FAQ's

How many natural areas does the City own?

The City of Fort Collins manages 43 sites with a total of 29,366 acres. In addition, the City has conserved 3,330 acres through conservation easements. A map shows the locations of the City's natural areas. While many of the 43 sites managed by the City are, or can expect to be, open to the public, conservation easement properties remain in private ownership and are managed by their owners under specified conservation restrictions.

What hours are the natural areas open?

Those City of Fort Collins natural areas that are open to the public are open from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. except Gateway Natural Area and Bobcat Ridge Natural Area which are open from dawn to dusk. If circumstances require being in a natural area between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., a permit is required.

Is fishing allowed on natural areas?

Yes, fishing is allowed on most of the City of Fort Collins natural areas containing ponds including Arapaho Bend, Gateway, Gustav Swanson, Kingfisher Point (except the two eastern ponds), Magpie Meander, McMurry, North Shields Pond, Pineridge, Prospect Ponds, Riverbend Ponds, and Sterling natural areas. Fishing is NOT allowed at Cottonwood Hollow, Cattail Chorus, Cathy Fromme Prairie, Running Deer, and the two eastern ponds at Kingfisher Point, where fishing is not allowed, primarily because of on-trail-only recreation management on those sites. If you are not sure if the site where you want to fish is open to fishing, call 416-2815. Fishing on the City's natural areas is regulated by the Colorado Division of Wildlife; a valid fishing license is required. Call DOW at (970) 472-4300 for license and limit information.

Is boating allowed on ponds and lakes in natural areas?

Yes, in non-motorized or electric trolling motor boats only on the ponds where fishing is allowed (see previous question).

Why must dogs be on a leash in natural areas?

Off-leash dogs disturb wildlife by preventing them from hunting, foraging, resting, traveling, or other activities necessary for survival. Off-leash dogs disturb people visiting natural areas by running up to them, jumping on them, biting them, and running in front of cyclists causing accidents.

Where can dogs run off leash?

In addition to your own fenced yard, dogs can run off leash at the City's dog parks:
(1) a designated portion of Fossil Creek Park (on Lemay ¾ of a mile south of Harmony);
(2) the Southwest Dog Park (at the west end of Horsetooth Rd.); and
(3) a designated portion of Soft Gold Park (west end of Hickory off of North College).

Will the City eradicate rattlesnakes to make recreation safer in natural areas?

No. Rattlesnakes are a part of nature. They are an important part of the predator/prey web of life in our natural areas. Cathy Fromme Prairie, Coyote Ridge, and Pineridge are some of the most likely sites on which to encounter rattlesnakes, but they are present on other sites as well. Watch along and beside trails as you walk through a site, particularly in tall grass beside trails. If you see a rattlesnake, remain calm. Rattlesnakes are not aggressive. Step away from the snake and wait for it to move away. Be patient. It doesn't know you want to pass, and it may be unable to move quickly (particularly on a cool day).

How long is _____ trail?

Trail lengths can be found on the Natural Areas Map.

Why is a permit necessary for group events in natural areas?

The purpose is to make the natural area visit pleasant for your group and for other groups. Permits allow the City to advise you if another group is scheduled for the same spot you want to use. We can then suggest another date/time or another location. One time, a group with an approved permit was conducting an education event at a natural area when another group (without a permit) showed up to use the same location. The group without a permit had to turn around and go back to the school. That is the kind of bad experience we want to avoid. "Group" events are anything involving 15 or more people. While permits are not required for fewer than 15 people, if you are planning an event for a smaller group that would be difficult to conduct with others present (e.g., an education event), it would be wise to get a permit.

I know natural areas are purchased with a dedicated tax that was voted in, but where does the money come from to restore and maintain natural areas?

It all comes from the voter approved natural areas tax. General fund monies are not used to acquire, restore, or maintain natural areas.

Is camping allowed on natural areas?

No, camping is not allowed in City of Fort Collins Natural Areas.

Can I hunt in natural areas?

Hunting is not allowed in natural areas.

Can I boat on the ponds in natural areas?

Yes, but only in a non-motorized or a boat with an electric trolling motor, and only in ponds that allow fishing. Pease note that all Colorado State and U.S. Coast Guard rules apply.

Can I swim or ice-skate in natural areas?

Swimming and ice-skating are not allowed in any natural areas, with one exception. Ice-skating is allowed on the southwest corner of Merganser Pond in Prospect Ponds Natural Area.

Is there a Lost and Found?

If you have lost an item or found an item in a natural area or on a paved trail, contact Fort Collins Police Services, (970) 221-6540. You are welcome to check with a ranger. The ranger office does not have a Lost and Found but rangers are happy to keep an eye open for a lost item.