Ackerman Ranch preserves acreage

Larimer County will spend about $550,000 to help purchase three conservation easements on farm and ranchland northwest of Wellington.

The properties are owned by Eldon and Trulie Ackerman and Ackerman Land and Livestock Co. Two are irrigated parcels with high agricultural values; the third is nonirrigated pasture with scenic, wildlife and grazing values.

According to a report from the county's open lands program, the parcels of 248, 318 and 320 acres are located in the county's priority area for preserving agricultural land and in the Laramie Foothills natural resource area. The Ackermans are donating part of the value of the conservation easements, and the Farmland Protection program is providing $276,000.

Open lands manager K-Lynn Cameron noted that these three parcels are not contiguous, but future conservation easements are planned to provide continuity. Cameron also noted that the parcels will not have public access because they will continue to be used for farming.

When selling a conservation easement, a property owner gives up development rights but retains title to the property. The county's three commissioners unanimously supported the project.