Eagle's Nest Open Space (ENOS)

Location:	Colorado
Posted:	Aug 4, 2026
Due:	Sep 15, 2026
Agency:	Larimer County
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	X - Lease or Rental of Facilities
Solicitation No:	Q26-06
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Attachment Preview

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

RFQ #Q26-06

Eagle's Nest Open Space (ENOS) - Grazing Lease

RFQ SUMMARY:

To enter into a lease agreement with a responsible and qualified lessee for livestock grazing at the

Eagle’s Nest Open Space (ENOS) in Larimer County, Colorado.

OPTIONAL ON-SITE VISIT: August 6, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. (MT)

It is recommended, but not required, for those interested in submitting a quote to attend this on-site meeting,

at the date and time above. The ENOS trail head is located at 1000 Rattlesnake Rd, Livermore, CO

80536. Meet at the parking lot to sign in and gather into county vehicles for viewing the grazing areas,

caravan will depart at 10:15 a.m. behind the closed gates.

QUESTION DEADLINE: August 19, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. (MT)

All questions regarding this solicitation must be emailed to the Purchasing Contact identified below. If you do

not receive a confirmation email of receipt, please call their phone number listed to verify your questions have

been received. No inquiry will be accepted after the date and time referenced above. All responses to

questions received will be answered via Addendum only. Any Addenda issued will be posted on the County’s

BidNet site at the link below.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTALS: September 15, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. (MT)

All quotations must be emailed to the Contact Person identified below by the due date and time shown here

or by subsequent change addenda. If you do not receive a confirmation email of receipt, please call the

Contact Person to verify receipt of your quotation. Responsibility for timely submittal of your quotation prior

to the deadline lies solely with the entity/person submitting. Quotes may be submitted early, but will not be

processed or evaluated until after the deadline. Quotes received after the closing date and time specified

above will NOT be considered.

BIDNET PORTAL / RFQ OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

To view official RFQ documents and any addenda, use the following link:

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/larimer-county/

CONTACT PERSON:

Purchasing Agent Sarah Brightman, brightss@co.larimer.co.us, 970-498-5873

NOTE: Unauthorized contact with a County employee during this competitive process, other than the Contact

Person listed above or Purchasing Manager, regarding this RFQ may result in disqualification of your Quote.

INTENT

The Larimer County Purchasing Department is requesting quotations for livestock grazing at the Eagle’s Nest

Open Space (ENOS) in Larimer County, Colorado. The County intends to enter into an agreement with a

lessee beginning January 1, 2027, with selection for award of this lease on or about October 15, 2026.

2. QUALIFICATIONS

The lease applicant must own property in Larimer County, as directed by the Larimer County Board of County

Commissioners on June 20, 2011.

3. OVERVIEW

Overall Vision

Larimer County’s open spaces are primarily managed for native habitats and intact ecological systems. Given

these lands evolved with grazing, it is one tool used to help manage native grassland communities. Grazing

can help achieve ecological benefits by enhancing native habitat through invasive weed management,

promoting plant growth and diversity, and benefitting species that depend on specific habitat requirements

(such as grassland birds). Thus, where appropriate, prescriptive grazing plans focused on creating habitat

mosaics, mimicking natural processes, and creating structural heterogeneity and diversity within plant

communities, can be used by Larimer County to meet vegetation management objectives on conserved lands.

Grazing activities will be guided by clear conservation outcomes and performed via third party producers via

leases.

Ecological Resource Management

The goal of grazing management on lands owned and managed by the Larimer County Department of Natural

Resources (LCDNR) is to achieve conservation outcomes concerning soil health, water quality and quantity

and natural habitat enhancements. Specifically, on ENOS, LCDNR's goals are to provide for preservation,

restoration, and maintenance of native plant communities, and to protect rare plant and wildlife species.

Through this RFQ, a five (5) year grazing lease will be established and will be governed by provisions of the

grazing lease agreement and an annual grazing plan between the lessee and the County. Sustaining an

overall range condition of “good” or “better” (as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural

Resources Conservation Service) through enhancement of ecological conditions will be the basis for the

annual grazing plan. Enhancement of native grasses and ecological conditions and sustaining an overall range

condition of good condition (or better), as defined and in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as the basis for the annual grazing plan. The County is

responsible for noxious weed control.

