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Larimer County 4‑H Foundation members say they were removed from Ranch; commissioners cite unresolved facility issues
Summary
During public comment July 29, Cindy Buckhart and Carrie Adams said the Larimer County 4‑H Foundation was barred from The Ranch and disputed county claims of ongoing violations; commissioners expressed support for 4‑H youth but said there have been facility and communication issues that remain unresolved.
Two members of the Larimer County 4‑H community used the public‑comment period at the July 29 Board of County Commissioners meeting to say the Larimer County 4‑H Foundation had been excluded from activities at The Ranch and to request clarity and documentation from county staff.
Cindy Buckhart, identified herself as president of the Larimer County 4‑H Foundation and said an email from a county staff member dated June 17 stated the foundation ‘‘was no longer permitted to conduct activities on the ranch campus’’ and referenced ‘‘continuing violations.’’ Buckhart said the foundation received no documentation of the alleged prior violations and contested statements that the foundation had failed to attempt resolution. "Lori's email from June 17 states how unfortunate it is that this situation was not resolved previously by the foundation despite multiple attempts to work through the issues and that there are no longer alternatives to resolve the continuing violations," Buckhart said. She asked the county to provide a copy of the policy cited in the email and to identify who to notify about the foundation’s partnership for a fundraiser so the county would not take the funds.
Carrie Adams, a 4‑H leader and parent, said the Larimer County 4‑H Foundation’s purpose is to support 4‑H participants and volunteers and disputed the county’s reported reasons for the foundation’s removal from The Ranch. Adams emphasized the foundation’s role in scholarships, service and youth development and asked what had been achieved by removing the foundation from the facility.
Commissioners responded during the same agenda item. Commissioner Cavallos said the board continues to be committed to 4‑H and its youth. Chair Kristen Stevens said the county values the foundation but acknowledged there had been “some issues with the foundation” and said Colorado State University (CSU) has been seeking transparency across local foundations. "There's value in the foundation, scholarships, you know, dollars for for young people to complete their projects," Stevens said, and added she hoped there was "a way to work through" the impasse.
The public‑comment period closed after the two speakers and the item returned to the commissioners. No formal action or vote was recorded on the matter at the July 29 meeting.
Ending: Foundation leaders asked for written policy and clearer communications about the decision to bar foundation activities on the ranch; the commissioners acknowledged the concerns and expressed a desire to resolve outstanding issues but did not announce a follow‑up action during the meeting.
