At today’s board meeting held in Sterling, CO, the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) board awarded $8,715,618 in grants for projects supporting outdoor recreation, stewardship of outdoor spaces, organizational planning and capacity, and land conservation.
Created by Colorado voters in 1992, GOCO invests up to half of Colorado Lottery proceeds into partner-led conservation and recreation projects across the state. Today’s grants were awarded through a competitive process. In collaboration with GOCO regional officers and program partners, local governments and land trusts applied and were successful in earning funding for their projects.
Funding totaling $6,637,579 was awarded through GOCO’s Community Impact, Land Acquisition, and Planning and Capacity programs, helping to build and revitalize parks and recreation areas in Rifle, Dolores, Las Animas, Delta, Pagosa Springs, and Conejos and Costilla Counties; expand Southwest Conservation Corps’ Indigenous Youth stewardship crew; and more.
Through GOCO’s partnership with the Colorado Youth Corps Association, $1,466,639 in Conservation Service Corps program awards and $100,000 for program administration will help organizations partner with corps crews to complete 26 stewardship projects supporting the health of parks, trails, open space, natural resources, and wildlife habitat. Corps employ youth and veterans, providing an opportunity to care for Colorado’s outdoors while gaining meaningful professional experience.
Lastly, Keep It Colorado re-granted $511,400 in GOCO funds to help cover transaction costs for 11 land conservation projects elevated by Colorado’s nonprofit land trusts, ensuring their natural resources, wildlife habitat, and agricultural operations are protected forever.
Read on for information on all grant awards. Congratulations, partners and Colorado!
Jump to: Community Impact | Land Acquisition | Planning & Capacity | Conservation Service Corps | Transaction Cost Assistance
BASE PROGRAMS – $6,637,579 in grants
Community Impact
This program develops and revitalizes parks, trails, school yards, fairgrounds, environmental education facilities, and other outdoor projects that enhance a community’s quality of life and access to the outdoors.
Birch Park Project, $800,000 to the City of Rifle
Located in the Graham Mesa neighborhood, the new park will feature a range of amenities supporting outdoor recreation, social gatherings, and outdoor education, including pickleball courts, picnic shelters, multipurpose fields, a futsal court, an inclusive playground, climbing boulders, pollinator gardens, an amphitheater, a sledding hill, and various trails. In addition, landscaping will incorporate native and drought-tolerant vegetation. With this project, the City aims to provide free and equitable access to recreational opportunities for all ages, abilities, and interests within walking distance of several housing developments and Graham Mesa Elementary School.
Joe Rowell Park Revitalization, $776,845 to the Town of Dolores
The Town of Dolores plans to upgrade Joe Rowell Park, a 24-acre space in the heart of the community. Faced with limited recreation opportunities, the Town aims to expand outdoor access and encourage visitation, supporting the community’s quality of life and local economy. Plans will transform the park into a dynamic community hub for youth and families with a new community gathering space, a bike and skate park with a pump track, and outdoor exercise equipment. The park will also include a permanent land acknowledgement plaque in English, Spanish, Dine, and Ute languages. The newly upgraded park is expected to be completed in summer of 2026. The park design is informed by years of public input and has garnered widespread community support.
Las Animas Recreation HUB, $750,000 to the City of Las Animas
The project aims to enhance the City’s existing public park, which currently features a golf course, disc-golf course, fishing pond, baseball fields, and facilities in need of upgrades. Partners will expand and upgrade the baseball field, construct new ADA-compliant restrooms, upgrade parking areas, and add shelters, a playground, and a multi-use court. They’ll also enhance the site’s fishing pond and trails. The upgraded facility will provide recreational opportunities for various age groups, support resident health and wellness, and provide a central location for community activities. The design is informed by community engagement efforts spanning several years, including input from local schools, community events, and underrepresented groups.
