There is an approximately forty five acre hay field in the center of the property irrigated by water from 2.4 acre feet of water rights off the Red Top Ditch, which flows approximately 70 days per year through the property. In 2006, the hay field produced approximately 50 tons of hay utilizing no fertilizer. Currently, all hay from the field is being sold to the Rocky Mountain National Park Service due to it’s designation as natural feed which is free from noxious weeds.
The ability to retain an Agricultural Status for property taxes can be a huge tax savings. With the continued cultivation of the hay field, a Private Owner can retain the ranch's agricultural zoning, thus being taxed at a much lower rate than surrounding residentially zoned land.
Additionally, there is already a conservation easement in place on approximately 11 acres on part of the Hayfield, meaning it is unavailable to future development and dedicated to open space. The remainder of the hay field is available for placement into conservation easements, again being an incredible asset to the Private Owner in the potential for Tax Credit availability.
