant natural resource, scenic and wildlife habitat values;
• Lands that are buffers maintaining community identity such as the area be-
tween Fort Collins and Loveland and the area between Loveland and
Berthoud;
• Lands that are to be used for regional trails and/or wildlife migration routes;
• Lands that will be preserved for agricultural purposes from willing partici-
pants;
• Lands that provide outdoor recreation, environmental education or nature
49
observation opportunities near population centers, including areas that expand
or provide buffers to existing parklands;
• Lands with other important values such as scenic and historic sites that con-
tribute to Larimer County's natural and cultural heritage.
Lands considered highly desirable for preservation using revenue from Larimer County's attributable
share and in cooperative partnerships with other entities include:
• Riparian lands and access to riparian lands along the Big Thompson River and
the Cache La Poudre River;
• Wildlife habitat and scenic open space located in the foothills and upland
grasslands in the vicinity of Fort Collins and Loveland;
• Buffers to maintain community identity which include agricultural uses in the
areas between Fort Collins and Loveland and Loveland and Berthoud;
• Wildlife habitat, scenic open space and buffers to the Rocky Mountain Na-
tional Park in the Estes Park area including the Meadowdale Ranch conserva-
tion easement;
• Lands for wildlife habitat protection and passive recreation at plains reservoirs
including Fossil Creek;
b. Improvements will protect natural resources and water quality; enhance the quality of
the outdoor recreational experience; and will provide trails and public access to public
lands in Larimer County. Improvements may include trails and trailheads; water and
sanitary facilities; campground and picnic facilities; swim beaches and boating facili-
ties; environmental education opportunities and access for the physically disabled.
c. Trails provide links and access to outdoor recreation, open space,parks,natural areas
and other communities while preserving natural features or migration corridors for
wildlife.
17. THAT a voluntary county-wide Advisory Board shall be established by the Board of County
Commissioners to make recommendations regarding the attributable revenue share to Larimer
County; and that the membership of the Advisory Board at a minimum shall consists of one (1)
elected official or appointee from the municipalities of Berthoud, Estes Park, Fort Collins and
Loveland; one (1) member from the Larimer County Planning Commission; and four(4) citi-
zens appointed at large. The membership of the Advisory Board shall represent a balance in
geography, population and interest;
18. THAT if the majority of the qualified electors voting thereon vote for approval of this county-
wide sales and use tax initiative, such county-wide sales and use tax shall be effective through-
out the incorporated and unincorporated portions of the Larimer County beginning January 1,
1996;
19. THAT pursuant to Article 2 of Title 29 of Colorado Revised Statutes, Larimer County is autho-
rized to pledge sales and use tax revenue for capital improvements and, if the sales and use tax
is approved and if the County acted to pledge sales and use tax for capital improvements, the
County shall pledge the revenue only for the purposes stated herein.
50
20. THAT no land acquired through the revenues provided by this sales and use tax may be sold,
leased, traded, or otherwise conveyed,nor may an exclusive license or permit on such land be
given,nor may the use of such land be converted to purposes other than those permitted hereby
until approval of such action by the appropriate elected board or council. Prior to such action,
the proposed action shall be reviewed by the applicable county or municipal advisory board,
and a recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate elected board or council. Ap-
proval of the action may be given only by a majority vote of the members of the elected board
or council after a public hearing held with notice published at least ten(10)days in advance in
the official newspaper of the County and each municipality within the County, giving the
location of the land in question and the intended action relating thereto.
21. THAT (i)if any real property or interest therein acquired by use of proceeds of said sales and
use tax pursuant to paragraph 1 of this initiative ever be sold, exchanged, transferred or other-
wise disposed of, the consideration for such sale, exchange, transfer or disposition shall be
subject to the same expenditure and use restrictions as those set forth herein for the original
proceeds of said sales and use tax, including restrictions set forth in this paragraph; and(ii) if
any real property or interest therein acquired by use of proceeds of said sales and use tax pursu-
ant to paragraph 1 of this initiative shall ever be converted to purposes other than open space,
natural area,wildlife habitat,park and trail purposes, the County or municipality shall pay into
the "Fund," from any legally available County or municipal moneys other than said sales and
use tax, the then estimated value of such property, as determined by an appraisal;
22. THAT Larimer County and the municipalities within Larimer County are authorized to adopt
such uniform rules and regulations as may be necessary for the administration and enforcement
of this initiative; and that the Board of Commissioners or their authorized representatives are
hereby empowered to enter into and execute on behalf of Larimer County any agreements
necessary for the administration and enforcement of this initiative;
23. THAT the cost of the election shall be paid from the general fund of Larimer County.
24. THAT the County Clerk and Recorder shall publish the text of this sales and use tax initiative
four separate times, a week apart, in the official newspaper of Larimer County and each munici-
pality within this County.
25. THAT the County Clerk and Recorder, as election officer, shall undertake all measures neces-
sary to comply with the election provisions set forth in Colorado Constitution, Article X,
Section 20(3), including but not limited to the mailing of required election notices and ballot
issue summaries.
26. THAT the conduct of the election shall conform so far as is practicable to the general election
laws of the State of Colorado.
27. THAT the distribution of all sales and use tax collected by the Director of Revenue,pursuant to
this initiative, shall be to Larimer County which then distributes to municipalities as heretofore
described.
28. THAT a) all use tax collected on construction and building materials pursuant to this initiative
51
shall be distributed to Larimer County; and b) all use tax collected on motor or other vehicles
pursuant to this initiative shall be distributed to Larimer County.
29. THAT a county-wide one quarter of one percent(0.25%) sales tax in accordance with the
provisions of Article 2, Title 29, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, shall hereby be
imposed on the sale of tangible personal property at retail or the furnishing of services in
Larimer County as provided in Paragraph(d) of Subsection(1) of Section 29-2-105, Colorado
Revised Statutes, as amended, and as is more fully hereinafter set forth. For the purposes of
this sales tax initiative, all retail sales are consummated at the place of business of the retailer
unless the tangible personal property sold is delivered by the retailer or his agent to a destina-
tion outside the limits of Larimer County or to a common carrier for delivery to a destination
outside the limits of Larimer County. The gross receipts from such sales shall include delivery
charges when such charges are subject to the state sales and use tax imposed by Article 26 of
Title 39, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, regardless of the place to which delivery is
made. In the event a retailer has no permanent place of business in Larimer County or has more
than one place of business, the place or places at which the retail sales are consummated for the
purpose of sales tax imposed by this initiative shall be determined by the provisions of Article
26 of Title 39, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, and by rules and regulations promul-
gated by the Department of Revenue. The amount subject to tax shall not include the amount
of any sales or use tax imposed by Article 26 of Title 39, Colorado Revised Statutes, as
amended. The tangible personal property and services taxable pursuant to this initiative shall
be the same as the tangible personal property and services taxable pursuant to Section 39-26-
104, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, and subject to the same exemptions as those
specified in Section 39-26-114, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, and further subject to
the exemption for sales of food(as the term "food" is defined in Section 39-26-102(4.5))
specified in Section 39-26-114(1)(a)(XX), Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, the exemp-
tion for purchases of machinery and machine tools specified in Section 39-26-114(11), Colo-
rado Revised Statutes, as amended, and the exemption for sales and purchases of those items in
Section 39-26-114(1)(a)(XXI), Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended. All sales of personal
property on which a specific ownership tax has been paid or is payable shall be exempt from
the sales tax imposed by Larimer County when such sales meet both of the following condi-
tions:
a. The purchaser is a non-resident of or has his principal place of business outside of
Larimer County; and
b. Such personal property is registered or required to be registered outside the limits of
Larimer County under the laws of the State of Colorado.
The county-wide sales tax shall not apply to the sale of construction and building materials,as the term is
used in Section 29-2-109, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, if such materials are picked up by the
purchaser and if the purchaser of such materials presents to the retailer a building permit of other docu-
mentation acceptable to the County evidencing that a local use tax has been paid or is required to be paid.
The county-wide sales tax will not apply to the sale of tangible personal property at retail or the furnishing
of services if the transaction was previously subjected to a sales or use tax lawfully imposed on the
purchaser or user by another statutory or home rule county equal to or in excess of that sought to be
imposed by Larimer County. A credit shall be granted against the sales tax imposed by Larimer County
with respect to such transaction equal in amount to the lawfully imposed local sales or use tax previously
paid by the purchaser or user to the previous statutory or home rule county. The amount of the credit shall
52
not exceed that sales tax imposed by Larimer County.
The county-wide sales tax will not apply to the sale of food purchased with food stamps. For purposes of
this paragraph, "food" shall have the meaning as provided in 7 U.S.C. Section 2012(g) as such section
exists on October 1, 1987 or is thereafter amended.
The county-wide sales tax will not apply to the sale of food purchased with funds provided by the special
supplemental food program for women, infants and children, 42 U.S.C. Section 1786. For purposes of
this paragraph, "food" shall have the same meaning as provided in 42 U.S.C. Section 1786 as such
section exists on October 1, 1987 or is thereafter amended.
Any person engaging in the business of selling tangible personal property at retail, or the furnishing of
certain services as herein specified,is required to obtain a license therefore,which license shall be granted
at no cost and issued by a designated official of the Larimer County Financial Administration Division,
and shall be in force and effect until the 315' day of December of 2003, unless sooner revoked. Such
license shall be granted upon application stating the name and address of the person desiring such license,
the name of such business and location, and such other facts as the said official may reasonably require.
In case business is transacted at two(2)or more separate places by one person,a separate license for each
place of business shall be required. Each license shall be numbered and shall show the name,residence,
place and character of a business of the licensee and shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the place of
business for which it is issued. No license shall be transferable. Any license may be revoked for cause as
provided in Section 39-26-103, C.R.S., and any amendment thereto enacted before the effective date of
this initiative, which provision is incorporated herein by this reference. No license shall be required for
any person engaged exclusively in the business of selling commodities which are exempt from taxations
under this initiative.
The vendor(retailer) shall be entitled as collecting agent to withhold a collection fee in the same amount
and in the same manner as authorized in Section 39-26-105, C.R.S., and any amendment thereto enacted
before or after the effective date of this proposal, from the total amount due by vendor to the County. No
vendor shall be entitled to the collection fee for any month that the vendor is or remains delinquent.
The sales tax imposed shall be collected, administered and enforced by the Executive Director of the
Department of Revenue in the same manner as the collection, administration and enforcement of the
Colorado State sales tax, as provided by Article 26 of Title 39, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended.
