Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2024)
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.
Volunteers contributed over 2,742 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.
Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $112,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.
What You Need to Know
Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 27% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,419 responses from residents across the county.
Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $41,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Related Programs
The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 17 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.
The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 559 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.
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