In 2004, Northern Water and Larimer County jointly purchased the Chimney Hollow property. Chimney Hollow Open Space is 1,847 total acres and is located just west of Chimney Hollow Reservoir, which is 760 surface acres (by comparison, nearby Carter Lake is 1,100 surface acres).  

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources will manage recreation on the reservoir in compliance with an existing recreation lease and agreement with Northern Water. The agreement stipulates no overnight use or camping, “wakeless” boating only and no access on the east side of the reservoir. 

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input for the management plan of Chimney Hollow Open Space. Information collected from the community will help guide future management of the new open space by helping understand the public’s desired nature-based land and water recreation experiences at CHOS while protecting and enhancing ecological resources.