Below is a list of recipients of the GOCO Grant.
Arapahoe County
Trail Improvements and Resurfacing, $27,600 Conservation Service Corps grant to South Suburban Parks and Recreation District South Suburban Park and Recreation District will partner with Mile High Youth Corps to make trail improvements at South Platte Park. Partners will resurface and repair worn areas and address user-made connecting trails. The project will create safe, durable, year-round trails for hiking, biking, and river access, making heavily visited areas more comfortable and accessible for a wide range of visitors in a growing community. It will also support a healthy urban wildlife corridor, protecting forests and wetlands along the South Platte River.
Clear Creek County
The Town of Silver Plume, in partnership with Mountain Area Land Trust, will permanently protect the Taylor Kennedy property, encompassing 350 acres of historically and ecologically significant mountainside on Republic Mountain. The acquisition will complete the Silver Plume Mountain Park in Clear Creek County, fulfilling a community vision that began in 1993. The property contains significant wildlife habitat and connects to other federally protected lands. It expands public recreation opportunities and secures access to the locally treasured 7:30 Mine Trail. It also preserves scenic views for thousands of visitors, including passengers of the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad. The acquisition is expected to close in early 2026.
Jefferson County
Russian Olive Removal Continuation, $58,200 Conservation Service Corps grant to the City of Lakewood The City of Lakewood will partner with Mile High Youth Corps to remove invasive Russian olive, replant native vegetation, and strengthen stream banks used by wildlife across 202 acres along Bear Creek Trail. Removing Russian olive will allow native plants more room and water to grow and improve access to the creek for people and wildlife. The trail is a major regional connector used by more than 450,000 people each year for walking, cycling, fishing, and commuting. This project will help keep the corridor safe, healthy, and welcoming for residents and visitors while supporting a connected stretch of natural open space across the Denver metro area.
Regional Partnerships
$1,610,825 Regional Partnerships Initiative grant to Outside 285
Outside 285 encompasses the foothills region southwest of Denver within portions of several counties that serve as the beloved rural “backyard” for the metro area. Funds will restore sensitive wildlife habitat and improve visitor experience in the Indian Creek trail system by eliminating social trails, constructing new routes, and developing signage and wayfinding in the area. Awarded funds will also advance work near several 14ers in the Mosquito Range west of Fairplay, protecting critical wildlife habitat and water resources while improving trails and recreational access. A project centered at Mount Silverheels will protect bighorn sheep habitat by closing social trails, rehabilitating sensitive habitat, and establishing a sustainable summit trail on this popular 13er.
$159,600 Regional Partnerships Initiative grant to Metro Denver Nature Alliance (Metro DNA)
Funding will help Metro DNA strengthen its coalition, deepen community engagement, and complete its Regional Vision for People and Nature. The grant will support administrative needs, marketing, committee stipends, and events that advance conservation and equitable outdoor recreation in Metro Denver. Once finished, the vision will guide a more coordinated, cohesive approach to environmental initiatives across the Metro Denver area.
About Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
GOCO invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. Created by Colorado voters in 1992, GOCO has since invested $1.4 billion in 5,800 projects across all 64 counties. Learn more at GOCO.org.
Source: GOCO