30. THAT a county-wide one quarter of one percent(0.25%)use tax in accordance with the provisions of
Article 2, Title 29, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended shall hereby be imposed for the privilege of
using or consuming in Larimer County any construction and building materials purchased at retail and for
the privilege of storing,using,or consuming in Larimer County any motor and other vehicles,purchased
at retail on which registration is required. The use tax shall not apply:
b. To the storage, use, or consumption of any tangible personal property the sale of which is
subject to a retail sales tax imposed by Larimer County;
c. To the storage,use or consumption of any tangible personal property purchased for resale
in Larimer County either in its original form or as an ingredient of a manufactured or
compounded product, in the regular course of a business;
d. To the storage, use or consumption of tangible personal property brought into Larimer
County by a non-resident thereof for his own storage, use or consumption while tempo-
53
rarily within the County; however, this exemption does not apply to the storage, use or
consumption of tangible personal property brought into the state by a non-resident to be
used in the conduct of a business in this state;
e. To the storage, use or consumption of tangible personal property by the United States
government, or the State of Colorado, or its institutions, or its political subdivisions in
their governmental capacities only or by religious or charitable corporations on the con-
duct of their regular religious or charitable functions;
f. To the storage, use or consumption of tangible personal property by a person engaged in
the business of manufacturing or compounding for sale, profit, or use any article, sub-
stance, or commodity, which tangible personal property enters into the processing of or
becomes an ingredient or component part of the product or service which is manufactured,
compounded,or furnished and the container,label, or the furnished shipping case thereof;
g. To the storage,use,or consumption of any article of tangible personal property the sale or
use of which has already been subjected to a legally imposed sales or use tax of another
statutory or home rule county equal to or in excess of that imposed by Larimer County. A
credit shall be granted against the use tax imposed by Larimer County with respect to a
person's storage, use or consumption in Larimer County of tangible personal property
purchased in another statutory or home rule county. The amount of the credit shall be
equal to the tax paid by the person by reason of the imposition of a sales or use tax of the
other statutory or home rule county on the purchase or use of the property. The amount of
the credit shall not exceed that tax imposed by this proposal;
h. To the storage, use, or consumption of tangible personal property and household effects
acquired outside of Larimer County and brought into it by a non-resident acquiring resi-
dency;
i. To the storage or use of a motor vehicle if the owner is or was, at the time of purchase, a
non-resident of Larimer County and he purchased the vehicle outside of Larimer County
for use outside of Larimer County and actually so used it for a substantial and primary
purpose for which it was acquired and he registered,titled,and licensed said motor vehicle
outside of Larimer County;
j. To the storage, use or consumption of any construction and building materials and motor
and other vehicles on which registration is required if a written contract for the purchase
thereof was entered into prior to the effective date of this use tax proposal;
k. To the storage,use,or consumption of any construction and building materials required or
made necessary in the performance of any construction contract bid, let, or entered into
any time prior to the effective date of this use tax proposal.
31. THAT the one quarter of one percent (0.25%) use tax provided for herein shall be applicable to
every motor vehicle for which registration is required by the laws of the State of Colorado,and no
registration shall be made of any motor or other vehicle for which registration is required, and no
certificate of title shall be issued for such vehicle by the Department of Revenue or its authorized
agents until any tax due upon the use, storage, or consumption thereof pursuant to this initiative
has been paid. The use tax imposed by this initiative shall be collected by the authorized agent of
the Department of Revenue of this county. The proceeds of said use tax shall be paid to Larimer
County periodically in accordance with an agreement entered into by and between Larimer County
and the Department of Revenue.
32. THAT except as provided by Section 39-26-208 and Section 39-26-304, Colorado Revised Stat-
54
utes, as amended, any use tax imposed shall be collected, enforced and administered by Larimer
County. The use tax on construction and building materials will be collected by the County
Building Inspector, by each municipality or as may be otherwise provided by intergovernmental
agreement, based upon an estimate of building and construction materials costs submitted by the
owner or contractor at the time a building permit application is made.
33. THAT seven percent (7%) limitation on amount of sales tax provided for in 29-2-108 of C.R.S.
shall be exceeded in the municipality of Estes Park, Colorado, if the proposed sales tax is ap-
proved and adopted. In such event such sales tax limitation shall be exceeded by one quarter of
one percent(0.25%).
34. THAT, for purposes of Colorado Constitution Article X, Section 20, the receipt and expenditure
of revenue of this sales and use tax and investment income thereon, shall be accounted for, bud-
geted and appropriated separately from other revenues and expenditures of Larimer County and
outside of the fiscal year spending of the County as calculated under Article X, Section 20, and
nothing in Article X, Section 20 shall limit the receipt and expenditure in each fiscal year of the
full amount of such revenues,nor shall receipt and expenditure of such revenues affect or limit the
receipt or expenditure of any and all other revenues of Larimer County for any fiscal year;
35. THAT if any provision of this initiative or the application thereof to any person or circumstances
is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the provisions or applications of this initiative
regarding the sales and use tax which can be given affect without the invalid provision or applica-
tion and to this end, the provisions of this initiative are declared to be severable;
36. THAT the sales and use tax shall expire at midnight on December 31, 2003 and all moneys re-
maining in the "Fund" created hereunder for Larimer County shall continue to be expended for
the purposes set forth herein until completely exhausted.
37. THAT the Ballot Title/Question on the county-wide sales and use tax initiative that shall be re-
ferred to the registered electors of Larimer County at a general election to be held on Tuesday,the
7th day of November, 1995,shall be,in substantially the following form with only such changes as
may be determined by the Board of County Commissioners:
"SHALL LARIMER COUNTY TAXES BE INCREASED$6,200,000 ANNUALLY,COMMENC-
ING IN 1996,AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS ARE RAISED ANNUALLY
THEREAFTER, FOR OPEN SPACE, NATURAL AREA, WILDLIFE HABITAT, PARK AND
TRAIL PURPOSES, SUCH TAX TO CONSIST OF A ONE QUARTER PERCENT (1/4%)
COUNTY-WIDE SALES AND USE TAX (NOT ON FOOD) TO BE IMPOSED BEGINNING
JANUARY 1, 1996, AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2003,OR WHICH A MINIMUM OF
55% OF THE REVENUES ARE PLEDGED TO THE MUNICIPALITIES OF LOVELAND,
FORT COLLINS, ESTES PARK, BERTHOUD,TIMNATH,AND WELLINGTON; AND NOT
MORE THAN 45% OF THE REVENUES ARE PLEDGED TO LARIMER COUNTY; ALL
FOR THE ACQUISITION, PROTECTION, IMPROVEMENT AND LONG-TERM MAINTE-
NANCE OF OPEN SPACE,NATURAL AREAS,WILDLIFE HABITAT,PARKS AND TRAILS,
ALL AS IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE HELP PRESERVE OPEN SPACES
INITIATIVE; AND SHALL THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH SALES AND USE TAXES, AND
INVESTMENT INCOME THEREON CONSTITUTE VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE
55
CHANGES AND BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE COUNTY WITHOUT REGARD
TO ANY EXPENDITURE, REVENUE-RAISING, OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED
WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, AND WITH-
OUT LIMITING IN ANY YEAR THE AMOUNT OF OTHER REVENUES THAT MAY BE
COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE COUNTY?"
YES
NO
56
Appendix B— 1999 Ballot Language
INITIATIVE TO CONTINUE THE EXISTING HELP PRESERVE OPEN SPACES SALES AND
USE TAX AND TO AUTHORIZE REVENUE BONDS FOR PRESERVATION OF OPEN SPACES
WHEREAS, at the general election held on November 7, 1995,the voters of Larimer County,
Colorado (the"County") overwhelmingly approved the following ballot question(the "1995
Help Preserve Open Spaces Ballot Question"):
SHALL LARIMER COUNTY'S TAXES BE INCREASED $6,200,000 MILLION ANNU-
ALLY COMMENCING IN 1996, AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS ARE
RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER FOR OPEN SPACE,NATURAL AREA,WILDLIFE
HABITAT, PARK AND TRAIL PURPOSES, SUCH TAX TO CONSIST OF A ONE QUAR-
TER PERCENT (1/4%) COUNTY WIDE SALES AND USE TAX (NOT ON FOOD) TO BE
IMPOSED BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1996 AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2003, OF
WHICH A MINIMUM OF 55%OF THE REVENUES ARE PLEDGED TO THE MUNICI-
PALITIES OF LOVELAND, FORT COLLINS, ESTES PARK, BERTHOUD,TIMNATH,
AND WELLINGTON; AND NOT MORE THAN 45% OF THE REVENUES ARE PLEDGED
TO LARIMER COUNTY,ALL FOR THE ACQUISITION, PROTECTION, IMPROVEMENT
AND LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACE,NATURAL AREAS, WILDLIFE
HABITAT, PARKS AND TRAILS, ALL AS IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN
THE HELP PRESERVE OPEN SPACES INITIATIVE; AND SHALL THE PROCEEDS OF
SUCH SALES AND USE TAXES AND INVESTMENT INCOME THEREON CONSTITUTE
VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGES AND BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE
COUNTY WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY EXPENDITURE, REVENUE-RAISING, OR
OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLO-
RADO CONSTITUTION, AND WITHOUT LIMITATION IN ANY YEAR THE AMOUNT
OF OTHER REVENUES THAT MAY BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE COUNTY?
WHEREAS, the citizens of Larimer County have shown strong support to preserve and provide
open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat, parks and trails for today and for the future; and
WHEREAS,there is not enough existing funding to preserve and protect even the highest
priority open spaces, natural areas, and wildlife habitat in Larimer County and the cities and
towns of Larimer County; and
WHEREAS, Larimer County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States, and its
open lands are rapidly disappearing to development; and
WHEREAS, land values in Larimer County are currently increasing 15-20%per year and as
high as 50%per year; and
WHEREAS, the authority to issue sales and use tax revenue bonds will allow Larimer County
to preserve land at today's prices and to protect our open space priorities before the land is
developed; and
57
WHEREAS, it is financially responsible to preserve open space now because interest rates are
not only below their historical average but are also lower than the annual percentage increase in
land values; and
WHEREAS, Larimer County and the cities and towns of Larimer County have demonstrated
the ability to acquire important lands responsibly; to leverage funds through Great Outdoors
Colorado, land trusts and other government agencies; and to partner with each other to imple-
ment adopted master plans for open space, natural areas,parks and trails; and
WHEREAS, there is a citizens' effort to place an initiative on the November 2, 1999 ballot to
preserve open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat,parks and trails by continuing the existing
'4% county-wide open space sales and use tax, continuing the allocation of 55% of the proceeds
thereof to the municipalities of Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Berthoud, Timnath and
Wellington and the remaining 45% to the County and authorizing the County to issue revenue
bonds payable from the proceeds of the open space sales and use tax allocated to the County;
and
WHEREAS, the 1995 Help Preserve Open Spaces Ballot Question and paragraph 36 of the
Help Preserve Open Spaces Initiative, as modified by County Resolution No. R95-123g,pro-
vide for the expiration of the open space sales and use tax midnight on December 31, 2003; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of the Help Preserve Open Spaces Initiative, as modified by County
Resolution No. R95-123g, shall continue except as modified herein; and
WHEREAS, due to the immediacy of the need, sales and use tax revenue bonds as authorized
by § 29-2-101, et seq., C.R.S., should be issued in order to allow acquisitions to take place as
soon as possible; and
WHEREAS, Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution requires voter approval of the
continuation of an expiring tax and the issuance of sales and use tax revenue bonds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Help Preserve Open Spaces Initiative, as modified by County Resolution No. R95-
123g, shall be amended as
follows:
(a) Paragraph 1 shall be amended by the addition of the following new subparagraph 0:
i) the portion of the proceeds of the sales and use tax allocated to Larimer
County pursuant to paragraph 15 hereof shall be expended for the purposes set
forth in such paragraph.
•
58
(b) Paragraph 15 of the Help Preserve Open Spaces Initiative, as modified by
County Resolution No. R95-123g, shall be amended to read:
THAT there shall be established two separate funds within the Larimer County
Open Space Fund to be known, respectively, as the"Larimer County Open Lands
Acquisition and Improvement Fund"and the "Larimer County Open Lands Long-Term
Management Fund"; and that, after funds have been allocated to municipalities as
described in paragraphs seven through 14 hereof, the remaining fund balance in the
Fund(not less than 35 percent) shall be deposited as follows:
(a) Not less than 70 percent and not more than 85 percent of such re-
maining fund balance in the Fund,the exact percentage to be deter-
mined by the Board of County Commissioners, in its discretion, shall
be deposited to the Larimer County Open Lands Acquisition and
Improvement Fund to be used solely to provide capital improvements
for open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat,parks and trails, which,
for this purpose, is defined as: (i)paying all or any part of the costs of
acquiring interests in, protecting and improving open space, natural
areas,wildlife habitat,parks and trails; (ii) paying all or part of the
costs of improving existing regional parks, including Carter Lake,
Horsetooth Reservoir, Flatiron Reservoir and Pinewood Reservoir,
provided that the amount used for such purpose may not exceed 15
percent of such remaining fund balance; (iii)paying the costs of
planning for and administering the activities described in clauses (i)
and (ii); and(iv)paying the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
on and other costs relating to the sales and use tax revenue bonds
authorized by paragraph 38 hereof.
