September: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

September: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

Volunteers contributed over 11,372 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 2,165 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Background

The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Boulder and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Tuesday, April 21 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.