Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Sunshine Canyon

Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Sunshine Canyon

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.

The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,715 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $160,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,577 affordable housing units since its inception, with 201 additional units in the development pipeline.

According to Rachel Stein, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 87% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.

Details

For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-8897 or email Area Agency on [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Niwot office without an appointment.