Announcements

Please leave this year’s fireworks to the professionals.

Jefferson County is currently under a Stage 2 Fire Ban, which means all fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated Jefferson County while the ban is in effect. This includes fireworks that may normally be considered permissible, such as sparklers, fountains and other ground-based fireworks.

Fireworks that explode or leave the ground are always illegal in Colorado. Violations during declared fire restrictions may result in fines of up to $600 per violation. Depending on the circumstances, penalties can increase if fireworks cause a fire, injury or property damage.

To report illegal fireworks, please do not call 911 unless there is an injury, fire or immediate threat to life or property. Illegal fireworks may be reported through the Jeffcom911 app, online or by calling the Fireworks Hotline at 303-980-7340. The hotline will be staffed July 3-5 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Thank you for helping keep Ken-Caryl safe. We wish all residents a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.

Visit the Jefferson County website for more information

Ken-Caryl Ranch is home to an abundance of wildlife, including bears and deer. While these animals are an important part of our community, residents are reminded to give them plenty of space and remain alert when enjoying trails, parks and open space. Please review the safety tips in the infographic below to help protect yourself, your family and our wildlife. If you encounter an aggressive deer or observe a bear in the community, please report it to the Ken-Caryl Rangers at 303-979-1876, ext. 170.

View information on safely hazing deer

Residents may soon notice new no-parking signs being installed on select streets surrounding the Bradford Facility in the North Ranch. Jefferson County is implementing these restrictions to maintain safe access for emergency vehicles, improve pedestrian safety and comply with Jefferson County and West Metro Fire requirements.

As the Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association and Metropolitan District do not own or maintain the streets, parking regulations are governed by Jefferson County. Sign locations have already been marked and installation is expected to begin soon.

Residents visiting the Bradford Facility for hiking, open space access, tennis, pickleball or pool activities are encouraged to walk, bike or carpool when possible. Parking remains available in the Bradford Facility parking lot and along unmarked roads in the North Ranch.

We understand this change may be an inconvenience for some residents, and we will continue to monitor parking impacts in the area and will evaluate on-site parking availability, programming and events at the Bradford Facility as needed.

View map of no parking sign placement locations

The Ken-Caryl Ranch Parks Department has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer, or EAB, an invasive insect that attacks and kills ash trees, within the community. As part of ongoing monitoring efforts, parks staff recently identified and removed four infested ash trees near Valley Parkway and Club Drive.

An additional 12 ash trees in the same area have been identified and will require removal. Staff will continue monitoring ash trees throughout the community and notifying affected homeowners as needed.

Emerald ash borer larvae feed beneath the bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Without treatment, infested trees typically decline and eventually die.

Residents are encouraged to inspect ash trees on their property and consult a licensed arborist as soon as possible to evaluate treatment or tree removal options. Prompt action can help preserve treatable trees, reduce safety hazards and limit the spread of the infestation to neighboring ash trees.

The Parks Department will continue assessing the extent of the infestation and providing updates as additional information becomes available.

For concerns regarding affected trees in greenbelts or shared spaces, contact the Parks Department at parks@kcranch.org.

Residents are encouraged to consult a licensed arborist regarding treatment options or removal of trees located on private property.

Thank you for helping protect and preserve Ken-Caryl Ranch’s tree canopy.

Jefferson County’s new Wildfire Resiliency Code takes effect July 1 and applies to permits submitted on or after that date. The code is intended to improve wildfire survivability through fire-resistant building materials and defensible space requirements around homes.

For most existing Ken-Caryl homes, this is not a mandatory retrofit program. Existing homes are generally grandfathered, and routine maintenance; interior remodels and most small exterior repairs are largely unaffected. However, new homes, major additions, significant exterior remodels and certain site improvements may be required to meet new wildfire-resiliency standards.

One of the most visible changes involves landscaping and defensible space. The code emphasizes reducing combustible materials near structures, particularly within the first 5 feet of a home, where noncombustible materials such as rock, gravel, concrete or pavers are recommended. Firewood, combustible mulch and shrubs should be kept away from structures to help reduce wildfire risk.

The Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association (KCRMA) encourages residents to evaluate the first 5 feet around their homes and consider replacing combustible landscaping materials with fire-hardened alternatives. Small improvements made today can help protect homes and neighborhoods from wildfire in the future.

Learn more about the Jefferson County Wildfire Resiliency Code

Ken-Caryl Ranch staff are taking proactive steps to combat a recent resurgence of mountain pine beetles in the foothills open space. While the current outbreak is small and manageable, ranger and natural resources teams are already implementing mitigation strategies to help protect vulnerable ponderosa pine trees in areas such as Beacon Hill, Tin Cup, and Summit View Trail. Learn how to identify signs of infestation, understand the treatments being used, and discover what residents can do to help preserve the health of our open space forests.

Read the full article to learn more about mountain pine beetle management efforts at Ken-Caryl Ranch.

The Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association and Metropolitan District continue their shared commitment to protecting Ken-Caryl’s open spaces and preserving the community’s unique natural, cultural and archaeological resources.

In both the 2021 and 2025 Community Surveys, residents expressed strong support for maintaining and enhancing designated conservation areas within Ken-Caryl’s open space system. In alignment with that long-term community vision, the South Hogback has officially been recognized as a Ken-Caryl conservation and preservation area.

The Metropolitan District first formally acknowledged the importance of preserving the South Hogback through Resolution No. 22-104 in 2022, honoring the original intent of the Ken-Caryl Ranch Foundation to protect the land through private donations and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) funding. That commitment was reaffirmed by the Metropolitan District Board through Resolution No. 26-104, adopted April 28, 2026.

