FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 12/8/23
Contacts:
Diane Metzger, GOCO Communications Manager
303.226.4507, dmetzger@goco.org
Scott Segerstrom, Executive Director at Colorado Youth Corps Association
303.863.0604 (office), 970.846.1048 (cell), ssegerstrom@cyca.org
GOCO board awards $1.2M for 26 conservation service corps projects to improve public lands and employ young adults
DENVER- Today the GOCO board awarded a total of $1,200,000 to support 26 stewardship and recreation projects across Colorado. These grants are part of GOCO’s Conservation Service Corps program, run in partnership with Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), to employ youth corps crews across the state on outdoor recreation and stewardship projects.
CYCA represents a statewide coalition of eight accredited corps that train youth, young adults, and veterans to complete land and water conservation work and gain professional skills. Corps members earn a stipend and an AmeriCorps education award to use toward college or reducing existing student loans.
The GOCO board has supported youth corps across Colorado with nearly $8 million in grants since 2011. This investment has provided 10,622 young adults with the opportunity to participate in 228 projects, complemented by 22,246 hours of environmental and career-building education by sponsoring agencies. In addition, 1,256 corps members have earned AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling $2,614,482.
Corps members play a critical role in the stewardship and maintenance of Colorado’s parks, trails, and open spaces, which continue to experience impacts from high use and visitation. Land managers work with local crews to provide recreational amenities like new campgrounds and trails while also restoring heavily impacted areas.
Funding from this cycle will provide conservation and stewardship support in 17 counties by restoring seven miles of riverbank corridor, completing 29 miles of trail work, addressing forest health issues on 4,400 acres, and tackling invasive species removal on 550 acres.
Projects include:
2024 City of Colorado Springs Open Spaces Preservation and Restoration, $92,400 to the City of Colorado Springs
The City of Colorado Springs Parks Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) department will partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range crews for trail and restoration work at Austin Bluffs, Smith Creek, and Fisher's Canyon open space areas. Crews will improve trail connections, close user-made ‘social trails,’ apply herbicide to combat noxious weeds, and help restore native vegetation. Corps members will be trained under qualified supervisors, abiding by all laws and regulations outlined by the Department of Agriculture for pesticide application, and will be guided by PRCS staff on safety and best practices for trail construction and habitat consideration. This project will support recreational opportunities and access and help protect wildlife habitat.
Alamosa City Ranch Stewardship Project, $19,700 to the City of Alamosa
Alamosa Parks and Recreation will partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Los Valles youth crews for two weeks of work. Crews will conduct trail maintenance, remove half a mile of abandoned barbed wire fencing, and treat roughly two miles of trail affected by invasive plant species including Russian knapweed, hoary cress, and Canada thistle. The City continues to grow its trail network, and this project, set to be completed in 2024, is crucial for the upkeep of existing trails.
Baker's Park Trail System, $56,100 to San Juan County
San Juan County will partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Four Corners crews for six weeks to create approximately 30 miles of shared-use singletrack for pedestrians and bikers of all skill levels at Baker’s Park Trail System (BPTS). The BPTS is located on Bureau of Land Management lands adjacent to Silverton. The project will expand on corps work during the previous year to continue construction of 10 miles of trail and build on the County’s objectives to create a shared-use trail system that minimizes user conflict, increases the availability of local bike-optimized trails, and provides access for users at varied skill levels.
Big Thompson River Corridor Invasive Species Removal, $33,300 to the City of Loveland
The City of Loveland will partner with Larimer County Conservation Corps (LCCC) crews for three weeks to conduct Russian olive, Siberian elm, and tamarisk removal and treatment at the TCM Thompson River Natural Area along the Big Thompson River. Across approximately 15 acres, LCCC will remove invasive trees that are contributing to habitat degradation and reducing diversity along the riparian corridor. The project will improve overall ecosystem health by reducing competition for native species, decreasing the risk of wildfire and flood, and restoring wildlife habitat. Efforts will also enhance visitor experience by clearing out dense, overgrown, non-native vegetation and increasing species diversity of all types.
