Representatives from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) briefed the Parks and Wildlife Commission on July 18 about grant investments, the Director's Innovation Fund awards to CPW, and GOCO West Region activities affecting Mesa and surrounding counties.

Dan Zimmer, Parks and Wildlife partnership manager for GOCO, outlined GOCO's funding model (up to 50% of net lottery proceeds distributed to GOCO) and the organization's statutory quadrant investments in outdoor recreation, wildlife, conservation and local parks. Zimmer said GOCO invested nearly $1.5 billion across more than 5,800 projects statewide since inception and awarded about $99 million in grants in fiscal year 2024.

Zimmer described this year's Director's Innovation Fund (DIF) program—$150,000 authorized to CPW projects—and highlighted DIF awards for drone‑assisted wildlife work, paleontological protection of a fossil site, badger/ferret research prototypes and a $50,000 grant for indigenous engagement on state parks. He said GOCO and CPW coordinate review and that GOCO works to align investments with CPW strategic goals.

Katie Smith, GOCO West Region program officer, summarized West Region priorities and recent investments in Mesa County including Reid Park renovations in Fruita and completion of a missing Lunch Loop trail segment. Smith noted regional challenges such as visitation pressures, infrastructure and drought, and highlighted GOCO investments in conservation and recreation in the West.

Commissioners thanked GOCO for its long‑term investments and noted GOCO's role in local economic support through events and park projects. GOCO staff said the board will meet in September in Pueblo and referred commissioners to new RPI grant rounds now open for applications.