Mission
Douglas County Division of Open Space and Natural Resources seeks to enhance the quality of life
for residents by protecting wildlife habitat, natural resources, historic
sites, scenic views and Douglas County’s rural heritage while
providing a wide range of compatible outdoor recreation and educational
opportunities.
Funding
The Douglas County Open Space Program was
created in 1994 with the passage of a sixth-of-a-cent sales and use tax. Douglas County has
purchased land at today’s prices, however much of the program’s revenue
stream is committed to bond payments. Future land acquisition will require
additional funding sources.
Priorities
Douglas County seeks to protect open space
by accomplishing a variety of conservation objectives including:
- Preservation of important wildlife habitat and movement corridors.
- Perpetuation of the County’s rural landscape and agricultural
heritage.
- Creation of community buffers.
- Protection of scenic views, historic properties and archaeological
resources.
- Enhancement of passive recreational opportunities.
- To maximize the impact of limited funding and to enhance the effectiveness
of the program, the Douglas County Open Space program focuses on acquisition
efforts in four priority areas throughout the County including: the
Chatfield Basin, High Plateau, Cherry Creek Corridor and south I-25
Conservation Corridor.
Management
Since the creation of the Open Space Sales
and Use Tax in 1994, Douglas County has focused considerable effort on
land acquisition – protecting 46,220 acres of open space land in
the County. Currently, staff focus is on developing management plans
for these properties, as well as planning and building trails on open
space land. Several open space properties already provide public recreational
use including Columbine, Glendale, Greenland, Sharptail Ridge, Spruce Mountain, and Hidden Mesa. The
Division will continue to expand public access and passive recreational
trails on open space land where it is possible.
In addition, Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources will
continue to manage natural resources through active restoration of natural
habitats, noxious weed control and revegetation efforts, establishing
trails that minimize impacts to native plant and wildlife communities,
conducting historical renovations where possible, and providing educational
and recreational benefits to residents.
Education, Outreach and Special Events
Educational
programs are as much as part of Douglas County Open Space and Natural
Resources as land management and acquisition. Education through interpretive
programs and guided hikes teach respect for natural resources and land
stewardship, while allowing people to develop a sense of ownership and
community service.
- Educational programs – Several properties serve as ‘classrooms’ for
environmental education and historical interpretation. For example,
Prairie Canyon Ranch is managed as a working cattle ranch to preserve
historic values and protect wildlife habitat, while it also provides
unique educational opportunities for students of any age. Topics
of study could include plant and animal ecology, Colorado history,
aquatic studies, geology and geography.
- Outreach – Staff and volunteers may be available to present
special programs or displays for events, or provide an overview and
history of the Division to various organizations.
- Special Events – Events such as horse rides, guided hikes,
celebrations, or educational demonstrations can be hosted at one
of the open space properties.
