New land additions protect views, wildlife habitat, and open space near Berthoud
LOVELAND – Larimer County has expanded Red-Tail Ridge Open Space by 266 acres through two recent land acquisitions, strengthening conservation efforts along the Larimer-Boulder County line and preserving key landscapes west of Berthoud.
The additions, completed in partnership with local landowners and regional partners, fall within the Little Thompson River and Blue Mountain conservation priority areas identified in the county’s Open Lands Master Plan. The newly protected land helps maintain scenic views, supports wildlife habitat, and creates a buffer around existing conserved properties.
The first acquisition, finalized in 2025, added 196 acres from Arrowhead Properties. The parcel features a mix of shrubland, grasslands, a low hogback ridge, and streams lined with mature cottonwood trees. The land also includes rare plant communities identified by natural resource specialists. Funding for the purchase came from Larimer County’s Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax, along with contributions from the City of Loveland, the Town of Berthoud, and a private donor…