COLORADO SPRINGS ~ Colorado Springs - In a joint press conference today, Governor Jared Polis, along with representatives from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, and local and outdoor industry leaders, announced new investments into the protection and preservation of the Pikes Peak region. These investments are being made through the Regional Partnership Initiative (RPI) and will also support innovative recreation management opportunities.

Governor Polis expressed his gratitude to all partners involved in this initiative, stating that Pikes Peak is a national gem and a Colorado treasure. He emphasized the numerous benefits of protecting and improving the region, including preserving outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations and securing investments to maintain the iconic mountain.

Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, also congratulated the Pikes Peak Outdoor Alliance on their well-deserved Regional Partnership grant. He commended their collaborative efforts in addressing regional recreation and natural resource challenges and working towards solutions. Gibbs also highlighted the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Pikes Peak region.

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The $2.5 million grant from RPI will be used to fund various projects such as new segments of the Ring the Peak Trail, camping expansion and management, wildlife habitat restoration, recreation management, a year-round ambassador program, and partnership capacity support. This grant serves as a starting point for future public/private investments in the region's outdoors through Colorado's Outdoors Strategy.

Becky Leinweber, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, described this grant as a major milestone for expanding recreation access and opportunities while also strengthening resource stewardship in the region. She acknowledged years of hard work by partners in the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative to align priorities and create a shared vision for this landscape. Leinweber believes that this coordinated investment will turn that vision into reality by positioning the Pikes Peak region as a model for exceptional recreation experiences, responsible natural resource conservation, and collaborative leadership.

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The funding for these projects is a result of the partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Pikes Peak Alliance, which was established recently. This partnership has been in the works for years, with involvement from local and federal agencies. Its roots can be traced back to an Executive Order signed by Governor Polis in 2020, creating the Regional Partnerships Initiative.

The investments into the Pikes Peak region will span from the summit of Pikes Peak, standing at 14,115 feet, to the depths of the Royal Gorge. This will bring new opportunities to the region and contribute to its thriving outdoor economy. Great Outdoors Colorado, an organization that invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds into preserving and enhancing the state's parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces, is also involved in this initiative.

Overall, this grant marks a significant step towards expanding recreation access and opportunities while also promoting responsible natural resource conservation in the Pikes Peak region. The collaboration between various partners and agencies highlights their commitment to preserving this beautiful landscape for future generations to enjoy.

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