Boulder County actively works to conserve natural, cultural and agricultural resources and provide public uses that reflect sound resource management and community values.
Acres of Open Space
| Land Type | Acres |
|---|---|
| County Open Space Land that is publicly owned, leased, or allows access |
63,562 |
| Protected Private Land Land that is privately owned but protected under conservation easements |
39,585 |
| Total | 103,147 |
Is Open Space Really Open?
Of the 63,562 acres of publicly owned and leased land:
- 61% (38,427 acres) is open to the public
- Some of that land has on-trail-only restrictions for agricultural operations (5,169 acres) and closures for sensitive wildlife or vegetation habitat
- 30% (19,351 acres) is agricultural land that is closed to the public
- These lands are leased to local farmers and ranchers and are used to promote sustainable agriculture. When you add the 19,498 acres and the 5,169 acres that have on-trail-only restrictions, there are approximately 25,000 acres of open space dedicated to agriculture. Learn more about Agriculture on Open Space.
- 9% (5,784 acres) is closed for other reasons
- These areas are closed for public safety, wildlife/vegetation concerns, contract requirements, or because it is still under evaluation for potential public use.