Who determines the width of the roads? Some of our roads are two lane and some are one lane, how is this determined? The 3.3 mile road leading to the subdivision is defined by the Dedication of Access document as being 60 feet wide. All the roads within the subdivision are defined by the plat plan to be 60 feet in width including utility and drainage easements. These roads may occupy any or all of the 60 feet that is platted. The actual driving surface of these roads varies from approximately 10 feet to approximately 18 feet, depending on the terrain, drainage, and community safety considerations.

How frequently is the road graded? There are several factors that determine the frequency of grading: moisture content of the road, availability of grader equipment and operator, frozen surface, budgeted funds, and time since last grading. Every effort is made by the volunteer BHRA Board of Directors to maintain the road for safe and comfortable travel within those limitations.

What about snow removal from the road? Snow removal is the responsibility of the individual property owners. In the past when snow creates a lengthy dangerous emergency, the BHRA Board has provided leadership to collect donations from the community to cover the cost of snow removal.

What causes the road to “washboard”? There are four primary causes: the driving habits of people, vehicle characteristics (2-wheel drive harder on the road than 4-wheel), lack of moisture, and poor quality of gravel. Driving habits are clearly evident when you observe washboarding at intersections, going up or down steep hills, leading into or out of sharp curves and sometimes near driveways. These are all places where drivers tend to accelerate hard or brake aggressively. This is a major cause of washboarding. [Source: Gravel Roads Maintenance and Design Manual by Ken Skorseth & Ali A. Selim]

What is a safe speed to travel the roads? The posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour. Your actual speed should be determined by the road condition, weather and other traffic. Excessive speed is a primary cause of the washboarding described earlier.

Why are there so many flat tires on the main access road? Flat tires are mainly the result of nails and screws left in the back of construction worker pickups. If you are planning to build or remodel, advise your contractor to inform all of his employees and sub-contractors that these items should be boxed or otherwise contained before driving on the road as they will shake out onto the road.

Why do we have a locked gate? We are required to have a gate, and close the gate each time through, according to the language of the Grant of Easement. Not having a gate is not an option. The BHRA Bylaws specify that the gate must be locked; this represents the majority wishes of the membership to provide security for our community.

How is access to our subdivision protected? To reach our subdivision we travel through 3.3 miles of private ranch land. There are two documents that assure us of access. A Grant of Easement, dated April 17, 1969, was given to the original developer, John Anderson, by the owner of the ranch, Arnold Friend. This document is recorded in the Larimer County Recorders Office. The Grant of Easement obligates the heirs and assigns of John Anderson to maintain the road and is underlying reason for the formation of the Road Association. The second document is a Dedication of Access Road given to John Anderson by Arnold Friend and recorded In the Larimer County Recorders Office. This document has a survey description of the road.

What is the fire danger? The fire danger is almost always high all year round. Do not burn anything in an open fire. Most outdoor burning in Larimer County requires a permit signed by both your local fire protection district and the Larimer County Department of Health & Environment. You may apply for a Larimer County Burn Permit online. More information about community initiatives to mitigate fire danger and respond to fire threats is available from the Buckskin Heights Fire Committee.

How can I prepare for a fire emergency? The Buckskin Heights Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) addresses issues of wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness, and structure protection. The Buckskin Heights Wildfire Evacuation Plan provides comprehensive information on preparing for evacuation, evacuation routes and notices, etc. Read both carefully and visit the Fire Committee website for more information.

How can I communicate with neighbors in an emergency? BHRA maintains a free online Emergency Notification System hosted at Groups.io that allows us to communicate with one another in emergency situations. To participate, you must sign up and register by contacting Sue Weber (315-806-4793) or Justin Wilson, both at [email protected]. For more information about how to use the GroupsIO system, download and print the GroupsIO Communication Guide.

How can I sign up to get a reverse 911 call in an emergency? You must sign up online with the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority to get automated emergency phone calls in your area. There is no cost to you for this service and the information you enter is protected. You can enter your cell phones, a text device, email address, fax number, or work phone number. In addition, you can sign up to receive an alert at multiple addresses within Larimer County. All residents of Buckskin Heights are encouraged to sign up for LETA service by visiting the Larimer County web site at https://leta911.org/.

What about cattle grazing in my front yard? Colorado is an open range state – cattle must be fenced out and are not required to be fenced in. A courteous call to the ranch owner will normally correct the problem. To identify the rancher, get as much information about the cattle as possible (e.g., brand, ear tag color and number), and then call the Fort Collins Brand Inspector’s Office at 970-490-1764 for help.

What wildlife shares the Buckskin Heights environment? The Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, just a few miles south of Buckskin Heights, has had multiple motion/heat activated cameras on and off the trail since 2009. The images confirm species such as elk, deer and mountain lions really do share our environment.

What is the status of the ranch land near our subdivision? There is currently a Rural Land Use Plan (RLUP-99-RLP0033) on file with the Larimer County Commissioners. This plan is for approximately 80 homes located in the Buckhorn Canyon. This plan indicates approximately 200 yards of road in common with our access road.

Where can I get more information about country living? The Larimer County Land Use Plan addresses differences between urban and rural living.

What are the current Road Association dues? Dues are currently $500 per year payable by April 1. Payment may be mailed to BHRA, PO Box 352, Masonville CO 80541 or sent electronically by Zelle through your bank portal. Late fees of $20/month are charged starting on May 1.

How is the Buckskin Height Road Association governed? BHRA is not an HOA. It is a non-profit organization that promotes the health, civic and general welfare of its members; maintains the private access roads to and within the Buckskin Heights community; and publishes this website on behalf of its members. The BHRA Bylaws describe how that is accomplished. The Bylaws and other governing documents are found on the Documents page of this website.