Each year, half of GOCO’s funding is invested in Colorado Parks and Wildlife to go toward their ongoing efforts in conservation, recreation, and wildlife management. The state agency works to take care of our state’s diverse wildlife and maintains 42 state parks all across Colorado. CPW also invests in outdoor recreation opportunities that extend well beyond state park boundaries.

Neither GOCO nor CPW receives any tax dollars. Approximately 15% of CPW’s budget comes from GOCO funding and other Colorado Lottery proceeds. GOCO’s investment in CPW goes toward a wide range of programs, from building trails and new park amenities to maintaining park infrastructure, removing invasive plants and reducing fire hazards, enhancing wildlife-migration corridors and other critical habitats, supporting native and threatened species, and inspiring children to love the outdoors.

The GOCO board formalizes its funding to CPW through an annual investment proposal and also offers the Director’s Innovation Fund, a competitive grant program for CPW staff to apply directly to GOCO for funding.

Download CPW's Future Generations Act Report 2023   View CPW's 2022-2023 Annual Report of GOCO investments

Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy

CPW, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR), GOCO, and the Colorado Governor’s Office are stewarding an effort to create a statewide vision and action plan for conservation, recreation, and climate resilience that will guide Colorado into the future. The strategy is being developed collaboratively with representatives from local and state governments, conservation nonprofits, regional partnerships, recreation interests, Tribal Nations, and federal agencies—with support from a consultant team. 

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Fishers Peak State Park

One of the most significant collaborations between GOCO and CPW in recent years was the acquisition of Crazy French Ranch, which became Fishers Peak State Park. GOCO supported the property acquisition with more than $17 million, and a partnership with The City of Trinidad, The Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy, and of course CPW made the park possible.

Fishers Peak Website

Youth Internship Program (YIP)

YIP is a pipeline for the next generation of outdoors professionals. GOCO funding employs approximately 100 young people each year to learn all about park management, fish hatchery management, wildlife biology, and environmental education. Interns earn practical field experience, plus mentorship and training from CPW staff.

Read a YIP intern's blog story

Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE)

In 2013, SOLE began as a pilot program funded by GOCO with a simple mission: connect kids and their families to the outdoors. The program kicked off with fourth grade classes in two schools and has since grown to almost 50 schools. See if your school can join in and participate.

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