Open Space advisory board backs support for Wildlands’ climate-informed conservation plan application

The Carbon County Open Space Advisory Board on Oct. 1 agreed to support a grant application led by Wildlands to produce a climate‑informed conservation plan that would prioritize properties in the county for protection.

Anna, a member of the open‑space program staff, told the board the Open Space Institute has opened a Catalyst grant round under its Appalachian Landscapes Project, that applications are due Dec. 9 and that award notifications are expected by February. She said the grant would fund planning only — not land acquisition or implementation — and that the maximum request the board would consider is $20,000.

Maggie Whitmer, representing Wildlands and described in the meeting as the project GIS specialist, said the proposal would use new OSI data plus county criteria to identify climate‑resilient priorities and support municipal outreach. “We’d like to write in our grant that we’re going to be partnering with the open space advisory board to help complete this plan and forward the community input for this plan,” she said.

Board members sought clarification about whether the advisory board has authority to express support directly or whether the county commissioners should formally back the application. Members agreed a letter of support from the county or the commissioners would strengthen the application if the commissioners were willing; they also asked staff to confirm any limits on the advisory board’s ability to make formal commitments.

A motion was made on the record that the advisory board recommend support for Wildlands’ pursuit of the Catalyst grant and collaborate on the planning process; members discussed drafting a brief letter of support and asked Anna to carry the board’s recommendation to the commissioners for any required sign‑off or additional letter. The board noted the grant is for plan creation — funding would pay for GIS analysis, community meetings and other planning deliverables, not for land purchases or implementation.

Board members also discussed timing for the application and agreed to aim to have a near‑complete grant packet before Thanksgiving to meet the Dec. 9 deadline and to seek a letter from the commissioners in time for submission if the commissioners agree.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: Wildlands and staff will draft application language, the advisory board will prepare a recommendation to the commissioners, and the board will attempt to secure a letter of support before the Dec. 9 deadline.