Delta Fairgrounds Recreation Development, $598,843 to Delta County
The project aims to transform this historic community space to encourage community connections and active lifestyles, while increasing visitation and stimulating economic growth. A new Miners Trail will connect the site to North Fork High School, local parks, and businesses. The trail will serve as a safe route for students and families that also promotes outdoor activities like hiking and biking. The project also includes a new playground and gathering area, as well as an updated boat ramp and frisbee golf course. The project is informed by community engagement conducted for Delta County’s 2020 master plan as well as subsequent public engagement efforts.
East Gateway River Park Project, $420,000 to the Town of Pagosa Springs
Funding will help the Town acquire and improve a 4.3-acre property adjacent to the San Juan River. The project aims to expand public river access and recreational facilities, while preserving the natural beauty of the area. Once all phases are completed, the new park will provide needed public river access to the upstream portion of town, as well as additional public parking, restroom facilities, ADA river access, and an extension of the riverwalk trail. The GOCO grant will support this first phase of the project, which includes an environmental assessment, site clean up, design planning, boat ramp installation, and improved parking. The design process will help determine a second round of improvements at the site. Various community surveys over the past decade informed the project, which also aligns with the Town Council's goals for 2023-2024.
Lobatos Bridge Outdoor Classroom & Recreation Enhancement Project, $352,818 to Conejos and Costilla Counties
Partners will transform an area near the historic Lobatos Bridge into an interpretation and recreation site. Key project features include a concrete boat ramp to facilitate river access, a trail with 14 educational signs, picnic areas, shade structures, and improved parking facilities. It will also provide diverse recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The site is located within the Bureau of Land Management's Rio Grande Natural Area, making it an ideal spot for connecting visitors with the area's unique environmental and historical significance. An outdoor classroom will educate visitors about the region’s rich cultural history. This project is shaped by nearly 40 years of grassroots efforts and community engagement, culminating in its designation as a top priority by local officials.
Land Acquisition
This program supports urban and rural landscape, waterway, and habitat protection priorities and improves access to the outdoors.
A $2,500,000 grant was awarded to Larimer County, with more information coming soon.
Planning and Capacity
This program invests in projects that address opportunities, explore issues, engage communities, and examine trends in the outdoors.
Southwest Conservation Corps' Indigenous Youth Crew: Creating Equity through Connection with the Land, $249,073 to Southwest Conservation Corps
Funding will help SCC, a program of Conservation Legacy, expand its Indigenous Youth Crew program over the next three years. Piloted in 2023, the program provides paid conservation job opportunities to Indigenous high school students in the Four Corners region, allowing them to reconnect with their ancestral lands while developing valuable skills and career pathways in natural resource management. Through this program, SCC hopes to empower Indigenous youth to positively impact their communities and the environment, while preparing them to become future conservation leaders. The grant will help SCC hire a seasonal Indigenous Youth Crew coordinator, support crew leader training, and undertake conservation projects across Colorado. SCC aims to engage 50 Indigenous youth in progressive opportunities, completing an estimated 7,500 hours of hands-on conservation work.
In addition, a $190,000 grant was awarded to Colorado Open Lands, with more information coming soon.
CONSERVATION SERVICE CORPS – $1,466,639 in grants
Administered in partnership with Colorado Youth Corps Association, this program helps partners hire conservation service corps for outdoor recreation and stewardship projects. Conservation corps engage youth and veteran crews across the state to complete land and water conservation projects while gaining paid professional experience.
Red Rocks New Trail Construction and Social Trail Restoration, $143,617 to City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks
The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks will partner with Mile High Youth Corps to complete 13 weeks of trail improvements at the City’s Red Rocks complex. Corps crews will repair around 500 feet of steep, eroded trail by installing an overlapping timber staircase and closing and restoring a 120-foot segment of unofficial social trail. This project aims to reinforce designated trails, enhance recreational safety, and promote healthier habitats at this widely used outdoor destination.
