Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approves 29 Outdoor Recreational Trail Grants

Governor Polis and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission announced trail-funding allocations for the 2024 Non-Motorized Trail and Land and Water Conservation Grants at its meeting in Denver on March 13. The Commission unanimously approved the grants.

“Colorado’s hiking trails are a major way we experience and enjoy our great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking through your favorite state park, exploring a new corner of our state, or taking a walk with family and friends, we are now helping more people get outside and have healthy fun by expanding trails and increasing access to them across Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis.

There were a total of 29 Outdoor Recreational Grants funded this year totaling $7,918,274. Statewide Trails Program Manager Fletcher Jacobs highlighted the Colorado Recreational Trails Committee’s wildlife review process which emphasizes the importance of balancing wildlife and habitat needs with recreation needs in Colorado.

CPW is excited to also launch a new Trail Stewardship pilot program with additional support from Great Outdoors Colorado. This program provides funding specifically to support trail stewardship crews hired by land managers and non-profits who focus on maintenance work throughout Colorado. The State Trails Program will utilize $500,000 in funding from Great Outdoors Colorado to start this pilot based on the “Good Management” concept, which the OHV Program has operated successfully for trail maintenance and resource protection.

The Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program is a multi-agency partnership that includes CPW, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Colorado Lottery, and the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The LWCF Grant Program is the state-managed 50:50 matching grant program for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Funds are appropriated annually by Congress to the National Park Service and divided among the states.

Grant Stats:

Construction: 4 grants totaling $751,377

Maintenance: 9 grants totaling $919,521

Planning: 5 grants totaling $172,956

Support: 1 grant totaling $45,000

Land and Water Conservation Fund: 5 grants totaling $5,478,998

You can click here to review some of the highlights from this year’s awarded projects.



Jeff
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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