Charlie Johnson
Charlie Johnson brought two passions to his 21 years as a Larimer County land agent: conservation and photography. Mentored by Jerry White, he negotiated complex projects from River Bluffs to Red Mountain. His final easement before retiring in 2021 completed the Poudre River Trail connection.
Written by Charlie Johnson,
Larimer County Land Agent, 2000-2021
I have two passions, land conservation and photography, and I feel so fortunate I was given the opportunity to work as a Land Agent for Larimer County Engineering and the Open Lands Program. It was a big change from my previous profession as a photojournalist. Previous to photography, I worked as a Landman in oil and gas, and when I applied for the job at the County, we joked that I'd come from the dark side. But success in land conservation is based on developing relationships, and that was a skill set that I had strength in.
I remember my first day of work at the County; the County Land Agent office was in a small, older building adjacent to the Mountain Café on Mountain Avenue. When I arrived for my first day, there was a sign on the back door posted by the City of Fort Collins that a portion of the building was condemned due to a partial floor collapsing! My supervisor was Jerry White, who was the first Land Agent hired by the Open Lands Program. He handed me several large folders my first week to read through all things related to conservation easements, conservation finance, and process. Land conservation was fairly new to me, and I feel so fortunate to have had Jerry White teach me everything I came to know. I wouldn't have been able to do it without him and his calm demeanor and mentorship.
Charlie and Meegan Flenniken, Red Mountain Open Space, 2006
Jerry White and K-Lynn Cameron were perfect mentors. Early on, we were meeting with our small staff team at a property to discuss possible outcomes to conserve it; they noted possibly a conservation easement, fee-title purchase, an MLD (Minor Land Division), Rural Land Use Project, etc. My coworker Meegan Flenniken turned to me and whispered, "What is an MLD?" and I responded, "I have no idea." Not fully understanding what I was getting into, working for the Open Lands Program turned out to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my life as the outcomes will last forever.
I recall a particular landowner where we'd worked so hard to establish a relationship for several years, beginning with purchasing right-of-way for a county road project. The day I went to have him sign the right-of-way documents, he told me if I could climb a climbing rope in his barn that he'd sign it. I climbed to the top rafter, came down, and he signed the papers. From there we started discussing options to conserve his ~1,000-acre ranch, which ultimately resulted in a conservation easement and a fee purchase. It was a long process taking years to complete and to this day remains one of the most impactful conservation projects the county has completed.
Even with the best intent and relationship, land conservation projects can ebb and flow and have ups and downs. For many landowners it can be a major life decision and come at a time where they are having another life change that precipitates the need to sell their land or a conservation easement. My approach was always to be straightforward with landowners and acknowledge up front that these are in fact permanent life decisions and to show genuine empathy as they work through their final decision.
Some of my most memorable land conservation projects to work on were the acquisition of River Bluffs Open Space, additions to Red Mountain Open Space, Chimney Hollow Open Space, Ackerman Ranch and the Pittington Conservation Easement. The whole concept of the Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains conservation project was a highlight for me to work on, beginning with the initial concept in 2003 through the second major phase in 2021. The Poudre River Trail easements were simultaneously some of the most challenging and ultimately rewarding projects to work on. Before retiring in 2021, I worked on the last trail easement that ultimately completed the full trail connection from Greeley to LaPorte.
There are funny stories related to touring properties with landowners. One time we went to visit a property we were looking to acquire and the landowner was insistent we see all corners of the property, despite we were in open air ATVs and sub-zero temperatures. Another site visit in a 2-seater ATV meant that two of us had to ride standing in the back, hanging onto the support bars of the ATV amongst the tools.
I am a professional photographer and captured many photographs over the years that were used in department annual reports, grant applications, calendars, and framed as art in the County administration and DNR buildings. One photo stands out in my memory. In 2002, I was part of the team working on the Chimney Hollow Open Space acquisition, and I went hiking with my golden retriever Jasmine to become familiar with the property. I hiked over a rise and saw Jasmine chasing a mountain lion just 50 yards from where I stood. She chased it up a ponderosa pine tree and began yelping and circling the tree. Fortunately, she responded to my call to come. I always carry my camera gear and could not pass up the opportunity, so I started walking towards the cat yelling and waving my arms (you are supposed to act big and be loud) and taking pictures while my dog, who was leashed to a tree about 30 yards away, continued to yelp. The lion never moved or made a sound or even blinked, it just locked its eyes on me. I worked my way to within about 15 feet of the cat and I captured a photograph that is framed on the first floor of the County Administration building.
Generally, we had incredible community, advisory boards and County Commissioner support for the many land conservation projects we completed. The only exception was the acquisition of the water surface lease rights at Fossil Creek Reservoir. We were at the final review of the lease agreement with the Board of County Commissioners and as we were just about to begin the discussion, the monitor broadcast the events of 9-11 unfolding. Despite the shock of the news, we carried on with the business meeting and the formal presentation. The Commissioners denied the acquisition of the lease, which is the only time they have ever denied a conservation project in the 30-year history of the Open Lands Program.
Over all the years and jobs I have had, the most enjoyable people I have worked with were my Larimer County coworkers, both the Open Lands Program and Engineering departments. The friendships and exceptional teamwork were extraordinary.
All photos by Charlie Johnson