(b) Not less than 15 percent of such remaining fund balance in the Fund
and any excess in the Fund remaining after the deposit to be made
under subparagraph (a)of this paragraph 15 shall be deposited to
the Larimer County Open Lands Long-term Management Fund to be
used solely for paying all or any part of the long-term costs of manag-
ing, maintaining, and administering such interests and improvements,
provided that such deposit shall not exceed 30 percent of the remain-
ing fund balance in the Fund.
(c) Paragraph 36 shall be amended to read:
The sales and use tax shall expire at midnight on December 31, 2018 and all
moneys remaining in the Fund created hereunder for Larimer County shall continue to
be expended for the purposes set forth herein until completely exhausted.
59
(d) The following Paragraph 38 shall be added:
If the ballot question set forth in the Initiative to Continue the Existing Help
Preserve Open Spaces Sales and Use Tax and to Authorize Sales and Use Tax Revenue
Bonds for Preservation of Open Spaces is approved by County voters, the Board of
County Commissioners of the County may issue sales and use tax revenue bonds in one
or more series and from time to time in accordance with such ballot question and § 29-
2-101, C.R.S., et seq., for the purpose of financing costs payable from the Larimer
County Open Lands Acquisition and Improvement Fund.
2. The Board of County Commissioners of the County shall have the authority to modify
or amend the Help Preserve Open Spaces Initiative, as modified by County Resolution No.
R95-123g and this initiative, so that they conform to law.
3. The Ballot Title/Question on this county-wide sales and use tax initiative shall be
referred to the registered electors of Larimer County at a general election to be held on Tuesday,
the 2"d day of November, 1999, and shall be in substantially the following form with only such
changes as may be determined by the Board of County Commissioners of the County:
SHALL LARIMER COUNTY TAXES BE INCREASED $12 MILLION ANNUALLY(FIRST
FULL FISCAL YEAR DOLLAR INCREASE STARTING IN 2004), WITH NO INCREASE
IN ANY TAX RATE, BY CONTINUING THE EXISTING COUNTY-WIDE 1/4%OPEN
SPACES SALES AND USE TAX (NOT ON FOOD OR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS) FOR 15
YEARS FROM 2004 THROUGH 2018 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING, PROTECT-
ING, IMPROVING,MANAGING, MAINTAINING AND ADMINISTERING OPEN SPACE,
NATURAL AREAS, WILDLIFE HABITATS, PARKS AND TRAILS IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE "HELP PRESERVE OPEN SPACES INITIATIVE"APPROVED BY COUNTY
VOTERS AT THE NOVEMBER 7, 1995 ELECTION; SHALL LARIMER COUNTY DEBT
BE INCREASED BY NOT MORE THAN $54 MILLION, WITH A MAXIMUM REPAY-
MENT COST OF $84 MILLION, BY THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS PAYABLE
SOLELY FROM A PORTION OF THE REVENUES FROM THE OPEN SPACES SALES
AND USE TAX ALLOCATED TO THE COUNTY; SHALL A SEPARATE CAPITAL IM-
PROVEMENT FUND BE CREATED FOR SUCH PURPOSE; SHALL THE COUNTY BE
AUTHORIZED TO REFUND SUCH BONDS AT THE SAME OR A LOWER OR HIGHER
INTEREST RATE WITHOUT ADDITIONAL VOTER APPROVAL; AND SHALL THE
REVENUES FROM SUCH TAXES AND ANY EARNINGS ON THE INVESTMENT
THEREOF AND ON THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH BONDS (REGARDLESS OF AMOUNT)
CONSTITUTE A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE;ALL IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE"INITIATIVE TO CONTINUE THE EXISTING HELP PRESERVE OPEN
SPACES SALES AND USE TAX AND TO AUTHORIZE REVENUE BONDS FOR PRES-
ERVATION OF OPEN SPACES"ON FILE AT THE OFFICE OF THE LARIMER COUNTY
CLERK AND RECORDER?
YES
NO
60
F
1993 Comprehensive Parks Master Plan Flow Chart
Mission Statement: The mission of the Larimer County Parks Department is to provide high quality outdoor
recreational opportunities for present an future residents of the County and its visitors. This includes the provision of
regional parks,open space areas,special use areas,trails,and the protection of natural,scenic,historic,
archaeoloeical and oaleontolorrical resources
GOAL#1: Provide diverse opportunities for GOAL#2:Protect open space within the GOAL#3: Coordinate the development GOAL#4: Provide a safe,high quality GOAL#5:Provide adequate funding and
water-based recreation. County. of a regional trail system. experience for all users of County parks and make the most of available resources.
I facilities. I
Status 1993: 1 _ Status 1993:
Status 1993: Status 1993:
• 6559 acres reservoir&river corridor Status 1993: • No funding for open space
• No funding in Larimer County for • No funding in Larimer County for
per' open space acquisition and regional trails. • Major improvements needed at many • Total departmental revenue 1991:
• No funding for open space acquisition. parks,particularly Horsetooth and Carter $1,077,895.
management.
Reservoirs.
I • lump Citizens Initiative 1981. • No funding for open space. I
Implementation Recommendation: • Ft. Collins Natural Areas Tax— 1992. Implementation Recommendation: I Implementation Recommendation:
• Develop Resource Management Plans for •Work on trails along river corridors,•Evaluate user fees annually.
and in other specified locations. Implementation Recommendation: • General Fund revenues, supplemented
Reservoirs
Major improvements at Horsetooth and Implementation Recommendation: • Work to establish strategic • Complete capital improvement projects with Federal and grant funding should
• Carter Reservoirs. Specific priorities • Emphasize protection of open space trailheads for regional trails. at the reservoir parks. cover difference between user fee
identified in the Resource Management using innovative techniques. • Coordinate with Public Works • Protect open space in Larimer County. revenues and cost of providing services.
Plans for each reservoir. • Explore level of support from County Division for bike mutes along right- I • Emphasize protection of open space
Provide water-based recreation at Fossil residents for other revenue sources, of-ways. through donations,purchase of CE's,
• Accom ltshments:
Creek and Wellington#4/Smith Res. including a limited sales tax to fiord p public/private partnerships and others.
• Improvements to Reservoirs,
• Protect land alone river corridors. implementation of the master plan p including extension of boat ADA accessibility, • Reexamine parkland development fees.
• Ex lore level of su rt from residents
• Reexamine the parkland development Accomplishments: P ppo
Iramps
fee schedule. • Many trail segment reservations ands additional facilities,etc. for other revenue sources,including a
Accomplishments: • Passage of Open Spaces Sales Tax to
p easements obtained via limited sales tax to fund implementation
• Completion of Resource Management provide additional open space and of the master plan.
development review process. P
Plans for reservoir • Front Range Trails Project in experiences to citizens. j projects
parks. Accomplishments: g j 1 • Limit involvement in major new ro ects
• Improvement projects completed at • Development of a management model to those in which other agencies are
• Passage of the 1995 and 1999 coordination with State Parks.
reservoir parks. for open lands to ensure good willing to share development costs.
stewardship of lands and high
• The Open Lands Program has protected initiatives to fund the /+cent Open • Initiation of 2001 Open Lands quality t
Spaces Sales Tax. Master Plan and identification of uali
land at the mouth of the Big T.River and experiences. Accomplishments:
• Estab. of Open Lands Program same and additional regional trails Completion of interpretive materials for
along the N. Fork of the Poudre and the • PP • Raised user fees
Ptti f 12,000 to the 1993 Parks Master Plan parks and open lands areas.
Pe • General fund increase in amount;
• Completion of area studies and plans. Establishment of Volunteer ProgI ram
., • Completion and implementation of gram decrease in percent total dept.budget.
For every$1 spent;Open Lands receives
Next Steps: resource management plans for open I •
landsproperties and HTMP. Nezt Steps: $1.25 from partnership contributions.
• Inlet Bay Improvement Project. - • Complete 2001 Lands Master Next Steps: • Increased parkland development fees.
• S. Shore Carter Lake Improvement • Initiation of 2001 Open Lands Masterp Open • Continue to work with partners to fund p
Project. plan Plan and future regional trail and provide improvements to facilities. • Title 28 dollars from Bureau of Rec.
priorities. • Passage of Open Spaces Sales Tax.
• Request for more money from general • Continue to partner with other • Complete 2001 Open Lands Master Plan
fund; increase user fees to continue agencies and organizations to and future priorities. Next Steps:
capital improvements and management. Next Steps: • Revisit management model.
determine trail connections. • Proposal for fee/general fund increase
• Continue partnerships for capital • Complete 2001 Open Lands Master • Continue to work through the • Continue to utilize volunteers to •• Continue partnerships to leverage$
improvements and management. Plan and future open lands priorities leverage staff time and provide visitor
development review process to obtain • Reexamine parkland develop. Fee
• Continue to negotiate lease at Fossil • Revisit management model trail easements or reservations. sue'' ' • Continue work with BOR for$for
Creek Reservoir.
reservoir improvements.
• Continue to protect land along rivers. • Future extension of Open Space Tax.
I BOCC Direction: BOCC Direction: I BOCC Direction: t
BOCC Direction: BOCC Direction:
Appendix D—Project Chronology/List of Meetings
Date Participants' Main Tonic
Year 2000
October 6 OL Staff,DHM Staff Project Initiation
November 16 OLAB Introductions,Planning Process
December 5 Public Meeting-Fort Collins Process/scoping/issues/ideas
December 6 Public Meeting-Loveland Process/scoping/issues/ideas
December 7 OLAB Review Is'public meetings input
Year 2001
January 9 LC Environmental Advisory Brd. Review I"public meetings input
January 10 LC Planning Commission Review Is'public meetings input
January 17 FC Natural Resource Ad. Board Planning Process
January 18 OLAB,private landowners Alternatives charrette
January 25 OLAB Review results of charrette
February 13 Loveland Natural Areas Comm. Update on project status
February 22 OLAB Survey results/prelim master plan map
March 14 LC Planning Commission Survey results/prelim master plan map
March 22 OLAB Special Places process
April 10 LC Environmental Advisory Brd. Update on project status
April 17 Public Meeting-Loveland Preliminary Master Plan map
April 18 Public Meeting-Fort Collins Preliminary Master Plan map
April 26 OLAB Review of 2"d public meetings
April 24 Colorado Mountain Club Preliminary Master Plan map
May 2 FC Natural Resource Ad. Board Preliminary Master Plan map
May 9 Loveland Open Lands Comm. Preliminary Master Plan map
May 17 Public Meeting-Estes Park Preliminary Master Plan map
May 23 Loveland Sertoma Club Preliminary Master Plan map
May 24 OLAB Public comments,Special Places
June 4 Citizen Planners Preliminary Master Plan map
June 6 LC Planning Commission Public comments on Prelim MP map
June 19 Estes Planning Commission Preliminary Master Plan map
June 19 Estes Rec&Parks District Preliminary Master Plan map
June 22 Estes Valley Land Trust Preliminary Master Plan map
August 14 Public Meeting-Loveland Draft Master Plan Report
August 15 Public Meeting-Fort Collins Draft Master Plan Report
August 23 OLAB Draft Master Plan Report
September 12 LC Ag Advisory Board Draft Master Plan Report
September 12 Loveland Open Lands Comm. Draft Master Plan Report
September 13 LC Planning Comm/BOOC Draft Master Plan Report
September 19 FC Natural Resource Ad. Board Draft Master Plan Report
'Full names of abbreviated participant groups are listed below in chronological order:
abbreviation full name
OL Staff Open Lands Program staff
DHM Staff DHM Design Corporation staff
OLAB Open Lands Advisory Board
LC Planning Commission Larimer County Planning Commission
LC Environmental Advisory Brd. Larimer County Environmental Advisory Board
FC Natural Resource Ad.Board Fort Collins Natural Resource Advisory Board
Loveland Natural Areas Comm. Loveland Natural Areas Commission
Loveland Open Lands Comm. Loveland Open Lands Commission
Estes Planning Commission Estes Valley Planning Commission
Estes Rec&Parks District Estes Valley Recreation&Parks District
62
Appendix E—Special Places Program
INTRODUCTION
Special Places are those landmarks that have unique or important geologic,natural, scenic, archaeologi-
cal,paleontological or historic value to the citizens of Larimer County.The Larimer County Master Plan,
1997, speaks to Special Places with archaeological, cultural and aesthetic resource values(Section 6.8).