EAGLE’S NEST OPEN SPACE INFORMATION

Background

The 755-acre Eagle’s Nest Open Space (ENOS) was purchased by Larimer County in 2001 and is managed

by LCDNR for its natural, visual, geological, agricultural and nature-based public access values.

Climate

ENOS has a highly variable, semi-arid climate with an average annual precipitation of 14.4 inches. The highest

amount of precipitation occurs in May. The average maximum daily temperature (F) is approximately 70

degrees or above from May through September, with the daily average maximum reaching approximately 85

degrees in July and August. High temperatures may exceed 100 degrees, but nights are cooler with an

average low during the summer of approximately 54 degrees. Winters are generally cold but are characterized

by temperature swings. January is the coldest month with an average daily maximum of 41.5 degrees and

minimum of 13.6 degrees.

Topography/Geology/Soils

ENOS includes spectacular rock outcrops, rugged terrain and rolling foothill topography. The elevation varies

from approximately 5,640 - 6,350 feet, with the highest point on the property being Eagle’s Nest Rock at 6,353

feet. The North Fork of the Cache la Poudre River, which bisects ENOS, is comprised of quaternary alluvium

or unconsolidated deposits of silt, sand, and gravel including colluvium along sides of valleys and at heads of

tributary drainages. The two main soil types are shallow, well drained sandy loam, and shallow to deep, well-

drained, sandy loam and gravely sandy loam.

Hydrology

The steep slopes and folding landforms within ENOS act to drain surface runoff towards many small drainages

and ultimately the North Fork of the Cache la Poudre River. Given the semi-arid climate, these drainages

generally carry intermittent flows most common during the spring snowmelt period and after heavy rain events.

There are no adjudicated springs, however, there are at least four springs on the property which feed multiple

drainages.

Vegetation

Vegetation types present at ENOS include foothills grasslands complex, mountain mahogany shrublands,

ponderosa pine woodlands and riparian areas. Shrub, forbs and grass species include needle-and-thread, big

bluestem, blue grama, buffalo grass, green needlegrass, pussytoes, spike fescue, oatgrass, blazing star,

buckwheat, timothy, great basin wildrye, Kentucky bluegrass, fringed sage, scurfpea, western wheatgrass,

side-oats grama, broom snakeweed, fringed sage, bluebunch wheatgrass, waxflower, native thistle, lupine,

coneflower, Indian ricegrass, mountain mahogany, skunkbrush, currant, and rabbitbrush. Riparian areas along

the North Fork of the Poudre River are fenced off from general grazing but are occasionally opened up for flash

grazing.

Some invasive/exotic plants have become established on the property, including cheatgrass, brome, crested

wheatgrass, field bindweed, mullein, Canada thistle, musk thistle, leafy spurge, dalmation toadflax, hoary

cress, and hounds tongue. LCDNR has an active program to monitor, control or eradicate these species.

Wildlife

ENOS supports a variety of wildlife including mountain lion, coyote, mule deer, white-tail deer, black bear, elk,

rabbits, skunks, rattlesnakes, toads, lizards, etc. High rock outcrops are nest sites and winter foraging locations

for hunting and perching raptors including prairie falcons, ferruginous hawks, red-tailed hawks, great-horned

owls, bald eagles and golden eagles. Golden eagles have been nesting at ENOS for over a century, using one

of two nest sites typically each year.

The North Fork of the Poudre River supports beavers and several native fish including the Iowa and Johnny

darter, white sucker, chubs and long-nosed dace. Non-native species include brown and rainbow trout.

Fishing is allowed on the North Fork of the Poudre River within ENOS, but river access below the bridge is

closed during the golden eagle nesting period.

Hunting for deer and elk by archery and muzzle-loaded firearm is allowed on ENOS during those designated

seasons. Additionally, access across ENOS to US Forest Service lands is allowed for the big game rifle

seasons.

GRAZING FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Pastures

The property consists of four (4) pastures currently used for grazing:

• North Pasture of 50 acres with wet period water in a small detention pond.

• North Middle Pasture of 205 grazable acres with two water troughs on a pipeline supplied by a year-

round spring.

• South Middle Pasture of 150 grazable acres with a water trough on a pipeline supplied by a year-round

spring and a water gap on the North Fork of the Poudre River.

• South Pasture of 180 grazable acres with three water gaps on the North Fork of the Poudre River.

