A coalition serving Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties is among the latest recipients of state grants to groups supporting recreation and conservation.

The Two Rivers Recreation and Conservation Roundtable received $75,000 through the Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative. The program supports coalitions that represent broad interests in promoting outdoor recreation while also conserving land, water and wildlife.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order creating the initiative and praised the effort. “Colorado’s world-class outdoors is home to unique wildlife, natural resources and exciting recreation opportunities. Through the regional partnerships initiative, we are working across sectors and levels of government to expand and support conservation efforts to ensure our outdoors are preserved for the future,” Polis said.

The Two Rivers Recreation and Conservation Roundtable has been working to formalize its operations as well as a steering committee and decision-making guidelines. With the award, the group plans to identify priorities for balancing recreation and conservation through data, mapping and public comments.

Jeff Davis, director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said regional partnerships help build support for efforts balancing recreation and conservation. “When organizations and individuals work together on behalf of public and private lands and waters, it ensures communities are healthy, livable and prosperous for future generations.”

Polis launched the initiative in 2020 with support from Great Outdoors Colorado, which allocates proceeds from the Colorado Lottery for parks, recreation and open spaces.

The grant cycle doubles the amount of money invested in outdoor regional partnerships to $3 million, with another round of funding opening this fall.

The latest funding brings to 16 the number of regional partnerships across Colorado.

Jackie Miller, executive director of Great Outdoors Colorado, said protecting the outdoors requires the expertise of those in communities across the state. “GOCO is incredibly excited for the priorities and plans that will be elevated by the regional partnerships initiative, which will inform a responsive, regionally rooted statewide strategy for the years ahead,” Miller said.