Conserving Fragile Recreation Landscapes - Park County, $37,400 to Park County
Park County and Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative will partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Los Valles crews for four weeks of work at Sheep Creek and Lake Emma. At Sheep Creek, crews will fix an uncrossable river area by creating a singletrack trail on a portion of a road that’s no longer in use. At Lake Emma, crews will reroute, make improvements, and create and install wayfinding signage along a current non-system trail. The Lake Emma Trail will soon be adopted by the United States Forest Service in an effort to improve sustainability and protect the alpine ecosystem around the lake. Both projects will improve trail sustainability, reduce resource damage, and provide recreational access to the public.
Conserving Pinyon Mesa Headwaters & Habitats, Year 4, $61,350 to Colorado West Land Trust
Colorado West Land Trust will partner with Western Colorado Conservation Corps crews to help restore floodplains and river areas, enhance forest health, and mitigate wildfire fuels across Pinyon Mesa in Western Colorado. Corps members will perform restoration tasks supporting streams that flow to the Colorado River, including installing soft structures to promote water flow in meadows and stream corridors and removing invasive vegetation. Wildlife habitat will be improved by chipping of intruding pinyon-juniper, strategic thinning of river and upland forests, and removal of run-down fencing.
Dolores River Tamarisk Removal, $33,300 to Montrose County
Montrose County will partner with Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC) to continue restoration efforts along the Dolores River. The area contains many cottonwood trees that provide cover for native plant species to thrive. The area also has a large infestation of tamarisk. Crews will spend three weeks removing the invasive species from approximately eight acres. Rivers Edge West will support WCCC with mapping, monitoring, retreatments, and revegetation to the site once this removal project concludes.
Ecological Restoration, $44,400 to Boulder County
Cal-Wood Education Center, on behalf of Boulder County Parks and Open Space, will partner with Mile High Youth Corps to enhance and restore 1,200 acres of forest ecosystem on its property. In October 2020, more than half of Cal-Wood's mountaintop burned in the Cal-Wood Fire. Corps members will cut down burned trees through a new trail corridor, plant native grass seed in areas struggling with invasive plants and post-fire soil erosion, and cut trees and build slash (debris) piles for future disposal. If time remains, the corps will also begin work on trail building.
Elephant Rock Park Trails Project, $34,400 to the Town of Palmer Lake
The Town of Palmer Lake’s Parks and Trails Commission will partner with Mile High Youth Corps crews to install a system of hiking trails on 28 acres of newly acquired public-use land located south of Colorado Highway 105 adjacent to Santa Fe Open Space. Over four weeks, crews will create 2.3 miles of new trails mainly along North Monument Creek, connecting local trails including the popular Creekside Trail. This project will expand public access to open spaces within the Town of Palmer Lake for residents and visitors and provide trails of level terrain with an “easy” rating, increasing access for youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Elkhorn Creek Forest Health Initiative, $111,000 to Larimer County
Larimer County will partner with Larimer County Conservation Corps (LCCC) to complete forest management and wildfire mitigation work at the 3,200-acre Ben Delatour Scout Ranch. The site contains heavy fire fuel loads posing a high wildfire hazard. Corps members will reduce the density of hazardous fuels and restore forest structure and composition. This project will connect acreage restored over the past seven years and help complete the overall treatment effort by improving watershed health, protecting nearby communities, and safeguarding water resources while increasing stewardship capacity for the region.
Enhancing Habitat and Outdoor Learning Opportunities Near Delta County Schools, $33,300 to North Fork Pool, Park & Recreation District
The North Fork Pool Park and Recreation District and Generation Wild community Nature Connection will partner with Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC) to improve habitat and treat invasive species at the Hotchkiss Crossroads Park, Hotchkiss Fairgrounds, and Paonia River Park. WCCC crews will collaborate with the Wilder Bunch, the Nature Connection's high school trail crew, for three weeks to prepare the sites for future trail construction and environment restoration. This project will improve trail accessibility near Delta County Schools while expanding environmental education, providing outdoor experiences to local youth, and inspiring students and the community to prioritize and protect biodiversity.