Range conditions are generally good. Poor conditions exist in areas near livestock watering, where livestock

congregate, and where poorer soils along the ridges produce weaker stands of grass more susceptible to over

utilization. The County began grazing management of the property in 2001. The current grazing plan allows

up to 70 Animal Unit Months (AUMs), with the provision that AUMs could be increased or decreased based on

weather, water availability and range conditions. AUMs will be calculated using the most current NRCS-

recommended Animal-Units Equivalent Guide (Exhibit C).

Facilities and Infrastructure

There are approximately eight (8) miles of property boundary and interior fences, mostly 4-strand barbed wire,

in fair to good condition. There is a working corral and loafing shed at the north end of the South Middle and

North Middle Pasture fence with a road to it.

An all-season, gravel road runs through ENOS to a public trailhead and parking area and is open all year. This

road is also used as access to four (4) neighboring private properties. A dirt road, portions of which are part of

the open space trail system, runs from the trailhead parking area to a bridge across the North Fork of the

Poudre River. South of the bridge, the road forks with one segment going to an adjacent ranch property, and

one segment going to USFS property. Vehicle access is restricted or requires authorization on some of the

roads, and authorization is needed for off road vehicular travel as stated in the lease agreement.

There are several wet-season intermittent springs, and one good, year-round spring in the North Middle Pasture,

which has been developed and supplies two water troughs through a 4,000 foot pipeline.

Encumbrances and Easements

Two (2) of the adjacent ranches have easements across ENOS on the existing roads to access portions of their

property.

Public Access Use

ENOS is currently open year-round for hiking and equestrian use as well as for limited seasonal archery hunting.

There are five (5) miles of trails with a trailhead parking area one (1) mile from County Road 74E. Recreational

users are not allowed off trail, except to hunt or fish.

Cultural Resources

The most prominent cultural resource at ENOS are some foundation remnants of the Catherine L. Chaffee

homestead southeast of the bridge over the North Fork of the Poudre River that dates from 1887. It was the

site of the first meeting of the Livermore Women’s Club in August 1896 and the Livermore Women’s Club

erected a commemorative flagstone on the site.

Adjacent Land Use

ENOS is bordered on the south and southwest by the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. To the east, north,

and west, as well as along a portion of the southern property line, the property is bordered by three (3)

privately owned ranches. Portions of the east and north boundary are adjacent to 35-acre residential

properties.

Location and Access

ENOS is approximately 23 miles northwest of Fort Collins with the north end fronting Red Feather Lakes Road

(County Road 74E) adjacent to the Livermore Fire Station. Portions of the property are in Section 34 of

Township 10 North, Range 70 West, and Sections 3, 4, 9 and 10 of Township 9 North, Range 70 West. Access

is by Rattlesnake Road to the trailhead parking area.

Fee

The base rate proposed per AUM shall be equal to or greater than the Northern Colorado average based on

the Colorado State University Land Rental and Custom Rates survey.

• The current published median price for Beef Cattle Grazing for Native Range per the Survey is $26.00.

• This regional rate is the minimum fee that will be considered for proposed grazing of your animals on

County property.

• This rate will increase annually (as directed by the Lease Agreement) depending on survey results but not

drop below the 2025 Survey rate.

• Website for the 2025 Survey data: https://abm.extension.colostate.edu/custom-rates-survey/

• Payments for grazing the property will be per Section 3 of Attachment A – Grazing Lease Agreement.

4. SCOPE OF WORK

SPECIFIC LCDNR ECOLOGICAL/HABITAT OBJECTIVES

The Lessee, at a minimum, will provide, perform, and/or furnish the following:

1. Minimize soil disturbance on native grassland/soils by protecting existing intact plant communities and

restoring diverse native plant communities.

2. Minimize soil disturbance with practices that promote minimum turning of the soil.

3. Rotate grazing to avoid soil compaction and increase soil organic matter and favor species diversity and

community resilience to invasion of exotic species.

4. Develop water sources to protect sensitive areas, avoid water quality impacts, and allow grazing animals to

disperse across the landscape.

5. Protect sensitive habitats by keeping livestock out of riparian and wetland areas with wildlife-friendly fences

to avoid water quality impacts from feces and erosion inputs.

6. Develop grazing plans that articulate the primary site-specific conservation outcomes. On open space

rangelands, these outcomes generally include promoting native plant community resilience and diversity,

protecting soil and water, and benefiting species that depend on these plant communities.

