Larimer County Approves 800-Acre Rimrock Ranch Conservation Easement

Larimer County commissioners approved an 800-acre conservation easement for Rimrock Ranch on October 28, protecting critical wildlife habitat in the Laramie Foothills and preventing potential subdivision of the property into 35-acre parcels.

The property, located adjacent to Red Mountain Open Space west of the parcel, provides habitat for mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, bobcat and numerous bird species. The easement also protects scenic views and maintains the property's agricultural use for hay production and livestock grazing.

"Even though the one you'll hear today doesn't have a direct nexus with our department or our ownership, it still promotes and furthers our mission to steward healthy watersheds and riparian corridors," said Zach Wiebe from Larimer County's Department of Natural Resources.

The landowner donated the conservation easement, which allows them to leverage the donation for Colorado state tax credits while permanently restricting development rights.

Record-Breaking Conservation Year

The Rimrock Ranch easement brings Larimer County's 2025 conservation total to approximately 6,500 acres, making this the second-largest year for land protection in the county's history. Only 2004 surpassed this total, when the county purchased Red Mountain Open Space, acquired Chimney Hollow, and secured the 4,000-acre Blue Mountain Bison Ranch Conservation Easement.

"This year is the second largest additional acreage that we've conserved in our program," said Megan Flaniken, with the Larimer County Natural Resources Department.

Larimer County has systematically protected lands in the Laramie Foothills over the past 30 years, creating connected conservation areas that support wildlife migration corridors between the plains and mountain ecosystems.

Property Prevents Subdivision Traffic Through Open Space

Beyond its conservation values, the easement eliminates a significant access concern for Red Mountain Open Space. The property had legal access through Red Mountain via several miles of unimproved road up the west hogbacks from the main county road.

Without the conservation easement, the property could have been subdivided into 35-acre parcels under county zoning regulations. All those potential parcels would have had unrestricted access through Red Mountain Open Space, potentially increasing traffic and requiring road improvements on the public land.

"If this had been developed into 35 acre parcels, there could have been a lot of traffic through Red Mountain or that road improved to accommodate that level of use," Flaniken said.

The landowner retains access through Red Mountain, but limiting development to one additional residence beyond the existing home dramatically reduces potential impacts to the open space.

Easement Allows Limited Development

The conservation easement permits one existing residence and several outbuildings on the property. The landowner may construct one additional residence and two more outbuildings within a designated building envelope at the north end of the property.

All development will be contained within that single envelope area, preserving the remaining 800 acres in their natural and agricultural state. The current owner partners with neighboring properties including Maxwell Ranch and Strata to lease portions of the land for seasonal cattle grazing.

The property features limited riparian drainages with historical non-adjudicated springs and irrigation ditches that historically supported hay production. These water features create important habitat corridors for wildlife moving through the landscape.

Strategic Location Fills Conservation Gap

The Rimrock Ranch property is essentially an inholding surrounded by protected lands. It shares approximately one mile of boundary with Red Mountain Open Space to the east. Maxwell Ranch, owned by Colorado State University, borders the property, along with a Colorado State Land Board parcel that has been recommended for inclusion in the state's stewardship trust program.

Larimer County voters established the county's Open Lands Program in 1995 with a quarter-cent sales and use tax. Voters extended that tax in 1999 with bonding authority and again in 2014 for 25 years through 2043, according to the county's Open Lands Master Plan.

The county adopted its first Open Lands Master Plan in 2001, identifying the Laramie Foothills as a high-priority conservation area. Over approximately three decades, the county has protected more than 8,000 acres through conservation easements within more than 25,000 acres of conserved land.

Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally, who serves as liaison to the county's Open Lands Advisory Board, praised the work.

"We've done a lot of acreage this year," Shadduck-McNally said. "What a tremendous group led by a wonderful team."

The conservation easement was recommended by the Open Lands Advisory Board at its July 24, 2025 meeting. The board evaluates potential acquisitions and easements based on conservation values, strategic location, public benefit and financial considerations.

For more information about Larimer County's Open Lands Program, visit larimer.gov or contact the Department of Natural Resources at 970-498-5700.