Rep. Herod Introduced HB21-1318 to the Colorado Legislature, aimed to create and Outdoor Equity Fund for Colorado Youth
GOLDEN, CO (May 17, 2021) — Today, State Representative Leslie Herod introduced HB21-1318 to establish an Outdoor Equity Fund in Colorado. The Fund, co-sponsored in the Senate by Senate President Leroy Garcia, would establish a grant program aimed to provide equitable opportunities for Colorado youth to enjoy the outdoors.
Colorado contains some of the most treasured forests, rivers, and landscapes, like the Continental Divide, in the world, but the opportunity to enjoy these places is not equitable. Historically, communities of color and low-income communities have been systematically excluded from the benefits that the outdoors provides in terms of health, social connections, and educational experiences. To counter these chronic barriers, the Colorado Equity Fund would use funding from the Colorado Lottery to provide grants directly to the communities most impacted, starting with $750,000 for this fiscal year and reaching $3 million by the end of the fourth year. Funds can be utilized to cover programming costs, equipment and gear rentals, staff, and transportation.
“The establishment of an Outdoor Equity Fund in Colorado will help to address the barriers many communities face in accessing places like the Continental Divide Trail,” says Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. “This legislation is not only an opportunity to work toward environmental justice and equitable access, but will invest in the next generation of stewards interested in ensuring the state’s lands and waters remain vibrant and healthy far into the future. We at CDTC applaud Rep. Herrod for her leadership and advocacy on this critical piece of legislation, and we look forward to working with communities all along the Divide to make the most of this historic opportunity.”
The Colorado Outdoor Equity Fund follows the model of similar, successful programs in New Mexico and California. The Fund in Colorado has the support of over 60 local, state, and national organizations who formed the Colorado Outdoor Equity Fund Coalition to give underserved youth equitable opportunities to experience Colorado’s outdoors.
About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.
