Mesa County Public Health is among the first 10 recipients of new state grants promoting outdoor recreation in Colorado.

The health department will use the $74,666 outdoor recreation grant to develop a master plan for the Gunnison Bluffs and Old Spanish Trail area south of Grand Junction. The plan will address navigation and safety concerns as well as trail deterioration. 

Mesa County is the primary landowner in the proposed project area with additional segments owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and private landowners.

The state outdoor recreation grant program is the first offered by the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Funding comes from a U.S. Economic Development Administration state tourism grant.

“We are incredibly grateful to the governor’s office for acknowledging our efforts in public health. That includes quality outdoor experiences to improve both physical and social health,” said Jeff Kuhr, director of Mesa County Public Health. “We’re committed to making the outdoors accessible to everybody in our community, and that includes well-connected and accessible trail systems.”

A total of $3.9 million will be distributed through the grant program. The deadline for the next round of quarterly applications is Dec. 31.

“The recipients of the state outdoor recreation grants truly reflect the best the industry has to offer, and we’re proud to provide financial support to programs and organizations that improve backcountry safety, connect marginalized groups to the outdoors and plan for the future by balancing economic vitality with resource protection,” said Conor Hall, director of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.

Patrick Meyers, executive director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, said the outdoor recreation industry affects all areas of Colorado. “These grants will support organizations and projects that are growing the industry and will contribute to a healthy Colorado economy that works for everyone.”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis agreed. “These exciting grants are part of our work building a Colorado for all and making sure Colorado remains the best place to live, work and enjoy the outdoors.”