City of Durango Watershed and Riparian Stewardship (Oxbow & City Reservoir), $111,638 to the City of Durango
The City of Durango will partner with Southwest Conservation Corps–Four Corners for a 10-week stewardship project focused on forest, riverbank, and open space health at Oxbow Park & Preserve and City Reservoir. Crews will remove invasive Russian olive trees, clear neglected fencing, and plant cottonwoods and willows. They will also protect healthy cottonwood trees with Colorado Parks and Wildlife-recommended mesh to prevent beaver damage and perform maintenance on approximately one mile of trail. Additionally, they will improve 100 acres of the critical watershed by restoring campsites and removing unauthorized fire rings.
Frederick Recreation Area (FRA) Restoration Project, $96,198 to the Town of Frederick
The Town will partner with Weld County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC) for stewardship work at the recreation area. WCYCC will restore and maintain native riverbank habitats within the Frederick Recreation Area. Over seven weeks, corps crews will remove and treat invasive tamarisk and Russian olive trees. Corps crews will process removed trees with a wood chipper and plant native trees to help improve the site’s resilience. This project aims to reduce the risks of future flooding and wildfire while supporting native plant and wildlife habitats and protecting water resources.
Green Mountain Falls Trail Maintenance & Realignment Project, $87,217 to the Town of Green Mountain Falls
The Town will partner with Mile High Youth Corps–Southern Front Range to redirect a portion of the American Discovery Trail, located within Green Mountain Falls’ 20-mile trail system. Over eight weeks, crews will clear overgrown vegetation, cut down trees, and construct a new multi-use trail to provide a safer alternative through town than the current roadside path. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the redirected trail will offer greater access to open spaces and community resources.
Elkhorn Creek Forest Health Initiative: Integrating Stream Restoration for Watershed Resilience, $81,402 to Larimer County
This project builds on work initiated in 2015 to address the impacts of wildfires, floods, and debris flows that threaten water quality in Elkhorn Creek and the Cache la Poudre River, a vital water supply for over 300,000 people. Over seven weeks, Larimer County will partner with Larimer County Conservation Corps to conduct forest health work on four acres of unburned portions of the property, using cut plant material to build elements that mimic natural structures (like beaver dams) that improve river function. This practice, known as ‘process-based restoration’, improves water quality, retains water supporting nearby habitat, reduces flood risk, and more.
High Line Canal Russian Olive Mitigation Through Mapping and Removal, $78,495 to High Line Canal Conservancy
Funding will help HLCC partner with Mile High Youth Corps–Denver to map and remove invasive Russian olive trees along 5.6 miles of the Canal. The Canal no longer supports irrigation and its plant communities are challenged by invasive species that strain resources, compete for water, and crowd out native plants. Over six weeks, corps crews will focus on data collection and removing invasive trees. This project builds on previous mitigation efforts and complements ongoing tree-planting initiatives to support a healthier and more resilient canopy along the Canal.
Ralph Price Reservoir Protection Project Phase 1, $78,495 to the City of Longmont
The City of Longmont will use its GOCO grant to partner with Larimer County Conservation Corps to protect a critical drinking water supply and restore forest health at Button Rock Preserve. The preserve’s Ralph Price Reservoir provides drinking water for over 110,000 residents in Lyons and Longmont. Over six weeks, corps crews will reduce fire risk by removing vegetation that can carry fire into the treetops, trimming low-hanging branches, and creating space between trees. This project will build on recent forest restoration efforts completed on nearby acreage in 2023.
Baker’s Park Trail System, $66,285 to San Juan County
San Juan County will use its grant to partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Four Corners to support the construction of the Baker’s Park Trail System near Silverton. During the summer of 2025, crews will spend six weeks completing the first 10 miles of trail. Once completed, the trail system will consist of 30 miles of shared-use singletrack for pedestrians and bikers of all skill levels. This project aims to provide health and economic benefits, enhance recreation opportunities, foster community engagement, and protect open space while providing educational experiences.
