Eldon Ackerman
Since 2005, the Ackerman family has placed conservation easements on over 800 acres of farmland and grassland bordering Red Mountain Open Space. For nearly 20 years, Eldon has leased and grazed county land, operating as one cohesive ranch dedicated to preservation.
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?
Our family became involved in 2005 when Larimer County acquired Red Mountain Open Space. We have advanced open space efforts mostly by enacting multiple conservation easements over the years: two parcels of 320 acres and one parcel of 200 acres, totaling a little over 800 acres of farmland and grassland. In addition, some of this borders Larimer County's Red Mountain Open Space.
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?
By Larimer County acquiring the acres, they have kept the land native and prevented development with smaller parcels. It has also provided us the ability to graze the Red Mountain property for roughly 20 years. We greatly appreciate having the opportunity to lease the property, as our ranch and Red Mountain have miles of common boundaries. These common boundaries and our lease make it much easier for us to operate as a cohesive ranch. We look forward to our continued relationship in the future.
Is there a memory or moment from your time with LCDNR that stands out as especially powerful, either personally or for the community?
The operational decisions of LCDNR have varied throughout our ranch history. However, we are both in agreement in preserving the land, which has always been the core purpose.
Cattle grazing on Ackerman Conservation Easement, 2006, Photo by Charlie Johnson
How have you seen Larimer County residents, families, or visitors benefit from the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of open spaces?
We appreciate the fact that LCDNR has been able to preserve thousands of acres of ranch land and open space in Larimer County from being developed, as well as providing community enjoyment.
What message would you want to share with future generations about why conserving and stewarding lands in Larimer County is important?
Open spaces and wildlife are very limited in Northern Colorado. Without preserving open lands, the historic value would be covered by housing and industry. The lessons of the land are what built this country. If we are no longer able to experience what history left before us, we lose our identity and our connection with nature. The vastness of the open outdoors "puts you in your place" by humbling you and brings you peace.
Ackerman Conservation Easement, 2016