2024 Future Generations Act Report demonstrates our commitment to preserving Colorado’s outdoor heritage while adapting to the needs of a growing and diverse population,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “From expanding access to outdoor recreation to enhancing conservation efforts, our work supports sustainable outdoor opportunities for all Coloradans.”
CPW is making progress on all 10 goals outlined in the Future Generations Act. Here are a few examples as they pertain to hikers:
Goal 4: Supporting Access Programs on Public and Private Lands. CPW continues investing in Colorado’s public lands. The Keep Colorado Wild (KCW) Pass, launched in January 2023, has generated approximately $62 million as of June 30, 2024. This $29 annual pass gives all Coloradans easy access to all state parks and the added benefit of investing in our great outdoors and wildlife.
Goal 4: Supporting Access Programs on Public and Private Lands. CPW remains committed to expanding public access to outdoor recreation. In 2024, CPW awarded 24 non-motorized trail grants totaling $2.4 million, five Land and Water Conservation Fund grants totaling $5.5 million, 52 off-highway vehicle (OHV) grants exceeding $6.2 million, and 36 snowmobile grants nearing $1.3 million.
Expanding access through trails:
Since its establishment in 1971, CPW’s Recreational Trails Program has actively encouraged the development of trails through a number of annual grant programs. Local, county, and state governments, federal agencies, special recreation districts, and non-profit organizations with management responsibilities over public lands may apply for and are eligible to receive non-motorized and motorized trail grants. CPW strives to enhance the experience of Colorado trail users by funding trail maintenance, enforcement, planning, and construction grants and increasing the number of hours of maintenance performed by trail crews. The State Trails Program continues to emphasize maintenance projects for both non-motorized and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail grant projects to address the increased need to repair and improve existing trails and address resource impacts due to increased visitation on public lands. In FY24, they funded almost 150,542 trail crew hours and awarded over $15.4 million in grants.
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Check out our online trail guides:
- Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com
- Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com
- Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
