Vision Statement:

The Lariat Loop Mountain Gateway will remain a natural, scenic, and historic destination and gateway treasure.

The Lariat Loop Mountain Gateway Area was officially established as a Colorado State Heritage Area in 1999 to preserve the history and culture of the Denver Foothill region.  The Area is a 150 square mile area in central Jefferson County.  Located in the foothills near metropolitan Denver, the area encompasses many natural and scenic sites including natural landmarks, forests, wildlife, cultural museums and more.  The region has long been considered a natural and scenic treasure with tourism as it backbone.  Early visionaries recognized this, acquiring significant land parcels for natural preserves, and through a ‘premier’ road, the 40-mile “Lariat Loop”, made them accessible to the people of Denver.  Today, more than one-fourth of the region is preserved as publicly owned open space with a rich array of flora, fauna and historic sites.  The (G.E.M.) towns of Golden, Evergreen and Morrison anchor the Lariat Loop.

The Lariat Loop Heritage Alliance is a pending 501 c 3 group formed by area partners and stakeholders interest in sustaining integrity and special character of the region.  A working committee comprised of a board of directors, officers and an executive committee operates the Alliance.  The Alliances roles are to provide a communication forum for all partners, to enable cooperation on joint projects and to assist in raising funds not available to individual partners including the development of public-private partnerships.

2001 milestones include: received a $50,000 grant from DOLA's Smart Growth Office for two projects—a region wide park Management & Recreation Plan and an Interpretive Plan; held Inaugural lariat Loop Road Rally with more than 50 enthusiasts who navigated their way through a mystery course and obstacles; completed Article of Incorporation and by-laws; launched a identify/Signage Project through UCD’s Center for Community Development; gave PowerPoint presentations at the Governors State Tourism Conference and CPI.

The Lariat Loop Heritage Alliance invites your participation in the development of the State of Colorado’s sixth Heritage Area-- Lariat Loop Mountain Gateway. Benefits of becoming a member of the Alliance include:

·         Networking-the sharing of ideas, resources and expertise

·         Event Support- such as the Annual LLHA Road Rally, a fun and educational event for all-June 22, 2002

·         Preservation of Resources- collaborative effort with the first ‘Urban Scenic By-Way’ nomination!

·         Web Site Development- linking over 30 organizations together, demonstrating a community pride of place

·         Brochure Publishing- updating and maintaining our ever popular Linger Along the Lariat Loop brochure

·         Special Projects- such as the Interpretive Plan, a strategy for action with recommendations & approaches for the preservation of key resources and techniques to educate the public- now implementing audio tour!

·         General Business Operations- success of our heritage area  organization needs support for 501 c 3 filing, membership mailings & copy distribution, insurance, logo and letterhead development

For further information, contact the following LLHA Directors:

Cynthia Pougiales                 Sally White                        Ron Larson                               Joe Tempel

CARE                                 Morrison Museums           CARE                                      Friends of Dino Ridge

303.526.9128                     303.697.1873                   303.526.9629                          303.697.0160

pougiales@msn.com            sally_white@msn.com       ronallarson@quest.net                Joe_Tempel@dinoridge.org

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