Open Space History

Historical Update

In November 2000, the citizens of Longmont voted for a 0.2-cent Open Space sales and use tax (2₵ on every $10 purchase). In 2007, Longmont voters approved an extension of the tax until 2034. The revenue generated from this tax is used for acquisitions, improvements and maintenance of Open Space properties, as well as trail development like the St. Vrain Greenway and Lake McIntosh trail, in and around Longmont.

As of July 2014, the City of Longmont has protected nearly 2,500 acres of Open Space which it manages:

• 1953 acres of purchased in fee since 2000
• 532 acres of conservation easements purchased since 2000
• In addition, the City of Longmont holds 788 acres in Conservation Easements for Boulder County and additionally manages the 358 acres of Lake McIntosh.

The Open Space program has acquired:

• 722 acres for the Union Reservoir Community Buffer (Hartman, Hernor, French , Sipe, Adrian Rider and Bogott)
• Just over 1,000 acres which are under agricultural lease to seven tenants growing a variety of row crops, alfalfa as well as grazing animals (Sherwood, Hartman, French, Hernor, Adrian, Bogott, Golden Farms, Bragg- Spangler)

Trail Accomplishments

Longmont, having a vested interest in Open Space projects in our area, has acquired nearly 1100 acres associated with the St. Vrain Greenway development (Boulder Creek Estates, Sherwood, Peschel, Distel/Camas, Golden Farms, and Dickens Farm Park) and has accomplished the following:

• Lake Macintosh Trail  / Park Development – 3.5 miles
• Jim Hamm Trail  / Park Development
• Spring Gulch Trail Development – 5 miles of trial west of Union Reservoir from Ute Creek Golf Course to Sandstone Ranch following the Spring Gulch drainage
• Acquired the 54.87 acres from Boulder County for the expansion of Rogers Grove District Park, through which the St. Vrain Greenway passes
• Stakeholder for Colorado Front Range Trail (Wyoming to New Mexico)
• Stakeholder for St. Vrain Valley Trails and Open Lands Plan (40 mile loop between Longmont, Firestone, Frederick and Erie)

Other Significant Accomplishments

• Open Space Master Plan Update – Adopted July 2018
• Complete acquisition of the St. Vrain Corridor from Weld County Road #1 to St. Vrain State Park
• Acquisition of the Boulder Creek Estates which contains the confluence of Boulder Creek and the St. Vrain Creek
• “Chick Clark Youth Fishing Program” at Izaak Walton Park – exclusive fishing opportunity for youth 15 and under,  providing over 3,000 rods and reels to the youth of Longmont and surrounding communities.
• Development of a handicapped fishing pier at Izaak Walton with matching funds from Colorado Parks and Wildlife
• Wildlife Management Plan – Adopted Many of 2006
• $2.2 million grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (Sherwood and Hayes Land acquisition)
• Responsible for the land management and direction of all City’s owned lands
• Management of the citywide Mosquito mitigation/ education program since 2003