March 2025: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

March 2025: 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.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 68% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,213 responses from residents across the county.

Funding of $214,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

Resources

For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-5460 or email Sheriff’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Louisville office without an appointment.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% of properties in the Louisville area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.