LCOSI’s mission is the stewardship of land and water resources in Lake County for open space, wildlife, historic preservation, sustainable growth, education, and outdoor recreation. 

The Lake County Open Space Initiative (LCOSI) was formed in 1997 to preserve open space, historic sites, and wildlife habitat in Lake County, Colorado. Lake County’s diverse, high mountain landscape includes several of Colorado’s highest peaks, critical wetland and riparian ecosystems, prime big game habitats and wildlife migration routes, and river recreation along the headwaters of the Arkansas River, along with important indigenous, mining, and ranching heritage sites.