Patty Block
Patty Block rode horses on Horsetooth Mountain before it became open space. Gathered cattle on what's now Bobcat Ridge. In 2002, she placed her own conservation easement protecting the Big Thompson Canyon approach, turning working land into protected landscape.
Written by Patty Block
I became involved with the program in 2002 through a conservation easement that protects the scenic approach to the Big Thompson Canyon and preserves critical natural wildlife habitat. Protecting this fragile, disappearing land was very important to me, and the open space program made it possible 23 years ago! The County's acquisition and State tax credits allowed me to continue my ranching business running without having to sell off or develop any part of my land.
Looking back at our County's growth, I never could have guessed how vital this program would become to our communities.
I've had the privilege of visiting many of your open spaces before the county acquired them. I rode horses on Horsetooth Mountain Open Space when it belonged to the Soderbergs. I helped gather cows on the Pulliam property before it became Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. I remember sorting cows in Sulzer Gulch—the Heart J cows (owned by the Jessups at Sylvan Dale) from the U Lazy U cows (owned by the Pulliams). I pastured my horse and donkey for years on property owned by the family with an original Homestead Grant; that land is now the Cathy Fromme Prairie.
These aren't all Larimer County open spaces, but the sentiment of the people to conserve significant areas from development is evident. The private land that I had the privilege of riding and grazing livestock on is now available to all to enjoy.
I applaud the voters for approving the tax to conserve a disappearing landscape. I also applaud the Larimer County dedicated staff for the hard work and the amazing accomplishments in the last 30 years. Without their foresight, we would not have the precious resources available today for future generations.
I am thankful that I can be a very small part of the open space program in preserving what I could.
In gratitude,
Patty Block