Dear Editor,

Boulder County's open-space program has preserved much of what makes this region remarkable. Since 1967, voters have supported protecting over 100,000 acres, creating trails and preserving rural character. But after decades of growth, the program's management has become less transparent, less equitable, and increasingly inconsistent.

Before voters approve Ballot Measure 1A, which would extend the county's 0.15% open-space sales tax in perpetuity, it's worth asking whether Boulder County is managing the land it already owns responsibly.

The Tucker property on lower Caribou near Nederland illustrates the problem. Acquired by Boulder County in 2020, the 324-acre parcel sits along Caribou Road. This corridor links National Forest land and trails to town below and has been used by hikers, runners, dirt bikers, hunters, and mountain bikers for decades. Hicks Gulch Road provides the only non-private egress from the area.

Today, however, there is no signage identifying Tucker as County property, no posted trail maps, and no indication that bicycles are prohibited. Despite this, riders have received warnings and citations for unknowingly crossing onto County land. Without boundaries or signs, the public has no way to understand where one jurisdiction ends and another begins. That's not effective management; it's regulation without notice.

The broader concern is one of balance. Each land purchase removes property from the tax rolls, reducing revenue that supports schools, fire protection, and libraries. Taxpayers then assume the ongoing costs of maintenance, sometimes for land they can no longer access.

When the 0.15% tax generates approximately $15 million annually, residents have a right to ask: Are we funding conservation, or are we funding exclusion? If taxpayers are paying for open space, they deserve open access. When acquisition becomes closure, something fundamental is broken.

Conservation and recreation don't have to be at odds. Most residents value both. What people need to question is how Boulder County makes these decisions and who gets to participate in them. Too often, user groups like mountain bikers—who have long contributed to trail stewardship and volunteer maintenance— are excluded from early planning.

A healthy open space program should embody openness not only in its landscapes but in its governance. Before granting permanent funding, Boulder County should demonstrate that it can manage its holdings with transparency, fairness, and inclusion.

Reasonable steps would include:

• Clear signage and public information for every property

• Access and management plans developed with local input

• Periodic public audits of spending and property use

• Time-limited tax extensions instead of perpetual funding authority

Boulder County's open space legacy deserves respect. But good intentions don't exempt government from accountability. Voters can support conservation while also demanding clarity, communication, and equitable access.

Measure 1A offers the County indefinite funding without corresponding obligations for improvement. A time-limited renewal tied to clear reforms would better serve both the land and the people who live here.

Rex Madden

Nederland