To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Gini Pingenot, Director, Open Spaces
Prepared By:
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Dan Payson, Open Spaces, Parks, and Trails Manager; Gunnar Zollinger, Operations Supervisor; Sam Bahl, Natural Resource and Agricultural Specialist
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presenter
Presenter: Dan Payson, Parks, and Trails Manager, Open Spaces; Gunnar Zollinger, Operations Supervisor
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Subject:
title
2:00 PM *Agricultural Leasing Program
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this session is to request permission from the Board of County Commissioners to formalize an Agricultural Leasing Program, specifically the grazing operations program, within the Open Spaces Department. An Agricultural Leasing Program will offer a strategic pathway to strengthen land stewardship, honor the county's agricultural heritage and ensure long-term sustainable use and stewardship of available properties. Implementing this program will help support rural communities while also showcasing for urban communities the importance of agriculture in Arapahoe County.
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Alignment with Strategic Plan: Economic Resilience and Stability - Support long-term economic resilience through responsible fiscal and investment strategies.
Background and Discussion: Agriculture production is a cornerstone to the historic and modern-day way of life in Arapahoe County. Moving east of the urban corridor, you see multi-generational farms, lush fields of winter wheat, and cattle speckled among fields and rolling hills. The Arapahoe County Open Spaces Department (ACOS) understands the importance of agriculture within the county and promotes the conservation of these historic working lands on the County's property portfolio. Formalizing the County's agricultural leasing program will help to promote conservation and sustainability on these properties to maintain this historic character.
Historically, the county has relied on informal arrangements and existing lessees from prior owners...
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