Larimer County reports land-conservation gains, ecosystem-service valuation and new in‑stream-flow nominations

Megan Flanikin, representing Larimer County Natural Resources, summarized conservation and natural‑resource work during the Jan. 27 strategic-plan update, reporting additions to the county’s conserved‑lands portfolio and other programmatic milestones.

Flanikin said the county added 624 acres to its conserved‑land portfolio last year, bringing the total to just over 57,000 acres; she added that “as of this month” just over 2,000 additional acres had been added (as reported during the presentation). Staff used a state tool to estimate approximately $25 million in annual ecosystem‑service value from conserved lands, including benefits for water and air quality and carbon sequestration.

Natural Resources is working with the Colorado Water Conservation Board on in‑stream‑flow nominations and has nominated five stream reaches for dedication; one recent example cited was Williams Gulch (a 4.7‑mile stretch near Pewter Canyon) with another nomination for East Roaring Fork Creek expected this year. The county also continues wildfire mitigation outreach and grant awards; the Office of Emergency Management awarded about $100,000 in community wildfire mitigation grants last year, and grants are open through March 9 for new applicants.

Flanikin noted progress on zoning and small‑acreage outreach. A Natural Resources Zone was adopted in 2023–24 for county open space lands; in 2025 the county plans to add municipal lands and to begin mapping conservation‑easement lands into that zone. County Extension staff continue soil‑health demonstrations and a goal of 20 site visits per year; Extension also completed a producer survey last year and is producing fact sheets derived from that work.

No formal action was taken; staff reported accomplishments and outlined near‑term priorities for 2025.