April E-News: Celebrating Mount Tom conservation
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
We invest a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds in partner-led conservation and recreation projects across the state.
Hello!
We hope you’re enjoying the spring season. GOCO and partners have been buzzing with activity.?
On April 11, The Conservation Fund (TCF), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS), and GOCO announced an exciting milestone in a joint effort to protect approximately 2,000 acres within the Mount Tom Conservation Corridor area just northwest of Denver.
The area is surrounded by more than 20,000 acres of other protected land and hosts some of Colorado’s most iconic wildlife species including moose, elk, mule deer, black bear, and mountain lions. And the top of Mount Tom is known to be a ladybug breeding area, where thousands of the bespeckled beetles congregate.?
Some of the land has future recreation potential, including a new trail to the summit of Mount Tom—one of the 10 tallest peaks in Jefferson County. While the corridor is not open for recreation yet, JCOS and CPW are set to begin evaluating those opportunities over the next few years to develop a long-term plan that ensures care for the habitat. A big win for conservation in Colorado!?
Colorado Lottery recently announced the winners of the 2023 Starburst Awards. Eight winning projects totaling $4,042,283 in investments were recognized for their use of Lottery funds for community and conservation projects. Winners include the City of Wheat Ridge, Crawford State Park, Environmental Learning for Kids, and more. Check out the projects here
Earlier this month Gov. Polis announced Jeff Davis as the new director of CPW. The state agency receives half of GOCO’s funding each year, and we look forward to working with Jeff to continue investing in Colorado’s state parks, wildlife, and outdoor heritage.?
Our partners at Keep It Colorado recently launched and published their new state plan: Conserving Colorado: A 10-year Roadmap for the Future of Private Land Conservation. GOCO proudly supported this plan, which will be foundational to building Colorado’s statewide conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable recreation strategy. Here’s a quick video explaining the effort.?
Keep reading to learn about recently completed GOCO-funded projects, find out what Generation Wild’s Wilder has been up to, and more.?
Questions or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line at [email protected].?
Latest News
You’re invited to GOCO’s roadshow
GOCO’s regional officers will be on tour hosting events throughout the state to share more about our grant programs, answer questions, and learn about opportunities in your communities. We’d be so grateful if you’d join us. See the list of dates, locations, and links to RSVP here. Registration is required, so don’t forget to save your spot. Can’t make the roadshow? You can always connect directly with your regional officer to schedule a time to speak about your projects.
Meet GOCO Fellow Paul Rivera
GOCO fellows gain experience in the fields of conservation, outdoor recreation, and stewardship while growing their professional skills. This month, we’re proud to introduce Paul Rivera from our second cohort of GOCO fellows who joined Center for Public Lands in 2022. Originally from New Mexico, Paul lives in Gunnison, Colorado, and is a full-time graduate student at Western Colorado University. He is working toward getting his Master's degree in Environmental Management and dreams of working as a wildlife biologist for a state or federal agency. On an off day, you can find Paul spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, or observing wildlife.?
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Where’s Wilder?
We’re excited to report that Wilder has emerged from hibernation and is making appearances throughout the state. Most recently, he attended the grand opening of Russell Square Park (pictured left) in Denver’s Cole neighborhood and Earth Day at Barr Lake State Park. Next up are Cinco De Mayo in Denver and the Alamosa Rio Trio, with more events to be announced! If you’d like to request a Wilder appearance, reach out to Crystal Medrano at [email protected]. Follow Generation Wild on Facebook and Instagram to see if he’s coming to an area near you. Or check out the website below.
Where Do You GOCO: Projects completed in March
In March, eight GOCO-funded projects crossed the finish line representing more than $4.7 million in GOCO investments into local communities across the state. With the help of GOCO funds, the City of Durango completed the northern extension of the Durango Animas River Greenway Trail (pictured left). The expansion added over one mile of multi-use trail, connecting the existing path to Oxbow Park and Preserve. GOCO dollars also supported Colorado Open Lands in permanently protecting Jacober Ranch in Costilla County, and Clear Creek County has expanded a portion of the Peaks to Plains trail along Highway 6 through Clear Creek Canyon.?
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Coming up
Children & Nature Network’s 2023 Inside Out Conference
Register now for the world’s largest gathering of leaders in the youth and outdoors movement. The 2023 Inside Out Conference hosted by Children & Nature Network will take place June 12-15 at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. This year’s gathering will explore best practices for creating inclusive and equitable outdoor experiences and proven strategies for turning our indoor society back out to the benefits of nature.
Keep It Colorado’s Spring Summit
Register now for Keep It Colorado’s annual Spring Summit in Glenwood Springs on May 10-12. Open to coalition members and partners, this year’s summit will feature hiking field trips, educational content, workshops, and networking opportunities to connect with your colleagues. Land trust staff, interns and board members, public agency staff, conservation champions, students, and AmeriCorps volunteers are all welcome to attend. Register by April 28.??
Bike to Work Day is around the corner
Denver Regional Council of Governments and Way to Go inspire thousands of Denver-area residents to join Bike to Work Day! Swap that car ride for two wheels on Wednesday, June 28. All who register and pledge to bike will be automatically entered into a drawing to win prizes, including a Tern e-bike. If you commute on the South Platte River Trail, keep an eye out for the GOCO tent at REI. Stop by to say hello and snag some sweet swag.?
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