Riparian Restoration at the Purgatoire River Preserve, $65,412 to Southern Plains Land Trust
Southern Plains Land Trust will use its $65,412 grant to partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range to remove invasive species and restore habitat at the Purgatoire River Preserve. Over four weeks, crews will restore 30 acres of riverbank and 30 acres of grassland habitats by removing invasive tamarisk, Russian olive, and Siberian elm trees, and treating the areas. This project will prepare the preserve for future restoration efforts, including planting native willow and cottonwood trees and reseeding former agricultural fields with native shortgrass prairie.
Russian Olive Eradication at Fox Ranch Preserve, $56,950 to The Nature Conservancy in Colorado
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Colorado will partner with Weld County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC) to eradicate invasive Russian olive trees from Fox Ranch Preserve. WCYCC spend four weeks on restoration work at the preserve. Fox Ranch is home to a globally rare riverbank habitat that supports several migratory bird species along the Great Plains. However, it's heavily impacted by invasive plants. Corps crews will remove Russian olive from the riverbank area. This project will mark the first collaborative effort between TNC, WCYCC, and other conservation corps in a broader partnership to protect and enhance the preserve and other lands in eastern Colorado.
Ecological Restoration and Trails Phase 2, $52,330 to Boulder County Parks and Open Space
Funding will help Boulder County partner with Mile High Youth Corps to complete the second phase of ecological restoration and trail work within the Cal-Wood Fire burn area. Over four weeks, corps crews will establish the Wapiti Trail, connect the Columbine Trail to the Creekside Trail, and create a learning opportunity about fire ecology, forest management, and environmental restoration for future visitors. The project will help control erosion, manage invasive plants, and seed areas struggling post-fire, and implement forest health practices across 1,200 acres.
Wheat Ridge Greenbelt Restoration, $52,330 to the City of Wheat Ridge
The City will partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Denver to restore critical areas within the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt. Efforts will include plantings and native landscaping efforts along Clear Creek, Tabor Lake, and surrounding parklands. Crews will plant trees over Clear Creek to create a canopy that will help reduce water temperatures and support the aquatic ecosystem, revegetate areas along the south bank of Tabor Lake and the north bank of Clear Creek, and replant native trees and shrubs in areas along both banks between Anderson and Johnson Parks. These efforts are part of the City’s 2023 Open Space Management Plan to improve water quality, protect wildlife habitats, benefit the community’s outdoor spaces, and contribute to the long-term health of local ecosystems.
Wildlife Habitat Enhancement and Wildfire Mitigation on Conserved Lands in Western Colorado, $52,330 to Colorado West Land Trust
Colorado West Land Trust will partner with Western Colorado Conservation Corps to implement wildlife-friendly wildfire mitigation on conserved lands in Mesa and Delta counties. Over four weeks, crews will treat 31 acres of elevated forest and 2.1 acres of invasive riverbank vegetation. This project aligns with the United States Forest Service-led Grand Mesa Watershed Resiliency Partnership and the mission of the Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition. This collaborative effort, which includes the Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and United States Forest Service, aims to protect forest and water resources while enhancing wildlife habitat.
Palmer Lake Riparian Restoration, $49,423 to Palmer Lake Parks & Trails
The Palmer Lake Parks and Trails Commission will partner with Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) to complete riverbank restoration work. Over four weeks, MHYC crews will remove debris, improve the corridor along North Monument Creek and the nearby Creekside Trail, and build a new trail along the creek. This project will enhance the creek’s health and surrounding habitat while enhancing recreational access for residents and visitors. It will also build on past collaborative efforts with the United States Air Force Academy, which plans to add a new bridge crossing for safe passage over North Monument Creek.
Improving the Accessibility of Outdoor Learning Opportunities near Delta County Schools, $46,225 to North Fork Pool, Park & Recreation District
The grant will help the North Fork Pool, Park & Recreation District partner with Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC) and the Nature Connection to expand environmental education opportunities near Delta County schools. Over four weeks, crews will work across the North Fork Valley at sites including Paonia K8 School, Crossroads Park in Hotchkiss, and the Bureau of Land Management’s Jumbo Mountain. They will collaborate with the Nature Connection’s high school trail crew, the Wilder Bunch, to prepare sites for future trail construction and build a segment of the Miners Trail near the North Fork Pool.