The Larimer County Land Use Code, 1999, defines Special Places as those with "Sites and structures
listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places and identified in the Larimer County Parks
Comprehensive Master Plan"(Section 11).The on-going Open Lands Master Plan supports the idea that
a process to designate Special Places should be established for Larimer County. The Larimer County
Open Lands Master Plan identifies criteria and a suggested Special Places Program, including an ap-
proach for the Special Places nomination process. Landowner nomination of Special Places occurring on
his or her property should be a requirement of designation. The landowner would also propose protection
measures for the Special Place. The final decision for designation of the Special Place and the protection
measures necessary to protect it would rest with the Board of County Commissioners.
The Larimer County Open Lands Master Plan identifies important resource areas, agricultural lands and
regional trail connections that are important for protection by the Open Lands Program. These areas have
been identified at a landscape level as those areas important to protect for the natural and agricultural
resource values they contain. As part of the Open Lands Master Plan,a process for designation of Special
Places has also been identified. Special Places are those natural or historical features to be nominated at
a site specific level by the landowner and designated by the Board of County Commissioners. Special
Places designation is a conservation tool, in addition to fee-simple or conservation easement purchase,
Transfer of Development Units (TDU)program and the Rural Land Use Program(RLUP),that will help
to protect important natural and cultural resources via a landowner-driven site specific process. County
Staff and the Open Lands Advisory Board would review nominations for Special Places using a set of
developed criteria.
PROPOSED SPECIAL PLACES PROCESS
During meetings of the Larimer County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners in
March 2001,the process for designating Special Places was discussed. Via the Open Lands Master Plan
process, citizens and board members were invited to provide input on the following components of the
designation process.
Nomination of Special Places
• Specific sites would be nominated for Special Places designation only by the owners of those private
or public lands. Citizens could encourage landowners to nominate a special place.
• Private landowners might designate such sites as a ridgeline, valley, Centennial Farm, wetland, etc.
on their land.
• Existing Larimer County Open Lands properties will be nominated as Special Places.
63
Protection Measures
• As a part of the designation process, the landowner would propose the specific land use and other
restrictions needed, if any, to effectively protect and preserve the resource being requested to be
designated as a Special Place.
• The landowner must specify to what extent that property could be impacted by adjacent development,
both on and off site, and what measures could be undertaken to mitigate future impacts.
• Techniques such as buffer zones, easements or building height restrictions to protect view corridors,
etc., may be applied as protection measures.
• Protection measures proposed for adjacent properties would require the agreement of those property
owners.
Determination of Special Places
• Nominations for Special Places designations (including the associated mitigation measures) would
be reviewed by Open Lands Staff and the Open Lands Advisory Board (OLAB) during a public
process, using a set of criteria developed through the master plan process.
• OLAB would prepare a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.The Board of County
Commissioners would make the final decision on Special Place designation,including any protection
or mitigation measures.
Criteria
• Scenic (includes ridgelines, prominent landscape features, valleys, hogbacks,backdrop vistas, etc.)
• Buffer (includes lands that buffer existing protected features or lands, lands that separate communi-
ties, etc.)
• Wildlife (includes rare, threatened and endangered species, rare habitats, migratory routes, CNHP
tracked species, etc.)
• Significant Plant Communities (includes rare, threatened and/or endangered species or communi-
ties, CNHP sites, rare habitats, representative plant communities of the area, large undisturbed eco-
systems, etc.)
• Historic (includes sites on the state and national registers of historic places, important historical
buildings or sites, historic trails, etc.)
• Agricultural (includes prime agricultural lands,ranchlands,landscapes of historic ranching or farm-
ing character, etc.)
• Paleontological: Includes fossils from plant and animal origins, etc.
• Archaeological: Includes important pre-historic artifacts,tee-pee rings,etc.
• Geological (includes geologic landmarks, significant or unique geologic features, outcrops and for-
mations, etc.)
• Wetlands/Riparian Areas (includes significant wetlands,river banks,riparian areas, etc.)
• Appropriateness of Protection Measures (Are the measures proposed by the landowner to protect
the nominated Special Place adequate and appropriate to effectively protect the site? If the mitigation
measures proposed involve adjacent lands, is the adjacent landowner in agreement with them? Is the
County willing and able to apply these proposed protection measures,either on the subject property or
on adjacent properties?)
64
Protection of Special Places
• Review of Development Proposals: Once a site has been designated a Special Place, County staff
would review development proposals to assure that the mitigating measures established at the time of
designation would be followed.
• Open Lands Evaluation: Once a site has been designated as a Special Place,the Open Lands Program
would consider the designation as an additional value when evaluating a property for acquisition or
protection,at fair market value,should the landowner ever wish to sell. Open Lands,however,would
not be obligated to purchase or otherwise protect the property.
Incentives
Methods will be developed to encourage landowners to designate sites they own as Special Places. Po-
tential incentives suggested to date include:
• Eligibility for enhancement grants
• Funding from the Open Lands Program to improve natural conditions on the subject site - e.g. wet-
lands restoration, wildlife habitat enhancement, etc. —that is similar in scope to the existing Small
Grants Program.
• County recognition of Special Places
• Certificates and/or plaques provided to the landowner.
• Annual Special Places landowner breakfast
• Technical assistance
• Encourage volunteer experts/specialists in the fields of hydrology,archaeology,wildlife,history,botany,
paleontology, and geology to be available to help landowners identify important features (i.e. if a
building is eligible to have historic status, rare plants, unusual wildlife species present, etc.) on their
land. By choosing to have an expert help inventory a property does not require the landowner to
designate a Special Place, but rather helps landowners identify and understand the significance of
special features on their property.
65
Appendix F
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS AIL R
MASTER PLAN SURVEY p
2001
Dear Larimer County Citizen:
The Larimer County Open Lands Program needs your help
" 1 with the enclosed survey. This survey is an important part
4^ � ,, "' `' of the County's open lands master planning process and will
j M ' l
;,? Ni; y ,tl help determine how your Open Space tax dollars are used.
x e ,_ 4'.Aft i , '?i A. K , "`
' : : . The Open Lands Program is funded through the Help
Alt c ' /{' ., Preserve Open Spaces 1/4-cent sales tax approved by Larimer
is r 4` ;: County voters in 1995 and again in 1999. The Open
" Lands Program negotiates with willing sellers only. Since
�M 1 ..; ''f ' t . the passage of the tax, more than 10,000 acres have been set
,'- ,X3,+ `.' te a , , aside for wildlife, recreational, scenic and agricultural values.
We are interested to know your degree of satisfaction with the County's Open Lands Program.
By completing this survey, you will guide how your open space tax dollars are spent. Your
responses will be completely confidential. To ensure this confidentiality, data will be analyzed
by an independent consulting firm, RRC Associates, Inc. If you have any questions, please
contact Nate Fristoe, RRC Associates, Inc., at (303) 670-2102. When completed please mail
the survey in the enclosed postage paid envelope by February 10, 2001.
Your help with this survey is appreciated. With your input, we'll be able to respond to citizen
needs and desires, to make the Open Lands Program the best it can be. If you have any ques-
tions regarding the Open Lands Program, please contact me at (970) 679-4570.
Sincerely,
K-Lynn Cameron
Larimer County Open Lands Program
As a special thank you to our survey respondents, we will be holding a drawing for four
$25 gift certificates at King Soopers. In order to be entered in the drawing,please fill out
the address card and include it with your completed survey. Please note that the address cards
will be handled separately from the surveys so that your results will remain confidential.
66
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS MASTER PLAN SURVEY-2001
I. GENERAL BACKGROUND QUESTIONS
1. How familiar are you with Larimer County's Open Lands Program?
NOT AT ALL SOMEWHAT VERY
FAMILIAR FAMILIAR FAMILIAR
1 2 3 4 5
2. How long have you lived in Larimer County?
1) ❑ Not a resident of Larimer County 5) U Three up to 5 years
2) ❑ Less than 6 months 6) ❑ Five up to 10 years
3) O Six months to 1 year 7) ❑ Ten up to 20 years
4) ❑ One up to 3 years 8) ❑ More than 20 years
3. Do you presently(Check all that apply):
1) ❑ Own your own home in the area
2) ❑ Rent your home in the area
3) ❑ Own undeveloped land in Larimer County(OPTIONAL:number of acres )
4) ❑ Other:
4. Where are you from?
I) ❑ Born in Larimer County
2) ❑ Moved to Larimer County from elsewhere in Colorado
3) ❑ Moved to Larimer County from another state (OPTIONAL:which one? )
4) ❑ Moved to Larimer County from another country(OPTIONAL:which one? )
5. Please indicate the outdoor activities/interests you enjoy. (Check all that apply)
1) ❑ Bicycling/mountain biking 9) ❑ Photography
2) ❑ Canoeing/kayaking/rafting 10) ❑ Picnicking
3) ❑ Cross-country skiing 1 I) ❑ Rock Climbing
4) ❑ Dog Walking 12) U Running
5) ❑ Fishing 13) ❑ Snowshoeing
6) ❑ Hiking 14) ❑ Walking
7) ❑ Horseback riding 15) ❑ Watching wildlife/birding
8) U Hunting 16) ❑ Other:
6. Please indicate if you have ever visited the following trails, and if so how often.
a) Horsetooth Mountain Park trails? b) Devil's Backbone trails?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Yes ❑ No
If"Yes,"how often? If"Yes,"how often?
SUMMER WINTER SUMMER WINTER
1) ❑ ❑ Less than once a month 1) ❑ ❑ Less than once a month
2) ❑ ❑ I to 3 times per month 2) ❑ ❑ 1 to 3 times per month
3) ❑ ❑ 1 to 2 times per week 3) ❑ ❑ I to 2 times per week
4) ❑ ❑ 3 or more times per week 4) ❑ ❑ 3 or more times per week
7. How important to you is Larimer NOT AT ALL VERY
County's Open Lands Program? IMPORTANT NEUTRAL IMPORTANT
1 2 3 4 5
8. Name one or two characteristics of Larimer County that contribute most to your quality of life.
67
II. OPEN LANDS
Larimer County will only acquire open space from willing sellers, and because there is a limit to the
available funding, the Open Lands Program can protect only the most important property that is still
undeveloped. Therefore, the most critical lands must be identified, and preservation efforts must be
focused on these parcels.
Two methods exist for the acquisition of open land, fee-simple purchases and conservation easements. A
fee-simple acquisition is the outright purchase of land from willing sellers at fair market value. With
conservation easements, the land remains in private ownership but cannot be developed. Fee-simple
acquisitions typically allow for greater public use, but have higher purchase and management costs. Con-
servation easements have lower purchase and management costs, however, public use is either not allowed
or is very limited.
Open lands recommended for protection are acquired using either of these methods, and varying degrees
of public use will be allowed, as described below. Please carefully read all four narrative descriptions of the
types of lands depicted and answer the questions that follow.
Open Lands With Public Use
These lands would include typical landscape features and resources. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback
riding, picnicking, and other forms of outdoor recreation would be enjoyed by citizens. Special closures—
raptor nesting,
muddy trails, etc.—can apply. The cost to acquire and manage these lands is
relatively high because lands with public use must be purchased, and facili-
• ties developed and maintained.
itt* .r..
t � a a
F t.a L.a1 t h 1 °} < Via 4.
