Announcements

With drought conditions continuing, residents are reminded that Denver Water and Ken-Caryl Ranch Water and Sanitation District’s (KCRWSD) current two-day-per-week watering restrictions remain in effect through Sept. 30. Single-family homes with even-numbered addresses may water Sundays and Thursdays, while odd-numbered addresses may water Wednesdays and Saturdays. Watering is permitted only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Beginning Oct. 1, all lawn watering and spray irrigation must stop, and irrigation systems should be turned off. Trees, shrubs and plants may still be watered as needed using a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association and Metropolitan District will follow the restrictions for high-traffic, active-use grass areas beginning Oct. 1, as permitted by Denver Water and KCRWSD. Under Denver Water’s amended drought restrictions, areas such as parks and athletic fields may be watered only under an approved water budget or variance.

For Elk Meadows/new homeowners

Important Watering Reminder for Elk Meadows Residents

As new landscaping and lawns become established in Elk Meadows, please be aware of upcoming drought-related watering restrictions.

Current two-day-per-week watering restrictions remain in effect through Sept. 30. Beginning Oct. 1, lawn watering and spray irrigation are prohibited, and irrigation systems must be turned off. This restriction also applies to newly established grass unless a qualifying variance has been approved.

Trees, shrubs and other plants may continue to be watered as needed using a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation, such as drip irrigation.

Jefferson County is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for all unincorporated areas of the county. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following are prohibited:

• Fires and campfires, except recreational fires in permanent fire grates
• Open burning and bonfires
• Fireworks, including sparklers, fountains and other normally permissible fireworks
• Outdoor smoking, except in enclosed buildings or vehicles, developed recreation areas or areas cleared of combustible materials
• Tracer or incendiary ammunition and explosive targets

Certain activities are still permitted with restrictions. Charcoal grills, portable outdoor fireplaces, recreational fires and welding or cutting torches must be at least 30 feet from undeveloped areas.

Gas-fueled appliances that can be turned off with a switch or valve, including gas grills, gas fire pits, camp stoves and gas lanterns, are permitted during Stage 1 restrictions.

Violations of declared fire restrictions may result in fines of up to $600 per violation.

Residents are encouraged to use extra caution with any outdoor activity that could create a spark or flame. If you see smoke or an active fire, call 911.

Thank you for helping keep Ken-Caryl safe.

Visit the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office website for current fire restrictions and additional information.

Construction of five new pickleball courts at Community Park is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 31, following the issuance of a Jefferson County grading permit and completion of a pre-construction meeting.

As construction gets underway, use of the Community Park parking lot will be limited beginning Aug. 31. The parking lot will serve as the primary staging area for the project. The Metropolitan District is coordinating with nearby Shaffer Elementary regarding construction activities and potential impacts.

The preliminary construction schedule includes site preparation, erosion control, demolition, grading and drainage work, followed by court construction, fencing, lighting, site improvements and landscaping. Court surfacing is currently anticipated to be completed in early November.

Please note that this is a preliminary construction schedule and is subject to adjustment or change based on construction conditions and other factors. Updates will be provided as the project progresses and additional information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and support as work gets underway.

Questions? Contact Metropolitan District Manager Chad Meinert at chadm@kcranch.org.

The Architectural Committee is considering proposed updates and clarification to The Valley and The Plains fencing guidelines. The updates address guidelines for permanent pool and garden fencing and provide greater clarity for homeowners planning these types of improvements.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed updates and provide input. Feedback received will be considered by the Architectural Committee before the updated guidelines are reviewed and approved at a future meeting.

Please provide feedback to Executive Director, Brian Yowell. Email Brian

View the updated guidelines:

• Valley Fencing Guidelines
• Plains Fencing Guidelines

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

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

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.