On Monday, December 15, Governor Jared Polis, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) announced 19 grant awards totaling $9,990,240 through the Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI).
Of that, the Pagosa Area Recreation Coalition (PARC) will receive $86,055 to support collaborative efforts advancing regional conservation and recreation goals.
These investments support regional coalitions working together to advance outdoor recreation, conservation and climate resilience goals aligned with Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy.
In April 2025, CPW and GOCO committed $50 million to the RPI grant program over the next five years to support the strategy’s on-the-ground implementation. These grant awards are the first of five annual implementation-focused award cycles to come.
Regional partnerships supported this round are leading significant efforts for Colorado’s diverse recre- ation opportunities, wildlife, natural resources and agriculture, such as:
Trail upgrades and restoration of sensitive habitat on iconic “fourteeners” (mountains over 14,000 feet).
New and improved trail segments on the envisioned 63-mile trail around Pikes Peak and care for critical bighorn sheep habitat.
A major land conservation effort to protect 18,000 acres of productive ranchland, wildlife habitat and water resources in the Colorado River watershed.
“The Department of Natural Resources is proud to be part of the Regional Partnerships Initiative,” said DNR Executive Director Dan Gibbs. “Balancing outdoor recreation and our wildlife, water and lands is critically important as we face population growth and impacts from climate change. Our Colorado’s Outdoor Strategy and these grants go hand in hand in our comprehensive and collaborative efforts to advance the on-the-ground actions needed to realize our goals for exceptional outdoor recreation, climate-resilient conservation, and coordinated planning and funding.”
The Pagosa Area Recreation Coalition (PARC), spanning Archuleta and parts of Hinsdale and Mineral counties, is developing a community-driven outdoor recreation plan that will enhance recreation experiences while protecting natural resources and wildlife. Funding will support ongoing coordination and facilitation, including stakeholder engagement and a communications strategy using a new website, social media, community presentations and public events to share the coalition’s work.
In addition, the coalition will protect sensitive landscapes, encourage responsible recreation and improve visitor experience by placing seasonal portable toilets and trash cans at high-use trailheads and implementing a wayfinding and signage plan.
To learn more about the Regional Partnerships and see a map of their locations, visit this website.