Berthoud Residents Voice Concerns Over Open Space Preservation

Town Hall meeting draws large crowd to discuss plans for protecting natural areas and wildlife corridors.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:19pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a winding river surrounded by verdant foliage, conveying the tranquil essence of Berthoud's natural landscapes.The open house discussion highlighted Berthoud's efforts to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife habitats along the Little Thompson River.Berthoud Today

More than 80 Berthoud residents packed the town hall to discuss the community's plans for preserving open space, with a focus on the Little Thompson River and Dry Creek corridors. Town Administrator Chris Kirk presented an overview of Berthoud's Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Plan, and Trails Master Plan, emphasizing the town's commitment to acquiring land and partnering with landowners to protect natural areas. Residents voiced concerns about development in floodplains, the impact on wildlife, and the need for wider buffers along the river.

Why it matters

As Berthoud continues to grow, preserving open space and protecting natural habitats has become a top priority for the community. The town's plans aim to balance development with conservation, but residents are pushing for stronger measures to safeguard the area's environmental assets.

The details

During the open house, Town Administrator Chris Kirk outlined Berthoud's various strategies for preserving open space, including outright land purchases, conservation easements, and partnerships with landowners. He highlighted the town's efforts to protect thousands of acres along the Little Thompson River and Dry Creek corridors. However, several residents expressed concerns that the town was not doing enough, particularly in regards to development in floodplains and the need for wider wildlife corridors.

  • The open house was held on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • Berthoud's Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Plan, and Trails Master Plan were approved by the town board in 2021.
  • The town plans to undertake a revision process for the Comprehensive Plan in the next year or so.

The players

Chris Kirk

Berthoud Town Administrator, who hosted the open house and presented an overview of the town's planning documents and open space preservation efforts.

Will Karspeck

Mayor of Berthoud, who welcomed attendees to the open house.

Meegan Flenniken

Manager of Larimer County's Land Conservation, Planning and Resource Division, who spoke about the county's land conservation efforts and partnerships with Berthoud.

Carmen Farmer

Senior conservation project manager from Colorado Open Lands, a statewide land trust, who discussed the organization's work with Berthoud to preserve agricultural land and water rights.

Maureen Dower

A Berthoud resident who expressed concerns about development in the floodplain and preserving wetland areas.

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What they’re saying

“We do want to protect the priority areas adjacent to the river as best we can. Large buffers, actual acquisition of property, which we've done hundreds of acres in the last few years, so that we can protect as much of that as possible for future generations. And I don't think anybody will be disappointed 50 years from now with thousands of acres of open space adjacent to the Thompson River corridor.”

— Chris Kirk, Berthoud Town Administrator

“We're trying to find funding resources to help those private lands stay in private hands but also be conserved.”

— Carmen Farmer, Senior conservation project manager, Colorado Open Lands

“Colorado riparian systems are being crushed along the river.”

— Unnamed Berthoud resident

What’s next

Berthoud officials plan to undertake a revision process for the town's Comprehensive Plan in the next year, which will provide another opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and priorities regarding open space preservation.

The takeaway

Berthoud's open house highlighted the community's strong commitment to protecting its natural assets, but also revealed lingering concerns from residents about the pace and scope of open space preservation efforts. As the town continues to grow, balancing development with conservation will be a key challenge.