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Boulder County approves $1.65 million purchase of Bearberry property near Gross Reservoir
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners voted March 11 to buy about 80 acres known as the Bearberry property in Coal Creek Canyon for $1,650,000 using funds from the 2021 Gross Reservoir settlement; staff and POSAC recommended the acquisition to protect wildlife habitat and undeveloped recreation.
The Boulder County Board of County Commissioners on March 11 voted to authorize the purchase of the Bearberry property — about 80 acres in Coal Creek Canyon — for $1,650,000 using funds from the 2021 Gross Reservoir settlement.
County staff said the property includes roughly 60 acres inside Boulder County and about 20 acres in Gilpin County, and that the landowner requires sale of the entire parcel. Aaron Clark, a land officer with Parks and Open Space’s real estate division, told commissioners the purchase would include three building rights and two existing residences and described the site as largely forested and valuable wildlife habitat. “Staff supports this acquisition,” Clark said during the public hearing.
The purchase was recommended by the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee (POSAC), which voted 6-0 at its Feb. 27 meeting to advance the acquisition. Staff told the board that title documents show mineral rights were severed in 1952 but that U.S. Geological Survey and state Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety data show no historical mining activity on the property.
County staff identified funding for the purchase from the Gross Reservoir settlement, which allocated $5.1 million to Boulder County in 2021 for open-space acquisitions. Parks and Open Space staff said the board’s direction for that funding prioritized habitat protection and undeveloped passive recreation, and that Bearberry meets those community-driven priorities while being within about five miles of Gross Reservoir.
Staff and commissioners discussed the fact that one of the three parcels lies in Gilpin County. Clark said Parks and Open Space has been consulting with Gilpin County; if Gilpin expresses interest in acquiring that parcel, Boulder County would consider transferring the piece later and would return proceeds to the county’s Gross settlement fund for future conservation purchases. He said Parks and Open Space is awaiting clarification of Gilpin County’s funding picture before finalizing any transfer plans.
One virtual speaker, Deegan Blakey of Boulder County, suggested that if Gilpin County acquires the Gilpin parcel in the future, the incoming funds be returned to Boulder County’s settlement account for use on additional conservation projects. Clark responded that this general approach — returning proceeds if Boulder transfers property — was consistent with prior understanding.
After public comment and staff responses, a commissioner moved to approve the parks and open-space acquisition item; the board voted unanimously to approve the purchase.
What the board approved and next steps Parks and Open Space staff will proceed with the acquisition as presented, using Gross Reservoir settlement funds. Staff said they will continue coordination with Gilpin County and will evaluate options such as transferring the Gilpin parcel with a conservation easement if Gilpin requests it. Management, public access and any future recreational uses will be subject to Parks and Open Space’s standard planning and stewardship processes.
Votes at a glance - Approval of Parks and Open Space acquisition (Item 8): Motion approved; vote recorded as unanimous in the meeting record. Funding source: 2021 Gross Reservoir settlement; purchase price: $1,650,000; property: ~80 acres across three parcels (approx. 60 acres in Boulder County, 20 acres in Gilpin County); POSAC recommendation: 6-0. - Consent agenda (Items 3a–3q): Approved unanimously. - Appointments to Aging Advisory Council (Item 4a): Reappointments and new appointments approved as recommended (see clarifying details for names); motion approved unanimously. - Appointments to Community Corrections Board (Item 4b): Reappointments and appointments approved as recommended; motion approved unanimously. - Appointment to NYWAT Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (Item 4c): Mike Keffler appointed; motion approved unanimously. - Authorization to convene executive session on March 12, 2025 for legal advice under Colorado law (CRS 24-6-402(4)(b)) regarding CCAP funding issues and a proposed Town of Erie tax increment financing matter (Item 6): Approved unanimously.
The board’s approval completes the hearing-stage action required for the acquisition; Parks and Open Space will return to the board with any required closing documents and with any follow-up actions if Gilpin County requests transfer of its parcel.