7. Develop grazing prescriptions with technical assistance from NRCS based on Ecological Site Descriptions

that identify stocking rates, timing and duration of grazing and ensure best vegetation/habitat outcomes for

wildlife and rare plant species/communities.

8. Locate grazing infrastructure to avoid/minimize surface impacts to sensitive cultural resources, natural

resources, and rare plant species/communities.

9. Design grazing infrastructure to minimize direct resource impacts including the use of wildlife-friendly

fencing, wildlife ladders in stock tanks, and water gaps while fencing cattle out of riparian and wetland

areas, etc.

10. Favor practices that enhance habitat connectivity and avoid fragmenting landscapes and vegetation

communities.

11. Create habitat improvements to cropland edges/corners and consider pollinator enhancements in plantings

and in pesticide selection/use.

12. Time activities to avoid impacts to native species such as timing haying to avoid ground-nesting birds,

limiting/avoiding activities within raptor buffers, etc. Larimer County will favor management decisions that

protect and enhance native species (prairie dogs, nesting birds, etc.) over non-native species and

livestock.

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

Lessee agrees to and will operate under the following:

1. The lessee must outline ways in which they will help achieve the County’s habitat objectives.

2. The lessee should expect frequent interactions with LCDNR staff.

3. The lessee will be involved in on-going monitoring of vegetation conditions by LCDNR and is expected to

notify DNR of any issues or appearance of declining grazing conditions based on weather, stocking rates,

etc.

4. Rotations and movement of livestock will be based on the vegetation conditions, and lessee shall allow

flexibility to move animals at appropriate times.

5. Lessee will maintain records of the number of animal units per month in each pasture.

6. Lessee will cooperatively integrate grazing with other open space uses, including public trailhead/trail

access, limited hunting, research and resource management activities.

7. Vehicular access on the leased premises shall be strictly as needed for livestock management purposes only.

Lessee shall not take vehicles on the Leased Premises when vehicular travel would result in resource

damage. Any off-road use and use of some of the existing roads requires specific authorization for vehicle

access. The lessee will obtain permission and coordinate with LCDNR.

8. Lessee is responsible for maintenance of grazing infrastructure, including but not limited to fences, stock

tanks, buried water pipe, etc. (This includes filling tanks prior to grazing as well as draining tanks and water

delivery systems in the fall.) Depending on the nature of maintenance needs LCDNR may, at its sole

discretion, pay for improvements and repairs, and/or cost-share with lessee, etc., per issue and on a case-

by-case basis.

5. AWARD AND AGREEMENT

5.2 The award of this solicitation will be based upon the most responsible, responsive, reasonable quote

determined through the evaluation process.

5.3 To assist in the decision regarding the award: interviews may be held, references may be contacted,

and other inquiries may be made to determine the abilities of the potential lessee.

5.4 Only one (1) lease will be offered on the open space this RFQ pertains to. A formal lease agreement

will serve as the Contract between the County and Lessee.

5.5 A Sample of Larimer County’s Grazing Lease Agreement is included with this Request for Quotation as

Attachment A – Sample Lease Agreement.

5.6 The initial term of the lease agreement will be for five (5) years, beginning on January 1, 2027 and

terminating on December 31, 2031.

5.7 Larimer County, at its sole option, may offer to extend the lease agreement for up to one (1) additional

5-year term, for a maximum total lease period of 10 years. The terms and conditions may be reviewed and

renegotiated at the time of renewal extension. The extension option may be exercised providing satisfactory

performance and operations occur and all terms and conditions of the Contract have followed. Such extensions

must be mutually agreed upon in writing, by and between the County and the Lessee.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Due Date	Number	Title	Documents	Contact
2026-09-15	Q26-06	Eagle's Nest Open Space (ENOS) - Grazing Lease OPTIONAL SITE VISIT: August 6, 2026, @ 10:00 a.m. (MT) It is recommended, but not required, for those interested in submitting a quote to attend this on-site meeting, at the date and time above. The ENOS trailhead is at 1000 Rattlesnake Rd, Livermore, CO 80536. Meet at the parking lot to sign in and gather into county vehicles for viewing the grazing areas, caravan will depart at 10:15 a.m. behind the closed gates. This will be the only opportunity to view the site with County personnel.	Bid Doc	Sarah Brightman, Purchasing Agent sbrightman@larimer.org 970-498-5873

Eagle's Nest Open Space (ENOS) - Grazing Lease

Attachment Preview

See also