Commissioners approve 2025 CSU Extension operational supplement; extension previews $4.5 million building and outdoor‑classroom plans

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners approved the county’s 2025 operational supplement for the Colorado State University (CSU) Extension office and heard an update on extension programs and capital projects, including plans for a new building and outdoor classroom.

County staff described the operational supplement as an annual appropriation that supports local extension staff, office supplies and operations. Presenters Bentley Henderson and Carla Foran (CSU presenters) and Carla Distel (presenting earlier for Community Counts) explained that the county contributes toward faculty positions and administrative support while CSU provides additional specialist resources and regional staff.

CSU representatives summarized services available to county residents: range management advisors working with ranchers and U.S. Forest Service range permits; economic development and ag-economics support for ranch operations; 4‑H and youth-development programming with statewide and regional specialists; Master Gardener work on school gardens; and forest and entomology support (urban-forest and invasive pests) from state foresters and entomologists who work in the region. Presenters said specialists are available to residents by phone or in person for workshops and certification classes.

The extension team updated commissioners on capital fundraising and project planning for an extension building and an outdoor classroom. They reported total project costs — including updated numbers for the building and outdoor classroom — of about $4.5 million. Presenters said the project currently has roughly $750,000 in cash donations and more than $2 million in pledges; CSU staff said in-kind donations, including proposed aggregate and concrete from a local donor, may cover major construction costs. GoCo (Great Outdoors Colorado) indicated interest in funding the outdoor classroom, and CSU staff said the county/CSU could apply for a GoCo reimbursement grant this fall; the GoCo ask was described in the meeting as approximately $250,000–$300,000 for the outdoor classroom.

Commissioners asked whether CSU specialists are available to county residents; CSU staff said specialists can be reached by phone and may do in-person visits and workshops in Garfield County. Staff also discussed the relationship between the extension office and county departments including the fair board, public health (nutrition programs), and weed‑management/agriculture programs.

Commissioners approved the operational supplement in a motion and voice vote.

Ending: CSU and county staff said they will pursue the fundraising plan, coordinate with procurement and county administration on in‑kind donations, and ask the board’s permission to apply for GoCo funding as required. The extension team will return to the board with more detailed funding and construction timelines as the project advances.