Gift Of Ranch To Larimer County Put On Hold

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) - An attorney for the owner of a 26-square-mile ranch in northern Larimer County says she has paused her previously announced intention to donate the land to the county.

John Reid, who represents ranch owner Catherine Roberts, said Friday he's been communicating with family members who are contesting the donation.

Roberts said in December she wanted to donate the land and its contents to the county as open space on the condition it remain a working ranch.

Roberts' stepson, DL Roberts, has said that would go against his father's wishes. The younger Roberts has said he and other family members would challenge the donation in court.

The county Open Lands Advisory Board voted Thursday to recommend the county accept the land, but county officials have acknowledged the donation isn't a certainty.

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