Pool Canyon Archaeological Site and Trails, $44,190 to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe / Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Funding will help the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe partner with Southwest Conservation Corps–Four Corners to restore the Pool Canyon Trail within the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park. Spanning 125,000 acres, the park has historically been a significant source of revenue and cultural education through tours. During COVID-19, the trail became inaccessible due to damage and the discontinuation of the park’s trail crew. Over four weeks, crews will complete technical repairs to reopen the trail for tours while gaining educational opportunities from geologists and site guides.
East Big Thompson Invasive Species Removal & Mitigation, $39,247 to the City of Loveland
The City of Loveland will partner with Larimer County Conservation Corps to remove invasive species from newly-acquired section of Willow Bend Natural Area. Over three weeks, crews will remove Russian olive, Siberian elm, and tamarisk trees that compete with native vegetation for water and other resources. This project aims to improve habitat quality along the Big Thompson River by reducing plant competition, increasing native species diversity, and enhancing scenic views and visitor experiences ahead of Willow Bend’s public opening in 2025.
Purgatoire-Cucharas Collaborative Forest Health & Stewardship Project – Phase 4, $39,247 to the City of Trinidad
Funding will help the City of Trinidad partner with Mile High Youth Corps–Southern Front Range to enhance recreation amenities, improve forest health, and support workforce development in Las Animas and Huerfano counties. Over three weeks, crews will reduce wildfire fuel on 1.5 acres, improve 1.5 miles of recreational trails, and enhance one acre of wildlife habitat. This project supports outdoor recreation, strengthens ecosystem health, and provides educational training for crews and community members on wildlife habitat needs.
Sand Creek Open Space Land Restoration at The Urban Farm, $39,247 to City & County of Denver Parks & Recreation
Funding will help the City and County of Denver and The Urban Farm (TUF) partner with Mile High Youth Corps to restore six acres of prairie and wildlife habitat. Over three weeks, corps crews will apply herbicide, remove invasive species, construct trails, and plant native plant seeds to restore this neglected area. This project aims to enhance a critical urban open space, allowing TUF to provide Denver metro residents with accessible opportunities to experience nature close to home.
City of Las Animas Recreation HUB, $33,142 to the City of Las Animas
The grant will help the City of Las Animas partner with Mile High Youth Corps–Southern Front Range for enhancement projects at the Las Animas Recreation HUB. Over three weeks, crews will improve the pond by removing debris, reshaping its edges, installing floating docks, and building a wooden fence. They will also construct a 2.7-mile, eight-foot-wide gravel trail and, if time permits, assemble playground and exercise equipment. This project will provide multi-use and enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors in eastern Colorado.
Montana Azul Park Walking Trail, $32,270 to the City of Alamosa
Funding will help the City of Alamosa partner with Southwest Conservation Corps–Los Valles to establish a new trail and access point in the Montana Azul Park Greenspace. Over three weeks, crews will construct a quarter-mile trail with walkways over drainage areas. This project aims to improve community access to outdoor spaces and strengthen the City’s stewardship efforts through the “Friends of the Alamosa Trail Network” group as Alamosa’s trail network grows.
Prairie Lakes Open Space Wildlife Habitat, $26,165 to the City of Brighton
Funding will help the City of Brighton and Mile High Youth Corps–Denver restore wildlife habitat within the open space. Corps crews will remove invasive species such as Russian olive, tamarisk, leafy spurge, curly dock, and thistle across the 127-acre area. These efforts aim to improve native plant and wildlife habitat to contribute to a healthy ecosystem while enhancing the space for future public enjoyment. Prairie Lakes Open Space is expected to open to the public in 2025.
Rainbow Trail: Snag tree removal and erosion control, $26,165 to Chaffee County
Funding will help Chaffee County partner with Southwest Conservation Corps–Los Valles to address hazardous trees and erosion along a popular stretch of the Rainbow Trail near Salida. Over two weeks, crews will remove hundreds of dead or damaged trees impacted by the 2019 Decker Fire and will use them to reinforce drainage systems and prevent further soil loss. This project aims to improve safety for trail users, protect waterways from debris runoff, and reduce future maintenance needs.
