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A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE GRANT APPLICATION FOR A STEWARDSHIP IMPACT GRANT FROM THE STATE BOARD OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO TRUST FUND AND THE COMPLETION OF THE EMPOWERING COMMUNITY-LED STEWARDSHIP PROJECT
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Summary and Background Information:
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV), a nonprofit based in Longmont, in collaboration with partners including Cultivando and Commerce City Parks, Recreation, and Golf proposes to engage residents in tree planting and other outdoor stewardship projects with $147,093 in funding from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). GOCO is funded by the Colorado Lottery and awards competitive grants to preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. A resolution by Commerce City Council will allow this proposal to go forward for consideration in GOCO’s Stewardship Impact program.
Background - This proposal grew out of direct interest from City residents, who requested more opportunities to connect with nature, both within the City and in the surrounding area, and who expressed a desire to increase tree prevalence within the City to enhance their wellbeing. With your approval, WRV can bring 23 years of expertise and resources to these objectives.
Methods - With this funding, each partner will play an important role.Cultivando will recruit residents as community leaders, and Parks, Recreation, and Golf will identify appropriate species and locations for tree planting. WRV will organize and implement at least five community stewardship projects over the next two years to plant trees in high priority areas in the City. As part of the effort, WRV will offer two bilingual trainings in the next two years to train
community members as stewardship leaders. Trainings will build capacity within the community to continue to address long-term needs of Commerce City residents. Residents who attend trainings will be paid stipends to support their role as community leaders and will have access to other stewardship and recreation programs in part supported by this proposal in nearby areas including Barr Lake State Park and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Carolyn Keith, Director of Parks, Recreation, & Golf
Staff Member Presenting: On Consent
Financial Impact: $0
Funding Source: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Approval of Resolution
Suggested Motion: Motion to approve Resolution 2022-27 and support the GOCO Stewardship Impact Grant with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers.