DENVER – The GOCO board has awarded $1,358,632 in funding to seven projects across the state as part of the Resilient Communities program. This funding helps grantee partners advance outdoor recreation, steward - s h i p , a n d l a n d protection work.

F u n d e d projects will respond to onetime, immediate needs or opportunities that have emerged in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic all within the context of GOCO’s five program values: resource conservation, outdoor stewardship, community vitality, equitable access, and youth connections to the outdoors.

Awarded funding will be used to: Complete four trail projects in the San Luis Valley Support the stewardship and restoration work of six accredited conservation service corps Accelerate the progress of ongoing conservation projects in Southern Colorado Continue supporting the City of Colorado Springs’ ongoing work to renovate an indoor-outdoor classroom Enhance land trust partnerships, collaboration, and evaluation efforts Projects include: CYCA C O - V I D , $48,000 grant to C o l o r a d o Youth Corps A s s o c i a t i o n (CYCA)*

This funding will be distributed among six accredited conservation service corps belonging to CYCA to support 15 stewardship and restoration projects happening across Colorado this summer. The projects provide job opportunities to hundreds of young people, mitigate the threat of natural disasters, and help stop the spread of invasive species.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, additional resources are needed to complete these projects while complying with social distancing and health protocols. Corps are facing several unforeseen expenses, including additional training for crew members, vehicles, and medical equipment. GOCO funding will support wages for seasonal staff, costs associated with vehicle leases and maintenance, and medical and sanitation supplies.

In a Time of Disruption: Community Trails Support Local Workforce, Economies, Health, and Wellness, $250,532 grant to San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO!) SLV GO!, a Generation Wild coalition, supports the Great Outdoors Action Team trail crews (GOATs), which are six-person teams that work on trail construction and maintenance around the San Luis Valley. With this funding, GOATs will work on four separate trail projects in San Luis, Alamosa, and Monte Vista At Rito Seco park, crews will continue work on a new trail system and finish a connection to Batenburg Meadows, enhancing access to public lands for San Luis residents.

In Alamosa, crews will complete the final portion of the Blanca Vista trail, a popular walking trail around Blanca Vista pond. In addition, to protect the surrounding wetlands, the team will build a boardwalk on nearby Alamosa Oxbow trail.

Finally, in Monte Vista, crews will build the 1.2- mile Monte Vista Wetlands trail, connecting neighborhoods to local businesses. Each of the projects will enhance recreation opportunities and provide new career pathways for Valley residents. Trails and open spaces are vital to community vitality during uncertain times, and new employment opportunities are essential for those facing layoffs and low upward mobility in current jobs. Beyond the pandemic, SLV GO! hopes to continue the GOATs program and explore new trails and recreation projects.