Great Outdoors Colorado has awarded more than $2 million in grants to government and conservation groups across Southwest Colorado for restoration and recreation work.
La Plata County recipients included the city of Durango, town of Bayfield and La Plata Open Space Conservancy ‒ which combined, received $165,000 in grant money, according to a news release from GOCO on Tuesday. The funding will support a range of forest health, habitat restoration and trail improvements led in partnership with Southwest Conservation Corps.
In Durango, an $81,600 grant will fund forest thinning, invasive species removal and trail restoration work in high-use areas such as Dalla Mountain Park and City Reservoir.
La Plata Open Space Conservancy received $55,200 to improve riparian habitat along the La Plata and Florida rivers through weed removal, wildlife-friendly fencing and stream side restoration.
Bayfield will use a $28,200 grant to resurface trails, control erosion and remove invasive plants across several local parks, including Little Pine, Eagle and Joe Stephenson parks.
GOCO is an independent board that was formed by voter approval in 1992 to redistribute a portion of Colorado lottery revenue into the preservation and restoration of parks, trails, wildlife, rivers and open space across the state.
The most recent grants it awarded are part of more than $25.5 million in funding that was recently distributed for conservation, recreation and collaborative efforts across Colorado.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
