Taralyn Romero’s Fight for Land Rights and Access

Red Keep Out Private Property sign on gate

A Colorado woman’s fight for property rights escalates into a contentious legal battle, dividing a community and sparking a national debate on private ownership versus public access.

At a Glance

Taralyn Romero purchased a property in Kittredge, Colorado, in 2021, leading to a dispute over public access to Bear Creek running through her backyard
Romero’s attempts to restrict access sparked community outrage and legal action from Jefferson County
The conflict gained national attention through social media, particularly TikTok
A settlement was reached in May 2023, with Romero receiving $250,000 and relinquishing part of her land
The case highlights tensions between private property rights and long-standing public use

Property Rights Clash in Kittredge

In 2021, Taralyn Romero’s purchase of a home in Kittredge, Colorado, set off a chain of events that would pit individual property rights against community tradition. The property, which includes a portion of Bear Creek running through the backyard, had long been used by locals as part of Kittredge Park. Romero, concerned about liability and seeking to protect her property, took steps to restrict public access, igniting a fierce debate that would eventually involve local government, social media, and national news outlets.

Romero’s initial actions included placing “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs on land that locals had used for years. As tensions escalated, she erected rope barriers to further deter visitors. These measures were met with strong opposition from community members who viewed the area as a public space.

Community Backlash and Legal Challenge

The dispute quickly spilled over into social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor, where rumors and character attacks against Romero proliferated. The situation on the ground worsened, with some visitors reportedly committing acts of vandalism and verbally abusing Romero. The conflict reached a boiling point when the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners filed a lawsuit against Romero, claiming public rights to the land based on adverse possession due to decades of community use.

“They were incredibly abusive to me verbally, and abusive to the land. Sometimes they were bringing out metal shovels and literally destroying the creek bank, they were breaking trees, leaving trash,” sad Taralyn Romero.

Romero, a native Coloradan, maintained that she had purchased the property to enjoy nature and was not a developer seeking to exploit the land. She expressed concern about the trash left behind by visitors and the potential liability issues arising from public use of her private property.

Social Media Amplifies the Dispute

As local sentiment turned against her, Romero took to TikTok to share her side of the story. Her posts went viral, leading to a 23% increase in park visitors from 2022 to 2023. The platform became a double-edged sword, bringing both support for her cause and intensifying the conflict.

“When you get that kind of dissension on whose land is it and you involve children and you involve rhetoric of a screaming lady, it really was like wildfire for social media,” Romero said.

The online attention brought both supporters and detractors, with Romero and her fiancé, Michael Eymer, facing not only social media hate but also real-world confrontations and even death threats. The case highlighted the powerful impact of social media on small communities and the challenges of balancing private property rights with public access in the digital age.

Resolution and Ongoing Advocacy

In May 2023, a settlement was reached between Romero and Jefferson County. As part of the agreement, Romero received a $250,000 payout in exchange for relinquishing a portion of her land. A fence was constructed to delineate her property, with the land outside the fence now managed by the Evergreen Park and Recreation District (EPRD).

Colorado woman says she was bullied by community who wanted to take her property, this is how she fought back https://t.co/tk67mso8S6

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 24, 2024

Despite the resolution, Romero continues to advocate for property rights on TikTok, using her platform to address related issues. The experience has altered her view of the justice system and government, highlighting what she perceives as hypocrisy in the treatment of property rights. While the settlement has provided some closure, Romero still harbors resentment towards those she believes conspired against her during the dispute.

The Kittredge Creek controversy serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding property rights in America. It underscores the delicate balance between individual ownership and community interests, especially in areas with a history of shared public use. As similar disputes arise across the nation, the case of Taralyn Romero may serve as a cautionary tale for both property owners and local governments, emphasizing the need for clear communication, respect for legal boundaries, and thoughtful consideration of long-standing community practices.