Lake County Open Space Initiative

The Lake County Open Space Initiative was formed in 1997 and represents a diverse group of partners with a common interest in community sustainability and preserving the intrinsic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Upper Arkansas River Watershed.

Several key objectives over the last nearly 30 years of projects include:

Land ConservationThe Arkansas River Community Preserve provides protection of and access to one of the last undeveloped sections of the Arkansas River in Lake County in order to safeguard the Preserve's outstanding conservation and recreation values. The Preserve protects critical wildlife habitat, enhances the scenic values of the river and its shoreline, and offers exceptional passive recreational opportunities for anglers, hikers, and boaters. LCOSI has been a long-standing advocate and partner in protecting these nearly 330 acres - set to open to the public in late 2024/early 2025.Water ConservationEnvironmental cleanup of the floodplain through the LCOSI reach of the Arkansas River by partners has resulted in its designation as a Gold Medal Fishery, and a once contaminated waterway is now a nationally recognized, self-sustaining brown trout fishery.Wildlife HabitatLCOSI has preserved lowland riparian habitats along the Arkansas River and its tributaries, as well as adjacent range lands and forested edge that support the habitat needs of over 250 species of both resident and migratory species. These protected lands support fish spawning habitat; big game winter, calving and transitional range; wildlife migration corridors; and nesting habitat for migratory birds along the Arkansas River Flyway.Historic PreservationOver $750,000 in restoration work was completed to protect the structural integrity of the Hayden Ranch Headquarters National Historic District buildings. A conservation easement was placed on the property to protect its historic water rights and ownership was transferred to Colorado Mountain College in 2008 for use as an experiential learning campus.RecreationLocated along the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway, the 63-acre Hayden Meadows Recreation Area provides parking, restrooms, ADA accessible interpretive trails, and a central access point for the 7 miles of stream fishing passing through the open space property, as well as the 5-mile long High Lonesome Trail Loop, paralleling both sides of the river between the Hayden Meadows and the Kobe River Access Portal. Hayden Meadows was planned and funded through LCOSI, using nearly $1.4 million in grant and match funding.

Help us continue making a positive impact on stewardship and protection efforts in Lake County! Every dollar counts!