Last year, many of you filled out the Larimer County Natural Resources Our Lands, Our Future Regional Survey, and the results are in.
The Our Lands, Our Future survey found community commitment to conserving public lands and fostering nature-centered recreational opportunities in Larimer County. The survey underscores backing for the ongoing open space sales tax and existing user fees well into the future. Additionally, residents reiterated their equal support for conservation efforts and nature-based recreational pursuits.
The survey primarily delves into community preferences regarding the allocation of funds from the Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax, which voters extended in 2014 until 2043. These funds are designated for conserving and upholding open spaces, natural habitats, rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, parks, and trails across Larimer County.
Via Larimer County Natural Resources
The survey did not pertain to city parks, golf courses, ballfields, recreational complexes, state lands or federal lands. The 1/4-cent Open Space sales tax revenue is shared between Larimer County and the incorporated municipalities of Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Estes Park, Johnstown, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor. The survey was facilitated through a third-party consultant, RRC Associates.
This is the third iteration of the county-wide survey with the previous versions conducted in 2001 and 2012.
Key findings of the Our Lands, Our Future survey:
- Over 90% of residents believe regional open spaces and trails benefit the community by providing spaces for recreational opportunities, personal wellness, economic vitality, and overall quality of life.
- 81% of residents are supportive of renewing the ¼-cent Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax at its current rate and 70% are supportive of renewing current user fees.
- Residents indicated properties with high ecological values (wildlife habitat, wetlands, rare plants) and maintenance for existing lands with public access as the most important priorities to purchase or conserve land.
- Residents report high satisfaction with nature-based activities and as a top response wish to see more natural surface trails for hiking, running, and walking.
- Residents are more familiar with regional open space and trails and visit more often than a decade ago. Residents expressed minor to moderate site-specific concerns related to crowding, parking, and dog waste.
The Our Lands Our Future 2023 Survey Report
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