Evergreen Parks Invasive Species Mitigation Project, $77,700 to the Town of Evergreen
The grant will help the Town of Evergreen partner with Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) crews mitigate invasive species and eradicate noxious weeds at five flagship parks. The parks—Buchanan, Evergreen Lake, Marshdale, Stagecoach, and Kittredge–are spread out across Evergreen Parks and Recreation District and collectively cover 114 acres. In collaboration with agency landowners and stakeholders, corps members will use a combination of herbicides and hand pulling to complete the project.
Fountain Creek Watershed Invasives Mitigation, $29,350 to Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control & Greenway District
The Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control & Greenway District will use its grant to partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range for invasive species mitigation in critical areas. Crews will remove and treat regrowth, re-seed, and stake willow along roughly one mile of the river and across a total of 7.8 acres along HWY 47, 13th Street, and the Pueblo Levee. This work will help the District analyze the effectiveness of previous creek restoration projects and establish a baseline for ongoing maintenance.
Inlet Bay to South Bay Trail Construction Project, $34,400 to Larimer County
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources will partner with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Larimer County Conservation Corps to construct a new multi-use trail at Horsetooth Reservoir. Over four weeks, crews will construct 0.7 miles of trail between Inlet Bay and South Bay. This project will create connection and access between two popular recreation areas that are currently only accessible to users by traveling along County Road 38E. It is slated to be completed in 2024.
Invasive Weed Removal and Spraying, $33,300 to Foothills Park and Recreation District
Foothills Park and Recreation District will partner with Mile High Youth Corps chainsaw and pesticide application crews to remove invasive weeds on 58 acres of the Dutch Creek Greenbelt, one of the main drainages and regional trail corridors in the District. The three-week effort will benefit the watershed and natural habitat while providing youth with relevant career experience, education, and employment.
Lake San Cristobal - Recreation Infrastructure & Ute Ulay Heritage Tourism Site, $40,900 to Hinsdale County
Hinsdale County will partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Los Valles crews for four weeks of work in the summer of 2024. Crews will conduct campsite fire mitigation and infrastructure work at Wupperman Campground and Red Mountain Gulch. They will also install an ADA-compliant Fishing Pier and perform trail work at the Ute-Ulay town and mill site. These efforts will improve infrastructure and increase accessibility for visitors and residents alike. This project is part of a continuing partnership with Southwest Conservation Corps, building on past work completed during the summers of 2022 and 2023.
North St. Vrain Forest Health Project, $88,800 to the City of Longmont
The City of Longmont will partner with Larimer County Conservation Corps to protect a critical drinking water supply and restore forest health in the Button Rock Preserve. The Preserve is a 3,000-acre protected watershed upstream of Lyons that provides drinking water to over 110,000 people in Lyons and Longmont and is home to high-quality wildlife habitat. It surrounds two reservoirs, utility infrastructure, privately held property, and a popular trail system. Crew work will help increase visitor and community safety by reducing fire fuels and improving fire escape routes across 24 acres.
Pineries Open Space Trail Construction & Weed Monitoring, $68,950 to El Paso County
El Paso County will partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range (MHYC-SFR) crews to treat noxious weeds and construct a new trail within Pineries Open Space. Over seven weeks, crews will build two miles of single-track trail, which will complete a 3.5-mile loop. In addition, crews will construct several wooden walkways in sensitive areas, as well as inventory, map, and treat noxious weeds along 10.5 miles of trail. El Paso County will provide funding support by purchasing all building materials and partnering with Rocky Mountain Field Institute to offer technical support, training, and education opportunities for crew members.
Purgatoire-Cucharas Collaborative Forest Health & Stewardship Project - Phase 3, $33,300 to the City of Trinidad
The City of Trinidad will partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range crews for fire mitigation on one mile of trail within the Purgatoire North Fork Trail System and on three acres of land adjacent to the USFS Purgatoire Roadside Site. In addition, crews will work on one mile of trail at Beaver Explorer Trail and another trail located west of it. This project will be completed over three weeks. Crews will participate in skill-building tasks, training, education, and rewarding outdoor stewardship experiences.
