Berthoud Resident Raises Concerns Over Environmental Impacts of New Developments

Letter to the editor criticizes town's approval of Lewis Valley and River Trails projects without proper ecological studies.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:20pm

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An abstracted, soft-focus photograph of a winding river surrounded by blurred, verdant foliage, conveying the natural beauty and serenity of the Little Thompson River ecosystem.The Little Thompson River corridor, a natural treasure at risk from rapid development in Berthoud.Berthoud Today

A Berthoud resident has written a letter to the editor expressing concerns over the town's recent approvals of two large housing developments, the Lewis Valley project and the River Trails project, along the Little Thompson River. The letter argues that the town has failed to conduct adequate environmental impact studies on the effects these developments will have on wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and the rural character of the region.

Why it matters

The Little Thompson River corridor is an important wildlife habitat and corridor, connecting the Estes Park ecosystem. Residents of Berthoud have expressed a desire to protect the town's rural heritage and natural landscapes, but the rapid approval of these large-scale developments without proper environmental review raises concerns about the town's commitment to those priorities.

The details

The letter criticizes the Berthoud Planning Commission for approving the Lewis Valley project in less than a year, and the Town Board for approving the much larger River Trails project on the historic Befus farm along County Road 15 and the Little Thompson River. The author argues that these approvals lacked in-depth ecological studies, consultations with the community, and consideration of the impacts on wetlands, threatened species, and the movement of elk, deer, bears, and other wildlife that use the corridor.

  • In August 2025, Berthoud trustees voted to approve the River Trails project.
  • On March 30, 2026, Town Administrator Chris Kirk stated that environmental issues would be studied in the first meeting on River Trails plats.
  • On April 14, 2026, the Berthoud Town Board will consider approving the Lewis Valley development.

The players

Charlotte Roe

A Berthoud resident who wrote the letter to the editor expressing concerns over the town's approval of the Lewis Valley and River Trails developments.

Chris Kirk

The Berthoud Town Administrator who stated that environmental issues would be studied in the first meeting on the River Trails plats.

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What they’re saying

“Berthoud's code treats riparian habitat, flood plains and wetlands as natural areas to be protected — not pushed aside to be packaged as manicured open space or subdivision amenities.”

— Charlotte Roe, Berthoud resident

“In Colorado, only 4% of riparian habitat remains, although 90% of wildlife species depend on these life-support systems.”

— Charlotte Roe, Berthoud resident

What’s next

The April 14 Town Board meeting will consider approving the Lewis Valley development. The letter urges Berthoud residents to speak out on this and related issues to try to redirect the flawed approval process.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between Berthoud's desire to protect its rural character and natural landscapes, and the town's rapid approval of large-scale residential developments that threaten important wildlife habitats and corridors without proper environmental review. The community's voices will be crucial in determining whether the town's development priorities align with its stated environmental commitments.