Jefferson County Parks and Open Space staff briefed commissioners on a proposed application to the State Historical Fund to pay for planning work at Dinosaur Ridge, a paleontological and geological site within the Morrison-Golden Fossil Area. Staff requested authority to apply for up to $20,000 to offset planning costs and to accept the grant if awarded.

Julia Liggott, research and grants coordinator for Parks and Open Space, and Shanna Stage, cultural resources supervisor, said the preservation plan would require a multidisciplinary team—including a paleontologist, archaeologist, historian and geologist—and would outline management and mitigation measures to protect paleontological resources while balancing public access and education. Liggott said the plan would also guide consultation with History Colorado, the State Historic Preservation Office.

Parks staff asked the board to approve submitting the application, authorize the county manager to execute grant-related documents, and to authorize a supplemental budget increase of up to $20,000 should the grant be awarded. Commissioners voiced support for the application and asked staff to place the item on a future business agenda for formal acceptance if the award is made.

Staff did not provide a final total project cost in the briefing; the amount requested from the State Historical Fund was specified as $20,000 and staff said the overall project total was in development.