Closed to public access until management plan is implemented

 MAP

The final East Big Thompson River Natural Area Management Plan was approved in December 2020.   

The East Big Thompson River Natural Area consists of several parcels conserved over the past 20 years by the City of Loveland, Larimer County, private landowners and Colorado Open Lands, a land trust organization. These properties total 275 acres along the north side of the river between Boyd Lake Ave. and I-25. The land consists of important river frontage, upland agriculture, prairie, wetlands and ponds. This diversity provides a variety of habitats for large and small mammals, songbirds, raptors, game birds and aquatic species. 

In May 2020, the city contracted with Logan Simpson, a local environmental planning and design firm, to develop a management plan for the properties based on opportunities and challenges offered by the diverse land types, along with the restrictions and uses allowed on conservation easement parcels.

Logan Simpson surveyed existing conditions, researched many possible scenarios, and, with input from the City of Loveland, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, the Loveland Open Lands Advisory Commission, Colorado Open Lands, and the public, developed the management plan for the properties. The management plan includes a vision for public access, trails, land management methods and conservation of important habitats and corridors. 

A public meeting for the East Big Thompson River Natural Area management plan was held on July 20, 2020.  Exhibit boards presented information about the site such as existing resources, habitats, opportunities, challenges, and a preferred plan. Public review and input were solicited at the open house-style meeting. Presentation materials are available to view.  Comments on the proposed plans were accepted until August 9, 2020 and were considered during the development of the draft management plan.  Public input on the draft management plan was accepted until November 13, 2020 and was incorporated into the final plan. 

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