Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers receives largest grant in Great Outdoors Colorado history

An increase in recreation and wildfires prompted a state entity to provide a substantial allowance for outdoor volunteers in Roaring Fork, officials said on Friday.

Great Outdoors Colorado, a statewide nonprofit that invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds in the preservation and enhancement of the environment and recreation, has allocated $ 298,000 to Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, which conducts a variety of environmental stewardship activities and programs from Aspen to Parachute.

The grant is part of Great Outdoors Colorado’s Stewardship Impact Program, which supports collaborative stewardship work that demonstrates significant improvements in ecological and recreational opportunities, according to a press release sent Friday.

“As the largest single grant in RFOV’s 26-year history, the funding will support capacity building by hiring four new staff; training of staff, volunteers and partners; an upgrade of the RFOV volunteer registration system; and the purchase of a vehicle to support increased participation in the project, ”the statement said.

In the statement, RFOV Executive Director Becca Schild said the grant would allow the organization to continue to develop its service mission.

“We are delighted to receive this support and endorsement from GOCO,” said Schild. “RFOV is well positioned to build on our strong foundation and effectively expand our stewardship efforts to meet the changing needs of our region.

Through a combination of community volunteer projects, group volunteer projects, and Youth Service Learning Days, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers plans to complete 145 stewardship projects for a total of 6,000 hours of service. volunteering each year in his service region – from Independence Pass to Parachute and Marble to Glenwood Canyon – with a particular focus on increasing volunteer participation by 30% in the Colorado River Valley, according to the release.