|
Delta, Colorado (December 12, 2024) – Delta County was awarded over $750,000 in funding from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to support a series of impactful projects. These initiatives will enhance outdoor recreation, conservation, and education, improving the quality of life for residents while protecting the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
At its board meeting on Friday in Sterling, Colorado, the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) board announced $8,715,618 in grants statewide. These funds will support outdoor recreation, stewardship of outdoor spaces, organizational planning, and land conservation.
The Over $750,000 that Delta County will receive will be allocated to the following projects throughout the county:
Delta Fairgrounds Recreation Development: $598,843
The Delta Fairgrounds will undergo extensive improvements to foster community connections and promote active lifestyles. Key upgrades include:
-
Miners Trail: A new, paved trail connecting the Fairgrounds to North Fork High School, local parks, and businesses. The hard-surface trail will be accessible to residents using mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers, encouraging inclusive outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
-
Playground and Gathering Area: Additional funding will enable the construction of shade structures, a walking path, and other features that were part of the original playground vision but lacked resources.
-
Additional Amenities: Enhancements include upgrades to the boat ramp and disk golf course.
"This project enhances the historic character of our community while supporting the growth of our outdoor spaces," said Delta County Commissioner Wendell Koontz. "It provides convenient, multimodal access from the NF High School and Recreation District to the Fairgrounds, downtown, and the new accessible playground. This grant allows us to continue improving the quality of life for our citizens and meeting our community’s needs."
Wildlife Habitat Enhancement and Wildfire Mitigation: $52,330
In partnership with the Western Colorado Conservation Corps, Colorado West Land Trust will implement wildlife-friendly wildfire mitigation and habitat restoration on conserved lands in Mesa and Delta counties. Crews will:
-
Treat 31 acres of elevated forest to reduce wildfire risks.
-
Remove 2.1 acres of invasive riverbank vegetation to restore native habitats.
This initiative aligns with the Grand Mesa Watershed Resiliency Partnership and the Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition, with support from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service.
Improving Outdoor Learning Accessibility: $46,225
The North Fork Pool, Park & Recreation District will collaborate with the Western Colorado Conservation Corps and The Nature Connection to enhance environmental education near Delta County schools. Crews will work at:
- Paonia K8 School
- Crossroads Park in Hotchkiss
- Jumbo Mountain, managed by the Bureau of Land Management
The project will also engage The Nature Connection’s high school trail crew, The Wilder Bunch, who will help prepare sites for future trail construction and complete a segment of The Miners Trail near the North Fork Pool and Recreation District in Hotchkiss.
Oak Creek Ranch Conservation: $52,000
This project will permanently protect 1,000 acres of ranchland in Delta County, supporting pronghorn, elk, mule deer, and bear habitats. The property also serves as a year-round cow-calf operation, ensuring the region's long-term economic viability of agriculture and ranching.
| 
