HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 - LAND CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP BOARD - WORK PLAN (2)
LAND CONSERVATION AND
STEWARDSHIP BOARD
Adopted by the LCSB November 12, 2025
2026 Land Conservation and Stewardship Board
Key Initiatives and Work Items
Background
The Land Conservation and Stewardship Board (“Board”) works toward the vision of
thriving ecosystems for a greater Fort Collins Community. The Board advises City
Council (“Council”) and the Natural Areas Department staff (“Staff”) in achieving the
goals and advancing the values of the Natural Areas Strategic Framework (2025). The
Board’s work is guided by the City of Fort Collins Municipal Charter, Municipal Code,
and Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Conserve and Protect Land and Water
● Advocate for protection of land and water that sustains habitat connectivity,
utilizing public and private partnerships, land acquisition, and conservation
easements.
● Advocate for funding mechanisms that make land conservation possible at a faster
pace than can be supported by current funding, in recognition of future land
unavailability and higher land prices.
● Review the Natural Areas Department's budget requests, both for the BFO process
as well as for re-appropriation requests. Provide recommendations to Council as
needed.
● Advise Staff and Council regarding Natural Areas Department land conservation
opportunities, priorities, and future direction.
● Advise City agencies and Council on long-term conservation strategies for
Meadow Springs Ranch and future planning for the Hughes Stadium site.
● Review City and Growth Management Area plans for Natural Area s opportunities
and impacts.
Strengthen Habitats and Build Resiliency
● Advise Staff and Council on matters affecting Natural Areas Department land,
water, and other real property interests.
● Advise Staff on strategic plans, zone management plans, habitat restoration plans,
long-term monitoring, and other management initiatives that guide stewardship of
Natural Area properties.
LAND CONSERVATION AND
STEWARDSHIP BOARD
2
● Advise Council on policies and procedures that affect native flora and fauna,
especially in sensitive wetland, riparian, and grassland habitats on Natural Areas
properties.
● Advise Staff and Council on policies to protect Natural Areas and other City-owned
lands that have conservation value.
● Advise Staff and Council on projects and policies that could impact Poudre River
health.
● Advise Staff and Council on planning for and mitigating against the effects of
climate change on Natural Areas, as well as the role of Natural Areas in a
changing climate.
Support Access to Nature
● Advise Staff and Council on the continued development of a low-impact trail
system that provides access to nature-based activities while minimizing adverse
environmental impacts. Trail siting, design, construction, and monitoring should be
designed to protect habitats, preserve water quality, and allow adaptation to
changing conditions.
● Advise Staff on the development of an administrative policy for environmental
review and design for new paved trail segments outlined in the Strategic Trails
Plan (2025).
● Advise Staff on plans for visitor amenities that meet or exceed accessibility
standards and ensure a broad range of nature-based experiences that are
welcoming and inclusive.
Foster Community Connections and Stewardship
● Advise Staff on a broad range of education and outreach programs that are
welcoming and inclusive, promote volunteerism, and bolster stewardship.
● Advise Staff on strategies to update signage and other messaging in Natural Areas
to ensure messaging is welcoming, effective, accessible, and consistent.
● Advise Staff on strategies to uphold community safety in Natural Areas through
regulation enforcement and education about wildlife, visitor etiquette, and resource
protection.