Riverbend Park Riparian Restoration, $26,165 to the Town of Palisade
The Town of Palisade will partner with Western Colorado Conservation Corps on the multi-year Riverbend Park Riparian Restoration Project, a collaborative effort with Desert Rivers Collaborative and RiversEdge West to remove invasive species along the Colorado River. Over two weeks, crews will clear four acres of invasive trees and participate in revegetation training, planting native species sourced from a local nursery. This project aims to restore riverbank habitats while providing corps members hands-on education in ecosystem restoration and its long-term benefits.
Town of Eagle 2025 Open Space Wildlife and Wildfire Projects, $22,095 to Town of Eagle Open Space & Trails Department
Funding will help the Town partner with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) to maintain 3.1 miles of fence and remove 1.5 miles of unmaintained barbed wire fence. Efforts will support wildlife migration and prevent cattle from accessing sensitive open space ecosystems. In addition, RMYC crews will disperse grass seed on 40 acres of deteriorated grasslands and seven acres of noxious weeds treatment areas to reduce wildfire risk. This project aims to help restore native vegetation, reduce soil erosion, and promote healthier wildlife habitats.
Rock N Roll Connector Trail Construction and Existing Trail Maintenance, $20,350 to the Town of Buena Vista
The Town of Buena Vista will partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Los Valles to construct a new connector trail linking the Rock N Roll and Walton Loop trails at Buena Vista River Park. Over two weeks, crews will build the trail to create a continuous trail system linking several natural landscapes for improved access to hiking, walking, and fishing. This project aims to support local tourism and promote healthy lifestyles while protecting the park’s natural resources by guiding foot traffic away from sensitive areas.
TRANSACTION COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – $511,400 in grants
Administered by Keep It Colorado, this program re-grants GOCO funds to nonprofit land trusts to help cover the costs associated with conservation easement transactions. It supports landowners who have urgent opportunities to conserve their properties, but face financial barriers to completing the transaction, to conserve land more quickly.
Rancho Del Corazon, $75,000 to Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust
Located near Antonito, this 217-acre ranch hosts wetland meadows, roughly one-half mile of the Rio San Antonio, and several historic buildings including a capilla (church). The ranch is owned and operated independently by an Indo-Hispanic woman, who in addition to breeding bulls and producing hay, is also an architect who hosts adobe construction workshops on the property and plans to restore its historic buildings. The landowner is eager to work with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service with support from Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust to enhance the property’s wetlands and riparian habitat.
Fleur Creek Farm, $60,000 to Colorado Open Lands
Funding will help conserve a 45-acre farm in the Wet Mountain Valley. In progress for over 20 years, this unique property's protection will be a significant victory for Colorado’s biodiversity. The property contains 30 acres of wetlands including a 10-acre fen, or wetland fed by groundwater, which is rich in nutrients. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Garden botanists have identified rare plant species on the property, including Yellow Star Grass, Broad-leaved Twayblade, American Yellow Lady’s-slipper, Jeweled Blazingstar, and Bristle-stalk Sedge. It also hosts a small flock of fiber sheep, beehives, and cattle that contribute to the region's agricultural economy.
Williams Family Farm and Seed Store, $60,000 to Palmer Land Conservancy
The historic Williams Family Farm and Seed Store would be the first conserved farm in St. Charles Mesa, a long-standing agricultural community on the Bessemer Ditch. The 18-acre farm has more water rights than typical for its size, allowing for robust vegetable production. The Williams family has operated the farm and historic seed store for over 100 years and had to put the farm on the market in 2023. A local nonprofit plans to purchase the property and donate a conservation easement. The nonprofit plans to establish a program providing beginning farmers an opportunity to get started in agriculture by providing access to land, housing, and a storefront in one location.
