Larimer County’s Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce it has completed efforts to conserve three contiguous ranches totaling 4,856 acres of high ecological and scenic value in Livermore, Colorado. The ranches are being conserved in partnership with the landowners via conservation easements to permanently protect their high-quality wildlife habitats, water resources, scenic views, and agricultural values.
Larimer County Wildlife Preserve
The ranches are located in Larimer County’s Livermore Priority Conservation Area where significant land conservation efforts have been completed to date by federal, state, county, city, and land trust partners. Conservation of these three ranches creates a contiguous landscape connection between over 100,000 acres of existing conserved lands. For five generations, these ranches have been well-stewarded for sustainable livestock grazing and hay operations and provide diverse native ecosystems and critical habitat for the federally threatened Preble’s meadow jumping mouse.
“We are grateful for the partnerships with these long-time landowners in the Livermore Valley who are permanently leaving a legacy in conserving their well-stewarded ranches and for the funding partners who helped make this possible,” said Daylan Figgs, Director of Larimer County Natural Resources.
The project was supported by a $2.5 million Land Acquisition Program grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) awarded in December 2024. Created by Colorado voters in 1992, GOCO invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds into partner-led conservation and recreation projects statewide. In addition, the project was generously supported by funding from the City of Fort Collins, The Nature Conservancy, a private donor, the Gates Family Foundation, and the Friends of Larimer County Parks and Open Lands.
“From all of us at GOCO, congratulations to Larimer County on this incredible achievement,” said Jackie Millier, GOCO’s Executive Director. “This project protects the unique resources on these ranches, while delivering large-scale impact by connecting thousands of acres that will support wildlife movement and preserve far-reaching views. It’s a huge win for all who have worked to conserve this landscape, for Colorado, and future generations.”
About Larimer County Department of Natural Resources
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources’ mission is to connect people, nature, and place. Since 1954, Larimer County has acquired and conserved a vast network of public and private lands. Today, thirteen public properties are available for recreational access and enjoyment, and over 57,000 acres of land within its boundaries have been conserved. For more information, visit larimer.gov/naturalresources
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more than 5,800 projects in all 64 counties of Colorado without any tax dollar support. Visit GOCO.org for more information.