Public Agency Roundtable 2026

This year's annual roundtable meeting will be held on Thursday, August 27 at Cherokee Ranch and Castle in Sedalia. This public-agency focused meeting is a great opportunity to connect with peers, learn about the work of other public agencies, and share ideas.

Schedule

• 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.     Coffee, Introductions, and Identify Shared Challenges
• 9:30 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.   Roundtable Meeting (hybrid)

The morning will include a local funding panel, a discussion of Keep It Colorado's developing strategic plan and how we can better support and engage public agencies, and facilitated breakout conversations on conservation easement stewardship, condemnation, funding challenges, and other topics or challenges identified by participants.

• 12:05 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.     Lunch
• 12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.       Castle Tour 

On-site docents and guides will be available to give participants a tour of the castle and lead anyone interested to the top of the tower. If you'd prefer, this time can be spent sitting outside or networking with colleagues.

• 1:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.     Field Trip

Ranch Manager Rafael Miranda, who has managed the property for more than 30 years, will meet the group at the castle for a brief introduction before leading participants to the ranch. Rafael will be joined by Dan Dertz from Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources and other partners who will share the history of the ranch, the collaborative effort that made its protection possible, and how the property is stewarded and managed today. The tour will also highlight current land management practices, partnerships, and conservation priorities. We will end the day by taking a hike to one of the largest groves of petrified trees in the state!

Packing List

• Water bottle
  
• Coffee mug
• Name tag
• Notebook & writing implement or laptop
• Hiking boots
• Hat
• Sunscreen

In-Person Meeting Location

Cherokee Ranch and Castle: https://cherokeeranch.org/

6113 N. Daniels Park Road

Sedalia, Colorado 80135

Field Trip Location

We will be driving from the castle to the start of the field trip at the Cherokee Ranch Headquarters. We will drive as a group and follow the ranch manager, but the address is below in case you fall behind. Note - we will need all cars to drive to the ranch as the Castle parking lot needs to be cleared at 1:30 p.m. for their next event.

5036 US Hwy 85

Sedalia, CO 80135

Virtual Participation

If you are planning to attend remotely, the meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. Online attendees may participate in group discussions by either coming off mute or using the chat feature. Staff will be monitoring the Zoom chat throughout the meeting.  

Staying Healthy 

Please do not attend in-person unless you are feeling healthy.