> Departments > Natural Resources > Open Lands > Acquisitions > Prairie Ridge Natural Area

Property: Prairie Ridge Natural Area
Priority Area: Fort Collins / Loveland Corridor (map)
Size: 792 acres

photo of Prairie Ridge Natural Area

The Prairie Ridge Natural Area serves as a community
buffer between Loveland and Ft. Collins.
(Photo by Dan Schmeh)

Description

This buffer area is not open to the public. Its purchase is an example of protecting a way of life as well as land. Agriculture has long been associated with Larimer County, and this purchase allows for the continuation of Prairie Ridge Natural Areaing under a lease agreement.

Property Information

Type of Acquisition #Acres Property
Value		 Partnerships
Bargain Sales
Donations		 Date
Acquired		 Public
Access
Fee Simple 792.0 $ 3,139,000 Larimer Co. - $ 437,881
Loveland - $ 1,892,764
Fort Collins - $ 308,355
GOCO* - $ 500,000 		2000 Future Regional Trail

* Great Outdoors Colorado

Management Plan

The Prairie Ridge Natural Area is managed by the City of Loveland and co-monitored by Larimer County and Legacy Land Trust. The property is currently leased for dryland farming, but would be re-seeded back to native prairie if farming should cease to continue. It is possible that part of a regional trail could run through part of this property, however public access is not currently allowed at the Prairie Ridge Natural Area.