Build on What’s Working. Strengthen What’s Needed
Larimer County is not starting from scratch. The Board of County Commissioners has already invested in open space preservation, wildfire mitigation, watershed recovery after Cameron Peak, and regional partnerships. The next step is to expand, coordinate, and future-proof that work.
This plan aligns with — and strengthens — existing county efforts.
Strengthen Watershed Protection & Forest Health
Building on existing open space and post-fire recovery efforts
Larimer County already invests in open space acquisition and forest health. The goal is to sharpen focus where wildfire and water security intersect.
Next-Level Action:
- Identify watershed areas not currently protected under existing conservation programs.
- Prioritize strategic easements in high-risk headwaters.
- Continue coordination with the State Forest Service, federal land managers, and local fire districts.
- Strengthen post-fire watershed stabilization planning to reduce sediment and infrastructure costs.
This is about protecting ratepayers, agriculture, and drinking water long-term.
Wildlife Corridors & Smart Growth
Enhancing current land use and planning frameworks
The County’s planning department already considers environmental impacts. We can formalize and expand habitat connectivity in future growth areas.
Next-Level Action:
- Integrate updated wildlife corridor mapping into comprehensive plan updates.
- Incorporate wildfire risk and habitat connectivity into large development reviews.
- Work with CDOT to advocate for wildlife crossings in high-collision areas.
- Use open space investments strategically to preserve key corridors.
Growth should reduce risk — not increase it.
Renewable Energy & County Leadership
Building on existing sustainability commitments
Larimer County has already taken steps toward renewable energy and sustainability. The opportunity now is scale and measurable targets.
Next-Level Action:
- Expand renewable energy installations at public facilities.
- Continue transitioning fleet vehicles where operationally feasible.
- Conduct updated energy audits to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Ensure new county facilities meet high-efficiency and fire-resilient design standards.
This strengthens fiscal responsibility while addressing air quality challenges tied to ozone non-attainment.
Wildfire Resilience: Expanding What Already Exists
Strengthening mitigation, equity, and coordination
Larimer County already supports wildfire mitigation programs and collaborates with fire districts. The next step is expanding reach and equity.
Year-Round Education
- Strengthen ongoing wildfire education in high-risk and newly developed areas.
- Expand defensible space workshops and outreach through HOAs and rural communities.
Equity in Mitigation
- Advocate for additional funding to help seniors and low-income residents complete defensible space improvements.
- Partner with nonprofits and volunteer groups to assist vulnerable households.
Safety cannot depend on income or physical capacity.
Regional & Federal Partnerships
- Expand coordination with state and federal agencies for large-scale landscape mitigation.
- Advocate for stronger post-fire recovery coordination and faster debris removal.
Community Wildfire Readiness Hubs
- Support development of readiness hubs in rural areas for:
- Emergency communication
- Supply staging
- Clean air and cooling during smoke events
- Evacuation coordination
Prepared communities reduce strain on first responders and save lives.
Conservation Education & Volunteer Engagement
Deepening community participation in stewardship
The County already offers open space programs and volunteer days. We can expand accessibility and awareness.
Next-Level Action:
- Increase outreach to youth and schools about conservation careers.
- Expand volunteer restoration and mitigation days.
- Encourage community-driven micro-projects in partnership with county staff.
When residents are engaged, stewardship becomes culture — not policy.
Caucus for Lisa in March
Help put Lisa on the primary ballot! Become a delegate for Lisa at Larimer County Caucus on March 5th!