Capital Development Committee backs $1.3 million purchase of Edwards Farm to expand Lawn Haggler State Wildlife Area

At a meeting of the Capital Development Committee, members voted unanimously to recommend support for Colorado Parks and Wildlife's acquisition of Edwards Farm, an 87-acre property adjacent to Lawn Haggler State Wildlife Area in Larimer County, for $1,300,000. The committee recorded a 6-0 vote in favor.

Daphne Gervais, director of legislative affairs for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, told the committee the landowners offered the farm below appraised value and that the property contains irrigated hay meadows, wetland slough, riparian woodlands and other habitat for deer, elk, raptors and wetland birds. "This property is surrounded by development and it will help serve as a buffer, to protect the wildlife habitat and pristine landscape that is within that state wildlife area," Gervais said.

Gervais said the Edwards family will retain the water rights. Senator Pelton asked whether agricultural activities such as haying would continue; Mr. Bey of CPW said the department expects agriculture to continue in some form because CPW is not acquiring the water rights and that operations might change under CPW management.

Senator Bullocka moved the recommendation to support the fee-title acquisition for $1,300,000; Mr. Pogue called the roll. Senator Henriksen, Representative Lindsay, Senator Pelton, Representative Winter, Senator Mullica and the Madam Chair all voted in favor. The committee recorded the motion as passed 6-0.

CPW staff noted letters of concurrence were received from local officials including Larimer County and the city of Loveland. The committee did not ask for further deliberation and the recommendation passed on a unanimous vote.