'
tSU tl6IPtL� p�J0.`H - Y�
1. What is your initial reaction to the purchase of these types of open lands?
VERY MUCH VERY MUCH
OPPOSED TO NEUTRAI IN FAVOR OF
1 2 3 4 5 '..
ANY COMMENTS ON THE PURCHASE OF THIS TYPE OF OPEN LAND?
68
Open Lands With Limited Public Use
These lands would include typical features and unique or sensitive resource areas such as wetlands, stream
corridors, etc. Trail use, picnicking and similar outdoor recreation activities would take place in areas that
can tolerate human use, but the most sensitive portions of the landscape would be off-limits to human
activity. The cost to acquire and manage these lands is relatively high because lands with public use must
be purchased, and facilities developed and maintained.
..,
� yuz - Wildlife Reserve Limited Public Use
eltr
(( b-
File •r tee liana Laz ae.ioumy O eataaaa. Metuntaua Bleu ;boy; by Scott Frail .1
2. What is your initial reaction to the purchase of these types of open lands?
VERY MUCH VERY MUCH
OPPOSED TO NEUTRAL IN FAVOR OF
1 2 3 4 5
ANY COMMENTS ON THE PURCHASE OF THIS TYPE OF OPEN LAND?
69
Open Lands With No Public Use —Wildlife Habitat &Visual Resources
These lands would include those areas that have very high wildlife, ecological or visual-resource values.
These areas would be protected to ensure that they remain in their present form into the future. Because
of the sensitive nature
of the landscape, human use would be off limits except for designated overlooks
or wildlife viewing platforms.These lands could remain in private ownership,
w
but be protected from development by purchasing conservation easements from
} willing sellers at fair market value. Accordingly, purchase and management costs
would be moderate.
,
, -
-
t, ,"w. r" ,.,File price f: xt.aurgeee'".:n^^•Open fandv mi.`fiFe Su .
any ??''dfmds 6otoEh aria c.a.C.okiaioTtrat L a
s naCr
ANY COMMENTS ON THE PURCHASE OF THIS TYPE
3. What is your initial reaction to the purchase
OF OPEN LAND?
of these types of open lands?
VERY MUCH VERY MUCH
OPPOSED TO NEUTRAL IN FAVOR OF
I 2 3 4 5
Open Lands With No Public Use—Agricultural Land
Areas of prime agricultural land would be protected so
existing farming and ranching practices would remain.
The agricultural land would
stay in production, pending eco- :,,,,.,,,,:p.,- : -e •. t. ' 'a°° . `.... " .
nomic feasibility, and , 3 "
citizens would enjoy the scenic . _ we ,:"
value and open space provided
by farms and ranches. Public ac-
cess is not allowed. These
lands would remain in private own- ` w �,
ership and protected by conserva- p7s
tion easements,property purchased a N=;
from willing sellers at fair market .. = '“?' '
value. Accordingly,acquisition and .F ier
-•
management costs would be mod-
erate to low.
4. What is your initial reaction to the purchase ANY COMMENTS ON THE PURCHASE OF THIS TYPE
of these types of open lands? OF OPEN LAND?
VERY MUCH VERY MUCH
OPPOSED TO NEUTRAL IN FAVOR OF
1 2 3 4 5
70
5. Which of the previously described types of open land do you think should be Larimer County's
highest priority for acquisition? (Check only one,please)
p ❑ Open lands with public use
2) U Open lands with limited public use
s) ❑ Open lands with no public use—Wildlife habitat &visual resources
4) U Open lands with no public use—Agricultural land
ANY COMMENTS ON LARIMER COUNTY'S PRIORITIES FOR PURCHASING OPEN LANDS?
6. Suppose you had $100 to spend on open lands for Larimer County. How would you prioritize
this money? Based upon your priorities, please distribute the $100 between the categories of open
lands below. You may use the $100 on a single type of open land, or distribute it in $10 incre-
ments among two or more types of open lands.
YOUR ASSUMED
EXPENDITURE WHERE ALLOCATED
$ Wildlife habitat
$ Wetlands / stream and river corridors
$ Forested lands
$ Prairies / grasslands
$ Agricultural property
$ Lands with outstanding scenic qualities (e.g., unique land forms, ridgelines or lands
with geological significance)
$ Land separating towns and communities (buffers), including land along highway
corridors
$ Other (specify):
$ 100.00 TOTAL
7.As explained above,
Fee-simple purchases: Conservation easement purchases:
• Typically allow for a variety of public uses • Typically do not allow public use, or it is very
limited
• Are more expensive to purchase • Are less expensive to purchase
• Are more expensive to manage • Are less expensive to manage
Knowing these facts, what percentage of new open lands should be acquired by way of fee-simple
versus conservation easement methods?
Percent of new open lands purchased using fee-simple method:
Percent of new open lands purchased using conservation easement method: %
Total- 100%
71
In the future, Larimer County plans to create more Regional Open Spaces, such as Horsetooth Mountain Park.
A Regional Open Space is a large area of land with uses such as picnicking, wildlife viewing, and hiking and
biking on natural trails. These open space areas will be located in or near the foothills, generally within one
half hour from Fort Collins.
8. On average, how often would you use Regional Open Spaces such as this, at no charge?
1) ❑ Never(Skip to question 10)
2) ❑ Once
3) ❑ 2 to 4 times a year
4) ❑ 5 to 7 times a year
5) ❑ 8 to 10 times a year
6) ❑ Almost every month
7) U Once a week or more
Entrance or user fees are often charged at national, state, and local parks. These fees help pay for the costs of
maintaining trails, parking lots, and other facilities. They also pay for park rangers.
9. Would you be willing to visit the Regional Open Spaces the same amount of times per year if there
were a daily charge of$ per vehicle?
1) U Yes
2) ❑ No—If"No,"how many times per year would you visit at this fee? times per year
ANY COMMENTS ON YOUR RESPONSE?
One function of the updated master plan will be to identify a future countywide regional trail system. Re-
gional trails are defined as non-motorized routes, for use primarily by bikes and pedestrians, that extend
through a widely varied landscape, connecting towns and cities and regional open spaces and may be used for
transportation as well
as recreation. These regional trails are often located in the vicinity of river and stream corridors, or along other
linear features such as roads, abandoned railroad grades, utility corridors and irrigation canals.
10. How important to you is the development of a regional trail system in Larimer County
NOT AT ALL VERY
IMPORTANT NEUTRAL IMPORTANT
1 2 3 4 5
11. Overall, how good of a job does the Larimer County's Open Lands Program do in reaching you with
information about open lands news and current events, services, and other programs?
POOR NEUTRAL EXCELLENT
2 3 4 5
12. How can we best reach you? (Check all that apply)
1) ❑ Newsletter
2) ❑ Newspaper
3) ❑ Local radio
4) ❑ Local television
5) ❑ Flyers at local libraries and county buildings '..
6) ❑ Internet/web site (www.co.larimer.co.us/parkr.openlandr.km)
7) ❑ E-mail
8) ❑ Other:
72
Your answers to the following questions will be compared to the U.S Census data to ensure that the
results of this survey are representative of all citizens in Larimer County. As with all questions on this
survey, individual responses will be kept strictly confidential.
1. What is your ZIP Code? 7. Please indicate your occupation/
employment status below.
2. Are you: (Check all that apply)
1) ❑ Male 1) ❑ Student
2) ❑ Female 2) ❑ Self-employed
3) ❑ Government employee
3. What is your age? 4) ❑ Technical/professional
5) ❑ Blue collar
4. Which of these categories best applies to 6) ❑ Farmer/rancher
you now? 7) ❑ Work from home/work on-line
1) ❑ Single (never married) 4) ❑ Separated 8) ❑ Retired
2) ❑ Married 5) ❑ Divorced 9) ❑ Unemployed
3) ❑ Living together/ 6) ❑ Widowed 10) ❑ Other,
roommates
8. Including yourself,how
5. Approximately what is your total average annual household into m many people live in your
before taxes? (INCLUDE ALL RESIDENTS OF YOUR HOUSE- household?
HOLD)
1) ❑ Under$25,000 9. How many of those people
2) ❑ $25,000 - $49,999 are currently employed?
3) ❑ $50,000 - $74,999
4) ❑ $75,000- $99,999 10. How many members of
5) ❑ $100,000 -$149,999 your household are under
6) ❑ $150,000 or more age 18?
7) ❑ Declined
11. Do you own your own business in
6. What is the highest level of education you have completed? (Please Larimer County?
check only one number) 1) ❑ Yes
1) ❑ Junior high (7 through 9 years of education) 2) ❑ No
2) ❑ High school (10 through 12 years of
education) 12. Do you consider where you live as:
3) ❑ College(13 through 16 years of education) (Check only one)
4) U Graduate or professional school 1) ❑ Urban
(17 or more years of education) 2) ❑ Suburban
(Please continue with question Tat top of next column.) 3) ❑ Rural
(Continue with question 12 below)
13. What other issues related to open space in Larimer County,not addressed in this survey, are important to you?
Please return the survey to RRC Associates,Inc.,in the enclosed pre-addressed,postage paid envelope by February 10,2001.
Thank you very much for your participation. Your thoughts will help shape the future of
the Open Lands Program in Larimer County. The results of this survey will be made available
on our website(www.co.larimer.co.us/parks/openlands.htm)and provided to the local media.
If you have any questions regarding this survey,please contact Nate Fristoe,RRC Associates,Inc.,at(303)449-6558.
73
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS
MASTER PLAN SURVEY
2001
FINAL RESULTS
May 21, 2001
PREPARED FOR
Larimer County Open Lands
PREPARED BY
RRC Associates
4940 Pearl East Circle, Suite 103
Boulder, Colorado 80301
303/449-6558
www.rrcassoc.com
74
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
Highlights / Key Findings
The following presents a summary of results from the Larimer County Open Lands Master Plan Survey
conducted by RRC Associates. During late January of 2001, 2000 surveys were mailed to a random
sampling of Larimer County residents. About three weeks after the initial mailing,post cards were sent
to these 2000 individuals, informing them of a second chance to complete the survey in the event that
they had missed the original mailing. Of the 2000 surveys distributed, 221 were returned as undeliver-
able and 343 were returned completed, for a response rate of about 19.3 percent.
In order to further boost response rate, and to evaluate any potential non-respondent bias, an additional
100 surveys were mailed to individuals who failed to respond to either the initial mailing or the post-
card reminder. Ten completed surveys were received from this third mailing. Potential non-respon-
dent bias was further evaluated via brief phone interviews conducted with 31 individuals who failed to
respond to either of the initial mailings. The combined data from these 41 individuals was compared
to the data obtained from the other 343 respondents. Very few significant differences were found
between these two groups and therefore results reported here reflect the merged results from all partici-
pants.
Table 1
%of Mailing List %of Respondents Response Rate by City
Fort Colllins 54.3% 51.0% 18.0%
Loveland 27.8% 25.0% 173%
Estes Park 5.8% 2.9% 9.5%
Berthoud 4.7% 4.9% 20.4%
Wellington 1.8% 0.3%
Bellvue 1.7% 2.3% 27.3%
Laporte 1.6% 1.0% 12.5%
Livermore 0.9% 1.6%' , 35.3%
Red Feather Lakes 0.7% 0.5% 15.4%
Drake 0.3°k 0.3%
Glen Haven 0.3% 0.0%
Masonville 0.3%' 0.3°/° 20.0%
Timnath 0.2% 0.3% 33.3%
No Zip Code Reported 9.6%
TOTAL 100.0% 100.0% 21.5%
n= 2,000 384
The survey instrument itself, as well as a complete listing of results can be found in Appendix A.
RRC ASSOCIATES 1
75
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• A comparison of respondent age and gender against current U.S. Census data for Larimer
County reveals a slightly higher proportion of males in the sample, and while the age distribu-
tions match closely, the proportion of individuals age 45 to 54 is slightly higher in the survey
sample. The average household size reported by respondents was 2.5, while the average
Larimer County household size reported in the 1990 U.S. Census was 2.54.