The South Hogback joins the North Hogback as part of Ken-Caryl Ranch’s broader effort to protect areas recognized for their ecological, geological and historical significance. Portions of both hogbacks are also designated Colorado Natural Areas by the State of Colorado.

The Master Association recognizes the Metropolitan District, staff and volunteer task force members for their ongoing collaboration, thoughtful planning and dedication to responsible open space stewardship.

Questions regarding the South Hogback preservation designation may be directed to Master Association Executive Director Brian Yowell or Metropolitan District Manager Chad Meinert.

View related documents:

• Resolution No. 26-104 link to https://ken-carylranchmasterassociatio.box.com/s/8tfpekzv04sejlqufm0yv59v4mq0n2ce
• Colorado Natural Area Designation link to https://ken-carylranchmasterassociatio.box.com/s/b6vjsg1fngtwteu048v718oaoeizglkx
• Conservation, Preservation and Recreation Definitions link to https://ken-carylranchmasterassociatio.box.com/s/hzpewcjxlp8q9nln9kstmaeafckkyzcn

n an effort to provide clearer and more comprehensive guidance for property improvements throughout Ken-Caryl Ranch, the Architectural Committee is proposing updates to the following documents:

• Commercial Rules, Regulations, and Procedures
• Rule 2.42 Play and Sports Equipment
• Valley Fencing Guidelines

The proposed updates include revised standards, clarified application requirements, updated fencing specifications, firewise considerations, and additional guidance for exterior improvements and installations. As a reminder, Architectural Committee approval is required prior to the installation or modification of most exterior improvements for both residential and commercial properties.

These guidelines are scheduled for review and adoption at the June 11 Architectural Committee meeting. Residents and property owners are encouraged to review the draft documents prior to the meeting:

• View the Commercial Rules, Regulations and Procedures
• View Rule 2.42 Play and Sports Equipment
• View Valley Fencing Guidelines

Please submit your comments by June 11 by emailing Executive Director Brian Yowell

Jefferson County Road and Bridge will begin concrete improvements in the Aspen Meadows, Quail Ridge, The Spread and The Settlement neighborhoods, off Sangre de Cristo and Continental Divide Road.

Work will include ADA ramp upgrades to meet federal accessibility requirements, along with replacement of damaged sidewalks, curbs, gutters and concrete cross pans. Areas scheduled for repair will be marked in advance.

Construction is expected to begin this week or next week. Residents whose properties are directly impacted will receive advance notice from the contractor, Silva Construction, with details about the work and what to expect during construction.

We appreciate your patience as these improvements are completed.

Questions? Contact MA Executive Director Brian Yowell.

What to know before you ride

Not everything labeled an “e-bike” is actually an e-bike in Colorado.

• A legal e-bike has a motor 750 watts or less
• Anything over that is not an e-bike—even if it looks like one

The difference. Some high-powered vehicles, often called e-motos, are designed to look like bikes but have:

• 1,000–6,000+ watt motors
• Speeds of 30–65+ mph
• Pedals that may not work

If it’s over 750 watts, it may be a motor vehicle. You may need:

• A driver’s license
• Registration
• Insurance

Using the wrong vehicle can lead to:

• Safety risks
• Tickets or fines

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has more details to help you choose the right ride.

As warmer months approach, residents should be aware of outdoor watering guidelines as the Denver Water Board of Commissioners has declared a Stage 1 drought. These seasonal restrictions help conserve water, reduce strain on local systems and promote efficient irrigation during peak demand.

This summer, single-family residential properties may water no more than two days per week and follow this schedule:

• Even-numbered addresses:Sunday and Thursday
  • Odd-numbered addresses:Wednesday and Saturday

Additionally, please follow the below guidelines:

• Water only during cooler times of the day, between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
• Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
• Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
• Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
• Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.
• Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car.

KCRMA will take current watering restrictions and conditions into account during covenant inspections.  We are here to help!

For covenant-related questions, please contact:
• The Plains: Darci Cross
• The Valley: Audrey DiPaola

For more information on Stage 1 drought restrictions, watering tips and recommendations, please visit Denver Water’s website. Please stay tuned to all of Ken-Caryl’s communications channels for updates. Let’s work together to protect our water resources and keep Ken-Caryl Ranch looking its best all summer long.

Life at Ken-Caryl has updated its article submission guidelines to provide clear guidance and clarification for residents and resident businesses interested in contributing content. The publication accepts community-focused articles that inform and engage Ken-Caryl Ranch residents, including community news, events, committee and club updates, resident interest stories, eligible resident business profiles and educational content. Articles should be 300–800 words, written in clear, accessible language and submitted by published deadlines. All submissions are subject to editorial review and space availability, with final publication decisions made by the editorial team. Author information is required, and all submissions grant permission for print and digital publication. Please see the Life at Ken-Caryl Article Submission & Publishing Guidelines for more information.

Please email all submissions to Allison Rager, allisonr@kcranch.org.

The KCRMA Open Space Department currently does not have a plan in place to target Russian olive trees in the open space for removal. There is a low number of Russian olive trees found in the open space and KCRMA is prioritizing List A noxious weeds for eradication first.

If a Russian olive trees is deemed hazardous or causing damage to a residents’ property boundary Ranger staff will review and act accordingly. In addition, if a Russian olive tree is within the ten-foot interface adjacent to a property, the tree may be removed in accordance with the current woody vegetation management procedure for fuel mitigation in the open space. Staff is aware of the locations of Russian olive trees in the open space and near homes. Please do not email or call staff asking for a tree to be placed on a list unless it is a hazard tree.  Staff will be evaluating this procedure annually and may make future changes and will publish updates to the newspaper and other media outlets as needed.