DELTA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) - Delta County recently received $750,000 from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) which is aimed to help "a series of impactful projects," according to the press release.
The GOCO funds will go toward Delta Fairgrounds recreation development, wildlife habitat enhancement and wildfire mitigation, improving outdoor learning accessibility and Oak Creek Ranch conservation.
"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," Delta County said in the release.
Around $600,000 will help with fairgrounds improvements. These upgrades include:
- Miners Trail, a path that connects the fairgrounds to North Fork High School, local parks and businesses.
- A playground and gathering area that will encompass shade structures, a walking path and other features.
- More amenities that consist of 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," Delta County Commissioner Wendell Koontz said in the release. "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."
Meanwhile, around $52,000 will be implemented for wildlife habitat enhancement and wildfire mitigation. This work includes:
- Treating 31 acres of elevated forest to limit wildfire risks.
- Removing 2.1 acres of invasive riverbank vegetation.
An additional $46,000 will help outdoor learning availability. This work will be at:
- Paonia K8 School
- Crossroads Park in Hotchkiss
- Jumbo Mountain (managed by the Bureau of Land Management)
Lastly, $52,000 will go to protect 1,000 acres of Delta County ranchland. It will also support pronghorn, elk, mule deer and bear habitats. The property also hosts a year-round cow-calf operation.