Petition to Stop Primitive Camping at Sandstone Ranch

To: Douglas County Commissioners and Open Space Advisory Committee (COSAC)

We, the residents and concerned citizens of Douglas County, strongly oppose the proposed primitive camping plan at Sandstone Ranch Open Space. This reckless proposal increases wildfire risk, threatens public safety, endangers homeowner, reduces or eliminates insurance, and contradicts Douglas County’s own open space policies.

We urge Douglas County Commissioners to immediately reject this proposal and commit to protecting public safety, responsible land use, and conservation efforts.

Why This Proposal Must Be Stopped

Unacceptable Wildfire Risk

• Douglas County is classified as a high-risk wildfire zone, yet no wildfire risk assessment has been conducted for this proposal.
• Human-caused wildfires account for 85-90% of all wildfires, and in 2023, a fire came within 1,000 feet of Perry Park.
• The proposed campsites are surrounded by dry grasslands, trees, and shrubs, which could cause a wildfire to spread rapidly.
• Illegal campfires occur even when bans are in place. Campers will not be monitored 24/7, and one mistake could lead to disaster.

Evacuation Hazards & Emergency Response Failures

• Perry Park has over 800 households and 2,200 residents who could be trapped in a wildfire due to traffic congestion.
• The Colorado Renaissance Festival (June–August) creates severe road congestion, blocking emergency responders for up to 8 hours per day.
• Firefighters and first responders will struggle to reach residents in time, and festival attendees may also be trapped.

Homeowners' Insurance Crisis & Financial Risk

• Home insurance rates in Colorado have risen 57.9% from 2018-2023.
• In 2024, insurance companies began pulling out of high-risk areas due to increasing wildfire threats.
• If wildfire risk increases, homeowners could lose coverage, struggle to get insured, or face massive premium hikes.

Crime, Drugs, and Environmental Destruction

• Other open-space camping areas in Colorado have seen rises in illegal fires, squatting, theft, drug use, and vandalism.
• Douglas County has no plan to increase law enforcement patrols or waste management.
• Unregulated camping will lead to increased crime and damage to nearby communities.

Trash, Human Waste, and Water Pollution

• Primitive camping means no restrooms, no trash bins, and no running water.
• Without proper facilities, human waste, garbage, and pollution will contaminate local groundwater and wildlife.
• Douglas County’s open spaces should remain clean, protected, and free from environmental degradation.

This Proposal Violates Douglas County’s Own Open Space Policies

• Douglas County has spent years conserving open spaces for wildlife, hiking, and responsible recreation.
• This proposal contradicts the county’s own land use policies and conservation goals.
• Sandstone Ranch was never intended for unmanaged camping, and allowing it sets a dangerous precedent for more open spaces to be developed.

Our Demands

We, the undersigned, demand that Douglas County:

• Immediately reject the Sandstone Ranch primitive camping proposal.
• Conduct a full, independent wildfire risk assessment before considering any expansion of camping in open spaces.
• Conduct an environmental impact assessment.
• Ensure proper emergency evacuation planning before increasing fire risk in a vulnerable area.
• Commit to protecting open spaces from unmanaged, high-risk uses that threaten public safety and conservation.
• Uphold Douglas County’s Open Space policies and land conservation efforts.
• Prioritize public safety over out-of-state tourists using our lands for free camping.

Sign the Petition to Protect Our Homes, Our Lives & Open Spaces

This is not just about Sandstone Ranch. This is a PILOT program, if approved, it will open the door for primitive camping in other Douglas County open spaces.

• Sign this petition to demand that Douglas County Commissioners reject this proposal.
• Share this petition with your neighbors to ensure our voices are heard.
• Attend the next county meeting to speak out against this dangerous plan.

If you are a Douglas County Resident, please also sign this petition for Douglas County Officials. 

Join the Facebook Group! 

Douglas County must prioritize public safety, wildfire prevention, and land conservation. We urge county officials to reject this high-risk proposal immediately.