Valdez Ranches, $55,000 to Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust
This 714-acre ranch near Capulin has been operated by a Hispano rancher, whose family has been ranching in the area for the past five generations. The landowner incorporates low-water rye into the property’s crop rotation and has 100 buffalo. By permanently protecting the land, this project will ensure these sustainable agricultural operations and the property’s water rights will be protected for the next generation. The property also contains wildlife habitat supporting migratory sandhill cranes, pronghorn, elk, and deer.
Oak Creek Ranch, $52,000 to Colorado West Land Trust
This Delta County project will protect around 1,000 acres of ranchland containing diverse habitat supporting pronghorn, elk, mule deer, and bear. Also a year-round cow-calf operation, this property's permanent protection supports the long-term economic viability of ranching and agriculture in this unique region.
Cochetopa Dome Ranch, $40,000 to Colorado Open Lands
This project would permanently protect a 1,609-acre ranch and its senior water rights. The property is located at the base of a unique obsidian-rich volcanic formation called Cochetopa Dome. Situated along Highway 114, it shares an 11-mile border with Gunnison National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. The property contains habitat and nesting ground for the threatened Gunnison sage-grouse enhanced by sustainable grazing practices.
Armstrong Canyon, $35,000 to La Plata Open Space Conservancy
This 193-acre off-grid farm is located next to San Juan National Forest and 180 acres of conserved land donated by the same family. The property features pine and oak woodlands, open meadows, and riparian habitats which serve as a critical wildlife corridor, supporting mule deer, elk, and a variety of migratory birds. In addition to ecological values, the property contains cultural resources, including prehistoric structures and trees traditionally harvested for inner bark. The conservation easement will also protect the property’s water rights, which support agriculture, wildlife, and downstream water users.
Broken Box Phase II, $35,000 to Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust
The project will place a conservation easement on the 160-acre Broken Box Ranch near the City of Alamosa, adjacent to Bureau of Land Management lands and near Great Sand Dunes National Park. The property features two artesian wells, which don’t require a pump to bring water to the surface. These wells support rare playa-wetland habitats. Playas are shallow, circular depressions in the landscape that temporarily fill with water from rain and runoff, supporting passing wildlife, hydrating the soil, and helping to decrease flooding in surrounding areas. In addition, the property contains relatively undisturbed habitat, supporting species such as the Greater Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Western Snowy Plover, and White-faced Ibis. The landowner is also invested in further restoring and expanding the unique playa wetlands and uses cattle grazing to promote native grasses, suppress weeds, and rehabilitate the land.
Bieser Ranch, $32,000 to Colorado West Land Trust
Located on the northern slopes of the Grand Mesa in the Plateau Valley, the 627-acre Bieser Ranch is an untouched landscape in a region facing increased development. It features Willow Creek, which supports diverse wildlife such as elk, mule deer, moose, and black bear. These wildlife travel across the ranch and neighboring ranches to U.S. Forest Service lands on the Grand Mesa and Bureau of Land Management Lands further down the valley. A working ranch since 1904, it currently supports a cow-calf operation managed by three living generations of the Bieser family. Located in a NRCS source water protection priority area, maintaining this land in a natural state helps maintain water quality for downstream communities such as Grand Junction, western Colorado’s largest city. The property is also highly visible from Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, Highway 65, and Powderhorn Ski Resort.
Tim Williams Ranch, $25,000 to Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust
This 2,169-acre ranch contains primarily endangered shortgrass prairie habitat, which supports diverse wildlife, contains hardy grasses suitable for grazing, and sequesters carbon, mitigating climate change impacts. The property is characterized as an important ecological system by Colorado State University’s Colorado Natural Heritage Program. It supports various species of concern such as Townsend’s Big-eared bat, little brown myotis, burrowing owl, and golden eagle, and its proximity to other conserved lands provides a continuous landscape for wildlife to roam.
In addition, a $42,400 grant will help Colorado Open Lands protect Hidden Valley Settlement Ranch, with more details coming soon.
Have questions? Contact us at info@goco.org.