Berthoud Land Conservation Fund
In recent years, pressure from growth has brought major changes to the town of Berthoud. While the town has benefited from a healthy economy, the nature and character of its close-knit community is threatened. At the heart of this character are the agricultural lands and farming lifestyle that have defined Berthoud for generations. Soaring land values and the perceived operational nuisances that have accompanied this growth often have made selling the farm a painful, yet realistic alternative. Through Berthoud's Parks and Open Space Subcommittee, the Town has been developing a program to protect its agricultural lands. The Town believes that local farms and ranches contribute greatly not only to the region's economy, but also to environmental, cultural and aesthetic qualities of life. Berthoud believes town residents and rural neighbors should reach out to each other and work collectively to protect, preserve, and maintain open lands. By protecting these open spaces, we will preserve agriculture, scenic views, wildlife habitat, watersheds and community separators. The Berthoud Land Conservation Fund and its Steering Committee were created as an outgrowth of Berthoud's Parks and Open Space Subcommittee to find cooperative, positive, voluntary ways to keep these lands in farming. So far, the program has helped pass a local "right to farm" resolution, partnered with Colorado Open Lands, a state-wide land trust, preserved its first agricultural property, the J. Parrish Ranch, and secured multiple grants to fund farm preservation. The program is also a clearinghouse of information about land conservation and provides a support structure for farming families that have felt isolated in the face of increasing pressure to sell.
Berthoud's land protection program is a community-based effort in which local government plays a role, but is not necessarily the dominant player. We intend to keep it that way, while at the same time continuing to develop significant local support and partnerships for the project including the Town of Berthoud, civic and non-profit organizations, and volunteers. Support will include time, expertise, and funding to leverage County, State and Federal support.
The Berthoud Land Conservation Fund strives to help maintain and enhance Berthoud's viable agricultural economy through a variety of farm preservation techniques. This means achieving success with many farming families, not just a few.
Because the project's success is dependent on landowner support and participation, Berthoud's future is, in large part, in the hands of you, your neighbors, and area farmers.
CLICK HERE to get more information about the Berthoud Land Conservation Fund.