Table 2
Respondent Demographic Characteristics Versus U.S. Census Data Estimates
1999 Census Projections Respondents
Male 48.9% 55.9%
Female 51.1% 44.1%
TOTAL 100.0% 100.0%
n= 176,716 360
18-24 years old 17.9% 3.6%
25 -34 years old 16.8% 16.2%
35-44 years old 22.6% 22.8%
45-54 years old 18.9% 27.5%
55-64 years old 10.6% 15.3%
65+years old 13.3% 14.7%
TOTAL 176,717 334
Average 43.1 48.2
n= 176,716 334
RRC ASSOCIATES 2
76
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• The average age of respondents was 48.2, with the majority of respondents reporting that they are
married (63.9%). Forty-six percent of respondents consider where they live to be a suburban
area, 28 percent consider where they live to be an urban area, and the remainder(28%), describe
their area as rural. Seventy-nine percent of respondents indicate they own their own home in the
area, 19 percent rent their home, and 7 percent own undeveloped land.
Figure 1
Demographic Characteristics of Respondents:
Marital Status, Age, and Gender
Married 63.9%
Divorced 12.0%
Single 12.0% Marital
Status
Living together/room mates • 5.7%
Widowed 4.9%
Separated 11.4%
65+ years old MI14 7%
55 - 64 years old 15.3%
Age
45 - 54 years old 27.5%
35 - 44 years old 22.8% Average Age=48.2
25 - 34 years old 16.2%
18 - 24 years old 3.6%
Female 44.1% Gender
Male 55.9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Percent Reponding
RRC ASSOCIATES 3
77
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• Technical/professional was the number one occupation, with about 40 percent of respondents
indicating it as their occupational status. "Self-employed" and"retired"were the second and
third most indicated occupational statuses, at 22 and 20 percent, respectively. About 79 percent
of respondents indicated having at least a college education. With the average estimated annual
household income being approximately$66,000.
Figure 2
Demographic Characteristics of Respondents:
Occupation, Education, and Income
Unemployed 1 .4%
Farmer/rancher 1 .4%
Work from home/work on-line M 3.7%
Occupation/Employment
Student ® 3.7%
Other ®5.2%
Government employee le 6.6%
Blue collar Nri 6.9%
Retired 19.9%
Self-employed 21 .9%
Technical/professional 40.3%
Graduate or professional school 35.4% Highest Level of
College 43.3% Education
High school 20.5%
Junior high ( 0.9%
Declined ill 5.1% Annual Household
$150,000 or more 5.7% Income
$100,000 - $149,999 r 12.5% Before Taxes
$75,000 - $99,999 14 0% Est. Average Income=$65,762
$50,000 - $74,999 25.7%
$25,000 - $49,999 25.4%
Under $25,000 11 .6%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Percent Reponding
RRC ASSOCIATES 4
78
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• The average household size was 2.5 (1990 U.S. Census estimate for average household size in
Larimer County was 2.54), with almost 71 percent of the respondents indicating no individuals
in the household under the age of eighteen. On average, 1.5 people per household are currently
employed.
Figure 3
Demographic Characteristics of Respondents:
Household Composition
Five 10.6%
Four 1 0.6% NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HOUSEHOLD
Three 2.9%
.
WHO ARE UNDER AGE 18
I
Two - 11.5% Average=.5
One - 13.5%
None 70.9%
Five 10.3%
Four 12.3%
Three 6.1 % NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN
- HOUSEHOLD WHO ARE
Two 42.1' CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
One 35.1%
Average=1.5
None - 14.0%
Eight 1 0.3%
Seven 10.6%
Six 11.2%
Five • 3.2%
NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN
Four 15.4% HOUSEHOLD
Three - 14.8% Average=2.5
Two 46.8%
One 17.7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
RRC ASSOCIATES 5
79
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• About 34 percent of respondents indicate they have lived in Larimer County for 20 years or
more. As is evident in Figure 4b, about 48 percent of these individuals describe themselves as
living in urban areas.
Figure 4a
Demographic Characteristics of Respondents:
Tenure in Community
40%
Percent Responding
35% - __. .34.2%.
30%
25% _.
20% 19.1%. _.
157%
14.5%
10.3%
Less than 6 Six months to One up to3 Three up to Five up to 10 Ten up to 20 More than 20
months one year years years years years years
Figure 4b
Tenure in Community by Area
60%
•Urban
▪Suburban
50% - ❑Rural 464%
40%
30 7%
n 30% - ,
25O%
20 o
20% _..... _._ _ 162%
It.a%
55be 9% 14.6%
13]%3,5
6 5°
9y� ]1% 6.3Y 3%%0°o J3% I P1W 3%
Less than 6 Six months to One up to 3 Three up to 5 Five up to 10 Ten up to 20 More than 20
months one year years years years years years
RRC ASSOCIATES 6
80
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• Respondents were asked to rate how familiar they were with the Larimer County Open Lands
Program on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 equal to "not at all familiar," 3 equal to "somewhat famil-
iar"and 5 equal to"very familiar." The average familiarity rating was 2.6. Not surprisingly,
familiarity with the Larimer County Open Lands Program was positively correlated with length
of tenure in Larimer County,with very little significant variation in familiarity ratings by city of
residence or by type of neighborhood(urban/suburban/rural).
Figure 5
Familiarity with Larimer County Open Lands Program: Overall and by Tenure in Community
100% 2.6 — 3.0 .
2.6
90% - III Not At All Familiar
IMP 2.5
80% 2.3 7.
80% Somewhat Familiar p
2.1 C4 53
70% 5-Very Familur
—O—Average-Average - 2.0 E
0
1.5 54% s.x i
saxo sox
Z• i° 40% - 77% _
e.
35% - 1.0 T.
30% -
n
24
3
tix
a .x 5% .% 05
1% o• ax"1 a
x .x .x
.53,53% x
0% .x fl 0 0 4
Overall Less than 6 Six months to One up to 3 Three up to 5 Five up to 10 Ten up to 20 More than 20
months one year years years years years years
RRC ASSOCIATES 7
81
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• Respondents were also asked to indicate what outdoor activities/interests they enjoyed. Walk-
ing was the number one activity (72.9%), and hiking was second (70.3%).
Figure 6
Outdoor Activities and Interests
100%
90% __... -.. _.... _...
80% _.. __...
72.9%
70.3%
70% -.. _..
c
14 60% -.. _...
c 53.9%
o. 51.6%
m 50% - 49.3% 47.6%
re
C 5°/.
•
9
6
II2I212121211111
E
. ,4 °4 4 444 cA .c°' °A c9 of :c`f cA °°' 4 ,4) 0A ok
a* xxµ b* .o� e� .46 4S'' iaQ $ oc °� (0 0` �a . roc
ya , \°c Q `aid 9$ \o0 `6 eo ,Z,° ��a a.�.° 6-� Ci
o°ate e a\ �o Qro °°Jc A2' 41 9°°4 ea a o°�
ecA 05S �,�,ai `Z'o� ?
4' `0r G< '
a o
Doi442'
CP
RRC ASSOCIATES 8
82
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• Respondents were asked to rate the importance of the Larimer County Open Lands Program on
a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 equal to "not at all important," 3 equal to "neutral,"and 5 equal to
"very important." On average, respondents rated the importance of the Larimer County Open
Lands a 4.1. Almost 76 percent rated the importance of the Larimer County Open Lands
Program a"4" or a"5."
Figure 7
Importance of Larimer County Open Lands Program
50%
472%
45% _ . _.. _..
40% -. .. _.....
35% -
re
5 30% -. .. ...28:0%
25% -. ..
16.4%
10% .. .
5% -.. 4.0% 4.3%
0%
1 - Not At All 2 3 -Neutral 4 5-Very Important
Important
RRC ASSOCIATES 9
83
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
Respondents were provided with photo collages and brief descriptive paragraphs describing the charac-
teristics of four distinct types of open lands:
1. Open lands with public use
2. Open lands with limited public use
3. Open lands with no public use—wildlife habitat &visual resources
4. Open lands with no public use—agricultural land.
• Respondents were asked to provide their initial reactions to the purchase of each type of open
land on a scale of I to 5, where 1 equals "very much opposed to," 3 equals "neutral," and 5
equals "very much in favor of." In general, average initial reactions to each type of open lands
purchase were positive, with well over one-third of respondents indicating they were very much
in favor of each type of open lands purchase. Open lands purchases that included public use in
some form were generally rated higher than purchases with no public use component.
Figure 8
Ratings for Types of Open Lands Purchases
65% 5 0
60% — Percent Responding 1 -Very Much Opposed To 0
IMINI•ercent Responding 5-Very Much in Favor Of - 4 5
55% — Average Rating
4.1
4.0 $
3.1 2
44% 3 6
.. 39% - 3.5
g. 40% —
37%
0 O
3.0
x 30% —._..
e
O
Y
- 2.5 i
20% —
dl
15% - 13%.. 13% - 2.0
5% " 5 0
lnnial reaction to the purchase of Initial reaction to the purchase of Initial reaction to the purchase of Initial reaction to the purchase of
open lands with public use? open lands with limited public use? wildlife habitat and visual resource agricultural open lands(no public
open lands(no public use)? use)
• When asked which of type of open lands purchase should be Larimer County's highest priority
for acquisition, about 38 percent of respondents chose"open lands with public use"and about
33 percent chose "open lands with limited public use." "Open lands with no public use—
agricultural land"was chosen by only 13 percent of respondents. As can be seen in Figure 9b,
those most familiar with the Open Lands Program were most in favor of acquiring open lands
with public use.
RRC ASSOCIATES 10
84
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
Figure 9a
Priorities for Open Lands Acquisitions
50%
45%
40% - 37.8% _.. _..... _...
35% - 329%30%
0
25% -
re
20% -
a
16.5%
15% - 12.8%... ..
10% -
5%
0%
Open lands with public use Open lands with limited Open lands with no public Open lands with no public
public use use-Wildlife/visual use-Agricultural land
resources
Figure 9b
Priorities for Open Lands Acquisitions by Tenure in Community
100%
•Open lands with publk use
90%- MO pen lands with limited public use
■Open!ands with no public use-W'Wife/visual resources
80%- MOpen lands with no public use.Agricultural land
70%
64% .
80%
53%
50%-. _... _..
40%
40%- 36%.38%
32
% 34%
30%-- 28%
20% 21%
{ 12% 14% 14% 14%..
11%
10%-... 5%.. u - k e% 7%
1-Not Al All Fam bar 2 3-Sem ewhal Fain liar 4 5-Very Familiar
RRC ASSOCIATES 11
85
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
Figure 9c
Priorities for Open Lands Acquisitions by Neighborhood Type
60%
•Open lands with public use
■Open lands with limited public use
DOpen lands with no public use-Wildlife/visual resources
50% - ❑Open lands with no public use-Agricultural land
40.5% 40.0% 40.8%
34.3%
a
•• 30% - 27.4%
23.7%
a •
.•• 19.7%
20% -
• 16.J%
15.5% 15.8%
• 14.3%
11.4% •
10% -
•
•
Urban Suburban Rural
Respondents were asked to allocate $100 dollars across eight different types of open lands. Wildlife
habitats received the highest average level of funding($20). Lands with outstanding scenic qualities
and wetlands were the second and third highest funded ($17 and $16, respectively). Prairies and
grasslands received the lowest average funding level ($8). As can be seen in Figure 10b, those living
in urban areas gave the highest levels of funding for the allocation of agricultural open lands.
RRC ASSOCIATES 12
86
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
Figure l0a
Average Allocation Per Category of Open Land
$25
EA v erage Am ount Allocated
▪Lower Bound-95% Confidence Interval
S 0 ▪Upper Bound-95%Confidence Interval
$20 _. _. _.... _._..
