Property: Chimney Hollow Open Space
Priority Area: Blue Mountain (map)
Size: 1,847 acres

Description

This 1,847-acre property, part of the Blue Mountain Project area, has been a priority of the Open Lands Program since 1997. Boasting spectacular rolling landscape, this property includes many vegetation types such as mountain mahogany shrubland, open tallgrass meadows, riparian drainages and forested areas. These native plant communities provide a rich mosaic of habitat for a wide variety of birds and wildlife including bobcat, mountain lion, bear, rodents, reptiles, and critical wintering range for deer and elk.

The Open Lands Program has protected several properties in the Blue Mountain Conservation Area including the 4,100-acre Blue Mountain Bison Ranch Conservation Easement, the Harper Conservation Easement and the 177-acre Ramsay-Shockey Open Space adjacent to Pinewood Reservoir. Public access will include a trailhead and parking area with approximately 10 miles of trails that provide non-motorized recreational opportunities for mountain biking, equestrian use and hiking. The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) is a partner and purchased the easternmost 1,600 acres of this property for a proposed storage reservoir as part of the Windy Gap Firming Project. If a reservoir is built adjacent to the Chimney Hollow Open Space, Larimer County Parks and Open Lands will manage recreation uses on the reservoir, which include fishing and non-motorized boating. It is anticipated that the property would open to the public in 2010 with guided public tours currently available from Larimer County Parks and Open Lands, see the Events Calendar for upcoming tours.

Property Information

*Great Outdoors Colorado

Stewardship Plan

Chimney Hollow Open Space, comprising 1,847 acres, is located in the Blue Mountain Conservation Area, approximately 5 miles southwest of the City of Loveland. Chimney Hollow Open Space was purchased by Larimer County for its natural, visual, cultural, and outdoor recreational values.

The complete Chimney Hollow Stewardship Plan can be accessed here.

Future Vision

• Public access with approximately 10 miles of trail for hikers, bikers and equestrians - opening in 2010.
• Kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing and other passive, non-motorized recreational uses on a future potential reservoir opening in 2010.