Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

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 Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,826 seniors participated in center programs last year.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 25 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Timeline

Funding of $37,000 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 2025 budget session.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 19% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Community Impact

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $43,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.