Brian Hayes
From Highway 287, the dark sky view toward Long View Open Space brings Brian Hayes peace. As Loveland's representative on the Open Lands Advisory Board from 2000 to 2010, he helped preserve the Fort Collins-Loveland Separator—thousands of acres protecting that view.
When and how did you first become involved with the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, and what role did you play in advancing our open space efforts?
My involvement with the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources began in the fall of 1999 when I joined the staff of the City of Loveland’s Natural Areas Division. From 2000 to 2010, I proudly served as Loveland’s representative on the Larimer County Open Lands Advisory Board. During that time, I worked collaboratively to support and advance open space initiatives throughout the region.
From your perspective, what is one of the most meaningful outcomes or accomplishments that the Help Preserve Open Spaces (HPOS) sales tax has made possible?
One of the most significant accomplishments made possible by the Help Preserve Open Spaces (HPOS) sales tax is the Fort Collins-Loveland Separator. This initiative preserved thousands of acres of prime development land between two growing cities. Personally, the dark sky view from Highway 287 to Long View Open Space and beyond brings me peace, knowing that this landscape will remain untouched by development.
Is there a memory or moment from your time with LCDNR that stands out as especially powerful, either personally or for the community?
A particularly powerful memory is the successful governmental approvals and grant funding that enabled the preservation of open space between Fort Collins and Loveland. The collaboration among Larimer County, Fort Collins, and Loveland was instrumental in protecting this land on a remarkable scale. The timing was ideal—land that was acquired 25 years ago is now worth ten times more. Today, residents enjoy access to the Long View Open Space and Prairie Ridge and Coyote Ridge Natural Areas, and more.
How have you seen Larimer County residents, families, or visitors benefit from the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of open spaces?
The protection of open spaces has benefitted all of Northern Colorado. These areas not only offer places for recreation but also contribute to a quality of life that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s rapidly developing world.
What message would you want to share with future generations about why conserving and stewarding lands in Larimer County is important?
To future generations: keep up the good work by continuing to make the outdoors an essential part of Northern Colorado’s culture. Every effort counts—even preserving a single acre makes a difference. Thoughtful development and land preservation can coexist when we use the best available information to guide decisions that balance growth with conservation.