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.

The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Longmont and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

For questions about this program, contact James Rodriguez at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-3559 or email Community Justice [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

Timeline

Funding of $81,000 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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $81,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.