Land managers overseeing some of the most popular parks in the Denver metro are shaping a plan for the near future.

Jefferson County Open Space calls it a ”Conservation Greenprint” — meant to be “a strategic framework” for the next five years of land acquisition, maintenance and trail development.

The sales tax-funded agency reports 17.6 miles of new trail among achievements from the last greenprint cycle from 2020-2025. Also highlighted in the draft document for the next five-year cycle: 183,771 volunteer hours, 37,917 acres treated for invasive species and 928 acres treated for forest health.

Those are efforts the next greenprint aims to continue. Along with stating broad goals and data-driven approaches, the draft document offers a glimpse into the Jefferson County Open Space portfolio covering 58,000-plus acres, including Golden’s iconic Table Mountains and beyond to Matthews/Winters, Mount Falcon and Alderfer/Three Sisters parks.

The acreage accounts for about 8% of county land, the draft greenprint notes, with 73% of the county privately owned. In surveys over the past year, 86% of respondents said they “strongly support” acquiring more acreage, according to the draft document. But 91% reportedly listed maintenance of current parks and trails as their top priority, with acquisition closer to 63%.

The draft greenprint outlines five broad initiatives: to engage residents, manage infrastructure, steward ecosystem health, preserve land and enhance experiences.

A five-year “New Trails Plan” is listed as an action “to provide a variety of experiences for all abilities including multi-use and designated use (hike/horse or bike only).” Along with that is the aim to protect wildlife and care for 36 “rare plants” and 45 “imperiled or vulnerable” plants designated by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.

The draft greenprint is expected to be considered by Jefferson County commissioners in the months ahead.