$ 7
0
$ 6
'0 $15 _.
_ S3
S2
≤ SI
S10-
SS- i
SO
Wiltfe habitat Lands with Wetbndslsbeam Forested lands land sepersteg Agricultural Priories/grasslands Other
outstandng scenic eM Over corridors towns and properly
qualities communities
Figure 10b
Average Allocation Per Category of Open Land by Neighborhood Type
$25
iie•Average Amount Albcated
• $20 -_.... 0___ • Urban Average
a - - A Suburban Average
❑ Rural Average
sis a
re
11
i S10
≤ A Se
o
▪ Ss
i
S2
So ,
a eat o `,p5 m1 a.
do- p.
ao as o `qa o ay
e0a`a aaa 0 a`a c 4 as `aetl\9m.
as ism ea et I- qa
a co
-. e
.. 0a
ERs
RRC ASSOCIATES 13
87
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• Respondents were asked what the percentage break should be for fee-simple versus conserva-
tion easement acquisitions. On average respondents indicated that 55 percent of acquisitions
should be made using fee-simple methods, while 45 percent should be made using conservation
easement methods. As indicated in Figures 11 a and 11b, this percentage break varied consider-
ably by what type of open lands respondents felt should be a priority for the Larimer County
Open Lands program and ratings of familiarity with the Larimer County Open Lands Program.
Figure 11a
Average Percent Break for Fee Simple Versus Conservation Easement Purchases:
Overall and by Priority for Open Lands Acquisition
100%
OP err ent of New Open Lands Purchased Using Fee-simple Method
90% - MPaccent of New Open Lands Purchased Using Conservation Easement Method
90% TYPE OF OPEN LAND YOU THINK SHOULD
75% BE LARIMER COUNTYS HIGHEST PRIORITY
70% 64%
o 59%—133< 60% 55%.. _...
o ° 50% 50%
sD%
ate:as%- ;„.'
a s
ah qa t".4. iw
30% 925%
6�
0' k
0%
Overall Average Open lands with Open lands with Open lands with Open lands with
public use Weed public use no public use- nopublicuse-
Wildlilelvisual A griculturat land
resources
Figure 11b
By Familiarity with Larimer County Open Lands Program
100% —
•PERCENT OF NEW OPEN LANDS THAT SHOULD BE ACQUIRED USING THE FEE-SIMPLE METHOD
00% PERCENT OF NEW OPEN LANDS THAT SHOULD BE ACQUIRED USING THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT METHOD
90%
70%
63%
60%- 57%.
55%
53%
49% 51% 50% 50%
liii
1-Not At AN Famtlar 2 3-Somewhat Familiar 4 5-VeryFamiliar Total
Familiarity with Larimer County 0pan Land.Pre ram
RRC ASSOCIATES 14
88
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 200
• Respondents were given a brief description of regional open spaces and asked how often they
would use these types of open spaces. Only 8 percent of respondents indicated they would
never use regional open spaces, and about 28 percent of respondents indicated they would use
regional open spaces two to four times per year.
Figure 12a
How Often Would You Use Regional Open Spaces at No Charge?
35%
30% _ _...
27.9%
25% - _.. _...
20% _. ..... 19.3%
16.9%
7.5%
6.4%
0%
Never Once 2 to 4 times per 5 t0 7 times per 8 to 10 times a Almost every Once a week
year year year month or more
Figure 12b
By Subset of Outdoor Activities and Interests
100%
NW eking •Hiking
MiBicyclinglm ountain biking risking
90%- OCmss-countr
y skiing MCanoeing/kayak hgllalling 86%
79%
90%- _.._..
68% 69% 69% 68%
c' 60%-
53% 54% 55%
50% . 47%... _ { 45% _..
40% -....
35%
31%
30%- 26%
22% 21%
20%
11%
hi I
0% I:IiH li
Never or Once 2107 Times B or Mme Times
RRC ASSOCIATES 15
89
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• In order to evaluate public reaction to charges for the use of regional open spaces, five different
dollar amounts were tested as potential daily charges per vehicle ($2, $5, $7, $10, & $12). Five
versions of the surveys were distributed; each listing only one of these dollar amounts. Given
the daily charge per vehicle listed, respondents were asked if they would be willing to visit the
regional open spaces the same amount of times per year they had in the past. Results from this
question are presented in
Figure 13.
Figure 13
Would You be Willing to Visit the Regional Open Spaces the Same
Amount of Times per Year if there were a Daily Charge?
100% —
®Yes
90% ENO 86%
74%
70% . 6T%.....
At,
;.`?w?
55%
0
I.3.Z. 42% c :y 43%
e ,
• sDXaw �,0. L.
a ,
30Y o r r", 28%
14%
Overall Average $2 $5 $7 $10 $12
C harg•P•r V•e1Cla
RRC ASSOCIATES 16
90
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS ANAL RESULTS 2001
• The importance of regional trails in Larimer County were rated an average of 3.9 on a scale of 1
to 5, where 1 equals "not at all important," 3 equals "neutral,"and 5 equals "very important."
Figure 14
Importance of Developing a Regional Trails System in Larimer County
50%
45% - _...
40% . . _... _. _...
35% - _... _.... _._.. 33.7A%30%
._.
0
. 25% _.. _....
re
16.8%
15%
10% 7.6% _..
5% .. _.. 3-_.
0%
1 - Not Al All 2 3-Neutral 4 5-Very Important
Important
RRC ASSOCIATES 17
91
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
• Most respondents were neutral (40.6%) regarding how good a job the Larimer County's Open
Lands Program does in communicating news and current events, services, and other programs.
Only 3.5 percent rated communications as "excellent." Newsletters and newspapers were the
two most often selected best means of communication (65.8% and 52.5%, respectively).
Figure 15
How good of a job does Larimer County's Open Lands Program do in reaching you with
information about open lands news and current events, services, and other programs?
50%
406%
35% -... .
30% -.. -_.. . _..
: 20% . -..
15.5% 10.2%
15%
5% 3,5%.
0%
1 -Poor 2 3-Neutral 4 5-Excellent
RRC ASSOCIATES 18
92
LARIMER COUNTY OPEN LANDS FINAL RESULTS 2001
Figure 16
How Best Can We Reach You?
]0% - 65.8% _.. _.... _. -
60%
52.5%
241% 23.2%
21.]%
16.5%
35%
20% - 10.6%
0%
Newsletter Newspaper E-mail Local radio Internet/web Local Flyers at Other
site television local
libraries 8
county
buildings
RRC ASSOCIATES 19
93
Appendix G
ACQUISITION PROCESS FOR THE OPEN LANDS PROGRAM
[Refer to Acquisition Flowchart]
The mission of the Larimer County Open Lands Program is to preserve and provide significant
open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat, parks and trails for present and future generations.
These open lands provide opportunities for leisure, human renewal and protection of our natural
and cultural diversity.
1. PROJECT INITIATION
A) Staff-initiated or B) Partner-initiated or C) Outside inquiry
Open Lands Staff
Collect pertinent information and enter in computer database.
Determine initial project and partnership possibilities.
Decision to proceed or not based on adopted screening criteria.
STOP PROCESS
Open Lands Manager
Refer to another agency or Rural Land Use Center.
Act as partner, not lead.
Lower priority—project on hold.
Fails to satisfy initial screen.
Notify property owner of decision.
2. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT- PHASE 1: Investigation and Review
Open Lands Staff
Preliminary discussions with landowner.
Enter project information into Open Lands database and GIS system.
Complete information worksheet, including map.
Complete evaluation worksheet.
Identify potential partners and funding sources.
Order and review Owner& Encumbrance report.
Field trip to property with appropriate staff and potential partners.
Develop and review preliminary preservation options with staff and partners.
Develop and review preliminary financing or acquisition options and budget with
staff and partners.
Develop and review preliminary management issues and options with staff
94
3. OPEN LANDS ADVISORY BOARD INITIAL REVIEW
Open Lands Manager
Review and discuss project (executive session).
4. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS INITIAL REVIEW
Open Lands Manager
Review and discuss project (executive session).
5. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT- PHASE 2: Negotiation
Open Lands Manager
Land Agent
County Attorney
Also, as appropriate:
Planning
Rural Land Use Director
Environmental Health
Natural Resources
Risk Management
Project Partners
Negotiations with property owner.
Environmental audit(ASTME-1527 -00 Phase I)
Market evaluation/appraisal.
Title commitment.
Survey.
Prepare contract.
Prepare partnership agreement with cooperating agency.
Finalize management opportunities and constraints.
STOP PROCESS
Open Lands Manager
Negotiations fail.
Notify property owner of decision.
6. FIELD TRIP
Open Lands Staff
Open Lands Advisory Board
View property.
7. OPEN LANDS ADVISORY BOARD FINAL REVIEW AND
RECOMMENDATION
95
Open Lands Advisory Board
Review and discuss signed contract.
Solicit public comment.
Make recommendation to County Commissioners.
S. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' FINAL REVIEW AND DECISION
County Commissioners
County Manager
Parks and Open Lands Director
Open Lands Manager
County Attorney
Review; approve or disapprove contract, property review and evaluation.
Solicit public comment as appropriate.
Prepare County Commissioners' resolution.
Execute final resolution.
STOP PROCESS
Open Lands Manager
Terms of contract unacceptable. County Attorney
Proposal disapproved by Commissioners. Land Agent
Project on hold.
Notify property owner of decision.
9. CLOSING AND PUBLIC INFORMATION
Open Lands Agent
Open Lands Staff
Prepare, execute and record deed.
Clear title; issue title insurance.
Advise Open Lands Advisory Board.
Notify media; organize press conference as appropriate.
10. DEVELOP MANAGEMENT PLAN/BASELINE INVENTORY
Open Lands Staff
11. IMPLEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN/MONITOR CONSERVATION
EASEMENT
Open Lands Staff
Implement management plan and stewardship activities with periodic review as
necessary to ensure the goals of the management plan are being achieved.
Regularly monitor conservation easements to ensure compliance with easement
language.
Adopted by the Larimer County Board of Commissioners,3/6/01
96 Adopted by the Larimer County Open Lands Advisory Board,2/22/01
Lorimer County Parks&Open Lands Department
ACQUISITION PROCESS
FOR OPEN LANDS,PARKS AND TRAILS
[Refer to Acquisition Narrative]
The mission of the Latimer County Open Lends Program is to present and providd significant open space,natural areas,wildlife habitat,parks end hells
for present and future generations. These open lands provide opportunities for leisure,human renewal and protection of our natural and cultural diversity.
1. PROJECT INITIATION
A)Staff-Initiated OR B)Partner-Misted OR C)Outside inquiry
I
STOP PROCESS 2. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT&REVIEW-PHASE 1: Investigation
Open Lands Staff
I j
STOP PROCESS FAST TRACK
1. Urgent
2. Partnership
3. OPEN LANDS ADVISORY BOARD INITIAL REVIEW 3. Pre-approved,phased
Executive Session proleets
•
OPEN LANDS ADVISORY BOARD&
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
4. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS INITIALREVIEW
Executive Session
•
S. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT-PHASE 2: Negotiation
Open Lands Manager and Land Agent
I
I
STOP PROCESS 8. FIELD TRIP
SOCC,OLY&Parka and Open Ganda Staff and others as veranda.
