By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice
A battle is brewing over the future of Sandstone Ranch Open Space.
Douglas County’s proposal to introduce primitive camping at the site has sparked overwhelming opposition from residents, firefighters and local organizations. With fire dangers looming, a lack of emergency response infrastructure and no prior public input, critics are calling the plan reckless and dangerous.
Residents have mobilized, gathering more than 1,000 signatures on a petition to stop the plan, and two local government bodies have already passed resolutions formally opposing the initiative. A public awareness event is planned for Saturday, and concerned citizens are preparing to speak out at the next board of county commissioners meeting.
“We’re talking about a high-risk wildfire area, and they’re inviting campers in? This is a disaster waiting to happen,” John Graboski said.
Records request reveals opposition
A Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request to obtain all public commentary submitted online regarding the project revealed more than 500 comments — and the vast majority opposed the camping proposal.
“I haven’t seen a single comment in favor of this,” Russ Minary said. “Not one. They’re ignoring their own constituents.”
Sandstone Ranch is in a known wildfire hazard area, with limited water sources, dense brush and no quick access for emergency responders. Critics argue that even with fire bans in place, campers will still violate the rules.
“Campers are going to build fires, OK? Even if you tell them it’s not allowed, they’re going to build fires,” Graboski said.
The risk is even higher because the Colorado Renaissance Festival is just 1.7 miles from Sandstone Ranch. With 14,000 people attending each weekend, residents worry that a wildfire — especially one caused by nearby camping — could turn into a disaster, making evacuation nearly impossible.
“If a fire starts and spreads, there is no escape,” Graboski said. “We’re talking about 14,000 people at the Renaissance Festival, gridlocked roads, and no evacuation routes.”
Residents also point out that many homeowners in Douglas County are already struggling to obtain fire insurance due to escalating risks.
“If there’s a fire, in addition to everything being wiped out, we won’t be able to rebuild,” Minary said. “Insurance companies will pull out completely.”
Opponents want input opportunity
Opponents say Douglas County never sought public input before introducing the plan.
In 2018, the county conducted a public survey on the future of Sandstone Ranch. Camping was not listed as an option, meaning residents had no chance to voice opposition before the proposal was quietly introduced.
“There were zero responses indicating camping was appropriate or inappropriate — because camping wasn’t even listed as an option,” Minary said.
“Why aren’t they working on the homeless issue or the increase in crime, especially vehicular crime in Douglas County and Castle Rock?” Graboski said. “Why is this suddenly a priority?”
Ignoring the residential backlash
Despite overwhelming opposition, the commissioners have not withdrawn their consideration of the pilot project. An anonymous source reported that plans are underway to implement the Sandstone Ranch primitive camping pilot program as early as Memorial Day weekend.
Opponents cite more than 1,000 petition signatures, over 500 public comments — most in opposition — and two local government resolutions rejecting the proposal.
Submitted comments include widespread community and emergency response concerns, yet the county remains silent on the pushback.
“I have not seen a single comment, whether online or at county commissioners’ meetings, where they say, ‘We’re starting to see the public sentiment is against this,’” Minary said. “They’re not admitting that.”
Two local government entities have also formally opposed Douglas County’s plan to allow camping at Sandstone Ranch, citing wildfire risk, public safety concerns and conflicts with existing policies.
The Perry Park Metropolitan District passed a resolution on Feb. 15, opposing camping on open space lands, pointing to fire hazards, evacuation challenges, and a lack of public support. The Larkspur Fire Protection District followed with its own resolution on Feb. 13, warning that the plan creates an unacceptable fire risk and that the county has not conducted a proper wildfire risk assessment.
Both resolutions reflect growing concern that allowing camping at Sandstone Ranch sets a dangerous precedent for other protected lands in Douglas County.
How residents are sounding off
Members of the community are holding a petition signing event.
- Location: Larkspur Fire Department, 9414 Spruce Mountain Road, Larkspur, CO
- Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Purpose: Gain additional petition signatures, raise awareness, and demonstrate public opposition to county officials
- Media coverage expected; organizers encourage strong turnout
The next Douglas County Board of County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for March 11, at 1:30 p.m. The public comment period will allow residents up to three minutes each to speak.
Additional ways to get involved in voicing support or opposition include:
- Community organized petition: https://forms.gle/rTxMzjgHTP1VhZSD7
- Submit public comments to Douglas County: https://www.douglas.co.us/open-space-natural-resources/properties/sandstone-ranch/primitive-camping-at-sandstone-ranch/
- Community organized Facebook page: Protect Douglas County Open Spaces – No Camping, No Wildfires
- Community organized Change.org petition: https://www.change.org/p/protect-douglas-county-open-spaces-no-camping-no-wildfires?source_location=search