Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2025)

Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2025)

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $85,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

According to James Rodriguez, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 38% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

Details

Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sheriff’s Office, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

Contact Information

The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,692 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Volunteers contributed over 5,403 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.