FAST TRACK FAST TRACK
Urgent projects Partnership or
Pre-approved,
greeds
� /\
7. OPEN LANDS ADVISORY BOARD
FINAL REVIEW&RECOMMENDATIOI
Public Comment
POLL OPEN LANDS
ADVISORY BOARD
•
PUBLIC COMMENT
AS APPROPRIATE
8. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS'DECISION
STOP PROCESS
9. CLOSING&PUBLIC INFORMATION
10. MANAGEMENT PLAN/BASELINE INVENTORY \
11. IMPLEMENT MANAGEMENT PLANS
MONITOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
b10et byte Leh re bed S Comers MIDI
SW by M LsM Card Open Laid/Sy Iowa ream
Appendix H—Open Lands Property Evaluation
Project Name
THIS PROJECT IS BEING EVALUATED FOR THE FOLLOWING SHADED VALUES:
Scenic Signigicant Plants/Natural Commuities Geological
Buffer Outdoor Recreational Paleontological
Wildlife Habitat Historical/Archaeological Educational
Wetlands Agricultural Other (explain)
EVALUATION CRITERIA
These criteria establish evaluation strategies that can be applied to properties proposed for acquisition
under the Open Lands Program. These criteria are guidelines and will be used as a tool in determining
properties that may be suitable and appropriate for acquisition.
This scoring system is an index, not a precise measurement, and is used as a guideline for setting
priorities and making recommendations. High (H), Medium (M), Low(L), Not Rated (NR)
I. Context Rating:
1. To what extent is the property located adjacent to or near other protected lands or open space?
2. Is there potential that surrounding property may be protected with this property's protection?
3. Does this property add to a more sustainable whole?
4. Is protecting this property a strategic move to protect a larger area?
5. What is the potential that the property will be developed or changed in land use?
6. How compatible are the adjacent land uses with this proposed protection and use of this property?
[Zoning]
•
98
II. Environment/Ecology Rating:
1. How important are the wildlife habitat qualities and plant communities?
[Identify the wildlife -Describe the ecological values -Include all endangered/threatened species,
-Extent to which property provides a buffer to existing protected land]
2. To what extent does the property provide a buffer to minimize the disruption of ecological pro-
cesses on already protected land?
•
3. To what extent are there important and/or sustainable wetland or riparian areas (note also water
rights availability)?
•
4. How manageable are any exotic plant/animal species on the property?
[-Note exotics on the property -Point out noxious weeds present]
•
5. If applicable, what is the potential for habitat restoration?
•
III. Scenic/Aesthetic/Sense of Place Rating:
1. Does the property provide vistas or important scenic backdrop?
[-Sense of openness - Views of physical features -Ridgelines -Hogbacks -Timbered slopes -
Unique color or textures or other visual interest -Does this property provide a sense of community
identity?] •
2. What is the property's visual exposure from roads, trails or other prominent locations?
•
3. Does this property serve as a community buffer or separator?
•
IV. Outdoor Recreation/Public Use
Rating:
1. What is the potential for public use on this property?
[-Appropriateness -Desirability -Feasibility]
•
2. To what extent does this property provide opportunity to integrate public use into a larger recreation
network?
[-Greenway trails -Open space -Regional trails]
•
99
3. What opportunities for outdoor recreation does this property provide?
Hiking Fishing Picknicking
Bicycling Viewing wildlife Horseback riding
Photography Nature study Boating
4. Are the activities considered appropriate with the ecological,physical, and social environment?
V. Historical/Archaeological Rating:
1. Does the property contain significant archaeological or historic resources based upon State His-
toric Preservation Office criteria or National Register of Historic Places standards?
•
2. Does the property contain other significant archaeological or historic resources of concern to local
research institutions,professionals, interest groups or other agencies?
•
VI. Agricultural Rating:
1. Is agricultural use of the land suitable and sustainable within the context of surrounding land use?
•
2. Does the property help maintain a sense of agricultural tradition and rural character?
•
3. Is operation and management(lease, leaseback, etc.) of the property for continued agricultural use
by the County economically acceptable/feasible?
•
4. What crops are grown?
•
5. What is the irrigation status and associated water rights?
•
100
VII. Geological/Paleontological Rating:
1. Does the property contain significant paleontological sites?
•
2. Does the property contain significant geologic features such as faults, synclines, anticlines, etc.?
•
VIII. Environmental Education Rating:
1. Are there environmental, historical and/or cultural education opportunities?
•
IX. Political Factors Rating:
1. Is this a high profile acquisition from the public perspective?
•
2. Will acquisition of this property serve as a catalyst for other acquisitions?
•
3. Will acquisition of this property in the manner proposed serve as a positive example for other
landowners?
•
4. Does the project contribute to the Open Lands Program balance based on:
[-Geographic distribution? -Project type? - Urgent/immediate demands and long term/farsighted
goals? -Population distribution?]
•
X. Price Rating:
1. Is the price reasonable given current supply and demand and net present value?
•
2. Is the landowner willing to reduce the cost to the county for charitable or tax purposes?
•
3. Is cost sharing with partners significant?
•
101
4. Can the goals of the Open Lands Program be achieved with less than fee acquisition?
•
5. Will the property become more expensive or unavailable if not acquired now?
•
6. Are the projected annual management and maintenance costs acceptable and reasonable?
•
Scoring System
The scoring system is used by Larimer County Parks and Open Lands Department staff with input from
appropriate professionals and/or experts to evaluate various properties against the evaluation criteria so
that the Open Lands Advisory Board can make reasoned decisions for recommendations to the Board
of County Commissioners. The scoring system is an index, not a precise measurement, and is used as
a guideline for setting priorities and making recommendations.
The process shall consist of an index of a high, medium, or low ranking for each of the criteria appli-
cable to the property in question. There may be situations on some properties where a particular evalu-
ation criterion is not applicable and therefore not ranked.
Adopted by the Open Lands Advisory Board,August 22, 1996
Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners,August 28, 1996
102
4. Can the goals of the Open Lands Program be achieved with less than fee acquisition?
•
5. Will the property become more expensive or unavailable if not acquired now?
•
6. Are the projected annual management and maintenance costs acceptable and reasonable?
•
Scoring System
The scoring system is used by Larimer County Parks and Open Lands Department staff with input from
appropriate professionals and/or experts to evaluate various properties against the evaluation criteria so
that the Open Lands Advisory Board can make reasoned decisions for recommendations to the Board
of County Commissioners. The scoring system is an index,not a precise measurement, and is used as
a guideline for setting priorities and making recommendations.
The process shall consist of an index of a high, medium, or low ranking for each of the criteria appli-
cable to the property in question. There may be situations on some properties where a particular evalu-
ation criterion is not applicable and therefore not ranked.
Adopted by the Open Lands Advisory Board,August 22, 1996
Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners,August 28, 1996
102
Appendix I
MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROCESS
FOR OPEN LANDS, PARKS AND TRAILS
The following represents potential management planning process steps. Specific steps utilized for a given management
plan will be dependent upon the complexity of the management plan and the circumstances associated with a specific property.
I.PROJECT GUIDING VISION AND VALUES
Board of County Commissioners
Open Lands Advisory Board
Parks and Open Lands Management Staff
Determine desired values and uses during acquisition process
2.INFORMATION NEEDS IDENTIFICATION
1 . II _ •k
Open Lands Staff
Identify appropriate resource advisory team members
Accumulate information from field visits and other sources
3.OPPORTUNITIES,BENEFITS AND CONSTRAINTS 4.OPPORTUNITIES,BENEFITS AND CONSTRAINTS
" . ' . hi ` 1 1 PE RI IC WORKSHOP
Open Lands Staff Open Lands Staff
Resource Advisory Team Open Lands Advisory Board
Public Public
Identify opportunities and areas of special concern Identify opportunities and areas of special concem •
5. DEVELOP INITIAL DRAFT PLAN
Open Lands Staff/Coordinator
Develop initial draft plan using all acquired information
6.DRAFT PLAN REVIEW 7. DRAFT PLAN REVIEW
_ s L I 40 • : .u PUBLIC WORKSHOP
Open Lands Staff \ Open Lands Staff
Resource Advisory Team l Open Lands Advisory Board
Public
Review draft management plan and obtain additional information
Review draft management plan/obtain additional information
m
8. DEVELOP MODIFIED/FINAL DRAFT PLAN
Imo/
Open Lands Staff
Develop modified/final draft management plan
9. FINAL PLAN RECOMMENDATION 10. FINAL PLAN APPROVAL
Open Lands Advisory Board Parks and Open Lands Director
Make recommendation regarding final plan Review and approve final plan
11.IMPLEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Adopted by t the arimer c,nmy Board orcnmmssionem 3/6/0I Open Lands Staff
Adopted by the L mere canny Open lands Advisory Bawd 1It LUI
103
Larimer County Parks and Open Lands Department
MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROCESS
FOR OPEN LANDS, PARKS AND TRAILS
Meer to Planning Process Flowchart!
The following represents potential management planning process steps. Specific steps utilized for a given management plan
will be dependent upon the complexity of the management plan and the circumstances associated with a specific property.
1. PROJECT GUIDING VISION AND VALUES
Board of County Commissioners
Open Lands Advisory Board
Parks and Open Lands Management Staff
• Develop preliminary vision for the area during the evaluation and acquisition process.
• Communicate preliminary vision with key adjacent landowners for both the acquisition
process and the management planning.process.
• Acquire pertinent existing conditions information as part of the project evaluation for
the acquisition process.
2. INFORMATION NEEDS IDENTIFICATION AND ACCUMULATION
Open Lands Staff/Coordinator
• Identify pertinent existing conditions information referring to the Master checklist to
ensure a comprehensive overview.
• Identify appropriate resource advisory team members.
0 Natural, cultural, social resource experts
0 Users groups
0 Other interest groups
• Accumulate information from advisory team and other sources.
0 Interviews
0 Field trips
0 Questionnaires/surveys
0 Research
104
3. OPPORTUNITIES, BENEFITS, AND CONSTRAINTS-MANAGEMENT STAFF AND
ADVISORY TEAM
Open Lands Staff
Parks and Open Lands Management Staff
Resource Advisory Team
Adjacent Landowners and Other Parties
• Through management staff workshop identify:
0 opportunities presented by the project;
0 benefits provided by the project to the users, the community, adjacent
landowners, and management; and
0 constraints and issues that must be addressed in order to take advantage
of the opportunities and reap the benefits.
• Refine and develop draft of preliminary vision.
• Present preliminary vision, opportunities, benefits, and constraints to key adjacent
landowners and pertinent other parties to allow for personal input into planning process.
• Present preliminary vision, opportunities, benefits, and constraints to resource advisory
team individually or as a workshop for input and advice.
4. OPPORTUNITIES, BENEFITS, AND CONSTRAINTS-PUBLIC WORKSHOP
Open Lands Staff
Open Lands Advisory Board
Public
• Present public workshop to explore and address:
0 visions for the property/project;
0 opportunities presented by the property/project;
0 benefits of the project to users, the community, and adjacent landowners;
and
0 constraints and issues that must be addressed in order to actualize the
vision, take advantage of the opportunities, and reap the benefits.
105
5. DEVELOP INITIAL DRAFT PLAN
Open Lands Staff
• Develop initial draft plan using information gathered from workshops, resource advi
sory team, management staff and public.
6. DRAFT PLAN REVIEW - STAFF AND ADVISORY TEAM
Open Lands Staff
Parks and Open Lands Management Staff
Resource Advisory Team
• Review draft management plan and obtain additional information.
7. DRAFT PLAN REVIEW- PUBLIC WORKSHOP
Open Lands Staff
Open Lands Advisory Board
Public
• Review draft management plan and obtain additional information.
8. DEVELOP MODIFIED/FINAL DRAFT PLAN
Open Lands Staff
• Develop modified/final draft management plan.
9. FINAL PLAN RECOMMENDATION
Open Lands Advisory Board
• Review final plan and make recommendation for approval.
106
10. FINAL PLAN RECOMMENDATION
Parks and Open Lands Director
• Review and approve final plan
Note that after a plan has been formally adopted, the budgeting for expenses associated with the
implementation of the plan will be incorporated in the normal budgeting process.
11. IMPLEMENTATION OF MANAGEMENT PLAN
Parks and Open Lands Staff
Adopted by the Larimer County Board of Commissioners 3/6/01
Adopted by the Larimer County Open Lands Advisory Board 2/22/01
107
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