Chaffee County commissioners approved awarding the county’s recreation‑adopter program coordination contract to Garna (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association), the organization that has run the volunteer program since its inception.

Gabe Hobson, senior planner for long‑range implementation, told the board the county issued a request for proposals and received one response, from Garna, which bid an annual coordination fee of $81,165. Hobson said the award would be prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year and that $50,500 of previously dedicated funds remain in county coffers; if the prorated amount exceeds that sum commissioners must authorize a funding source for the balance.

Hobson described the rec‑adopter program as a volunteer‑driven effort that mitigates recreation impacts on public lands, noting the program began in 2019 with GOCO funding and has grown under county support since 2021. He recommended awarding the contract to Garna given the organization’s program history.

The board voted to award the contract and directed staff to finalize the contract with Garna and identify any needed additional funds.

Why it matters: the rec‑adopter program addresses litter, sanitation and dispersed recreation impacts on public lands; as the program moves from grant funding to a standing county‑funded program, the coordination role is central to sustaining volunteer and partner operations.

What was decided: commissioners approved awarding the coordination contract to Garna at the bid price; staff will prorate payment for the remainder of the fiscal year and return to the board if additional appropriations are required.