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Home > Our Stand > Big Thompson Access Update

As a refresher, the Loveland Fishing Club, Friends of the Big Thompson River and CWF recommended in 2005 retention of public access to 12 areas on the County's potential disposal iist.  As of now, the areas that have not been addressed are Area 3 west of Loveland, 12b east of the bridge at Drake, Area 17 in the catch and release areas, and on the North Fork the large east parcel of Area 20 and another day use area.  As there has not been a formal response from the County as to these parcels, we do not know whether it intends to retain public access to them.  In a letter dated June 16, 2010, Walt Graul requested clarification on behalf of the Loveland Fishing Club and Friends of the Big Thompson.  Walt also serves as CWF's Co-Chair of the Issues Committee.

 

Drake Transactions Completed !

April 1, 2010  Larimer County now will allow the public to access both sides of the Big Thompson River.  Anglers and those who want to have a picnic can set foot on the 800-foot section of the river near the Hayden subdivision.  An angler may walk across the bridge at the east end of the property and enter the river at the bridge.  There is public access to the middle of the river for a small stretch.  Essentially, what the public has gained is a substantial portion of the river -- which had been blocked by 2 parcels of private land that extended into the river. We understand, though, that the County has sold 13 parcels to adjacent property owners in the Hayden area for $33,087.  The County intends to erect clear signage to avoid trespass problems. 

The Loveland Fishing Club has adopted the Sleepy Hollow property. It receives much use and has picnic tables.

Next: We are hopeful that the County will address the other areas soon.  Walt and Friends of the Big Thompson have made a recommendation on what to focus upon next.   We will keep you posted.  This is a long process.

 

May 13, 2009 -- [ yes this was awhile ago -- things move very slowly on this subject]

Previously, Larimer County had agreed to retain 6 areas and a key set of parcels in another area on the North Fork of the Thompson.   Now the County has agreed to retain approximately 700 feet of river at Drake, with a buffer strip to the east side.   As adjacent landowners wanted all of land, including river bottom, we alll have succeeded in preserving a substantial amount of river access. 

This is not the end.  There are two areas on the North Fork and three on the main river that are on the original recommendations for retention by the County.  Please remain focused on this matter, even though it is a very long process.  We will inform which areas the County focuses on next for potential sale.

 

Background as of April 14 [preceding the decision reached above] -- The Larimer County Parks Advisory Board held its meeting on April 14 and made recommendations to the County Commissioners. The Board discussed the following three alternatives issued by the County. Alternative 1 is a walk-in access strip that would connect to a buffer strip that is 5-10 feet wide along the side of the river opposite the highway. Alternative 2 would allow public access to the buffer strip and the only way to reach it is to wade the river from the highway side. Alternative 3 would allow anglers to access the river only from the highway side; they then must remain in the river – that means not step out onto the other side. Interestingly, there is no status quo alternative, i.e., retain County ownership of all the land at this site. Friends Of The Big Thompson River provided written and verbal input. Friends indicated that some members feel strongly that the County should keep all the land, post it properly and maintain it. Alternative 1 offers strong appeal for the public. However, Friends even said that if it would truly help resolve the issue with the local landowners, they would reluctantly support Alternative 2.Alternative 3 is totally unacceptable, considering that the land was purchased with federal funds and recreation was to be a highlight. On a 5-3 vote, the Board decided to recommend Alternative 2. The actual wording creates the setback on the east side of the river and there will be a two strand fence to designate it. It will only be accessible by wading the river. However, the motion also included two amendments. First, the County is instructed to pursue another access point via the two parcels on the east side of the river adjacent to the bridge. These two parcels remain public access until 2018. So, if the County can reach an agreement with a couple of landowners to let anglers pass through their river portion, then a person could enter by the bridge and wade the entire area.  Also, they accepted my suggestion to include a statement in the motion that the Board intent is to have the public land remain public in perpetuity. As of this writing, we do not know when the County Commissioners will consider the matter. On March 31, Channel 9 News aired a segment on the controversy on their 6pm news. So, interest is growing. I have now recorded 41 newspaper articles on this subject since January 2008. Although most articles have appeared in the Loveland paper, the Denver Post and Fort Collins Coloradan have also covered the issue.