Restoring Connection to the Historic Squirrel Creek Trail, $46,750 to the City of Pueblo
The City of Pueblo will partner with a Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range (MHYC-SFR) camping crew for maintenance along a partnership trail that connects the historic Pueblo Mountain Park’s Northridge Trail with the United States Forest Service (USFS) Squirrel Creek Trail. Over five weeks of work, MHYC crews will engage in tread, rock, and restoration work on the trail. This project supports the shared goal of the local Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, USFS, and Southern Colorado Trail Builders to restore the connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability of trail systems to their former glory as the first USFS recreational area and campground in the country.
Riverbend Park Riparian Restoration, $22,200 to the Town of Palisade
The Town of Palisade and Desert Rivers Collective will partner with Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC) crews to remove tamarisk and Russian olive trees and reduce wildfire risk at Riverbend Park along the Colorado River. Areas in the park along the river and adjacent irrigation ditch are choked with invasive species, which impede river access, impact habitat features, and crowd out native vegetation. The corps will apply herbicide and remove invasives alongside Town of Palisade employees. This project will build on past work done by the town and conservation corps to continue strategic removal efforts.
Russian Olive Mapping and Mitigation on the High Line Canal Aurora, $66,600 to High Line Canal Conservancy
The grant will support the High Line Canal Conservancy in partnering with Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) to continue restoring the High Line Canal’s plant community. The Canal has not been filled with water in 20 years, resulting in the corridor’s tree canopy being covered with invasive weeds that outcompete native plants for water. Over six weeks, MHYC crews will inventory and remove invasive Russian olive trees beginning at the Denver-Aurora border and continuing northeast along the Canal. Conservancy staff will train corps members to use GIS mapping applications to collect data on invasive species.
Sand Creek Open Space Land Restoration at The Urban Farm, $48,000 to the City & County of Denver
The City and County of Denver will partner with Mile High Youth Corps to restore six acres of natural prairie and wildlife habitat within The Urban Farm at Sand Creek Open Space. The project will be conducted in two phases over five weeks. During phase one, crews will apply herbicide and remove invasive species and rubble. In phase two, crews will construct trails, grade terrain, and plant native seeds. This project will activate and restore the open space area as The Urban Farm expands nature experience opportunities for Denver-area residents.
Trail Improvements and River Access, $17,200 to South Suburban Parks and Recreation District
South Suburban Parks and Recreation District will partner with a Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) crew to repair a mile of damaged trails and improve three access points at South Platte Park. The park has four miles of walking trails, mostly on clay-loam soil surfaces without much slope or drainage. As a result, they have become muddy routes that cause visitors to go off-trail. MHYC will fill trenched, low, or soft trails with crushed granite and create wider, firm surfaces that better drain water and are more sustainable as trail use continues to grow. MHYC will also build stairs and drainage features on points approaching the river to reduce the creation of user-made social trails.
Walton Loop and Tater Tots Trail Development and Maintenance, $18,700 to the Town of Buena Vista
The Town of Buena Vista and the Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition will partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Los Valles crews for work on the Tater Tots and Walton Loop trails. Over two weeks, adult camping crews will remove vegetation and rocks, level and shape the trails, and install wayfinding signage. Efforts will launch the one-mile beginner mountain bike TaterTots Singletrack Loop, and continue work on the half-mile Walton Loop ADA Compliant Trail, a loop for all ages and abilities. The trails will run parallel to each other, providing a designated segment for entry-level riders. The project will improve trail safety and access to river views and other nearby outdoor amenities.
Wildcat Gulch Stairway Rehabilitation Project, $17,200 to the City of Manitou Springs
City of Manitou Springs will partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range to replace approximately 60 unsustainable and deteriorating timber steps at Wildcat Gulch at the eastern end of the Paul Intemann Memorial Nature Trail (PIMNT). Crews will receive technical training and supervision by local trail experts. PIMNT forms the backbone of the Manitou Springs Trail System, connecting to several area trails including those leading into Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and borders Red Mountain Open Space connecting to Iron Mountain Open Space.
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more than 5,600 projects in all 64 counties of Colorado without any tax dollar support. Visit GOCO.org for more information.