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.
Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 12 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.
Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 12% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,340 responses from residents across the county.
Related Programs
Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, 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.
Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,182 affordable housing units since its inception, with 140 additional units in the development pipeline.
Eligibility
Funding of $251,000 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 2026 budget session.
Volunteers contributed over 7,226 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.
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