Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has generously awarded $60,000 to CYCA for a variety of projects across the state! CWCB has selected the following corps projects, which will be completed by three conservation corps between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020:
- Meadows Greenbelt and Dutch Creek Drainage Russian Olive Removal: Mile High Youth Corps will remove over 200 Russian olive trees within the Foothills Parks & Recreation District. This project will improve overall water quality, reduce erosion and flooding, help restore the watershed, and reduce the likelihood and severity of future re-infestation across 40.5 acres of riparian area.
- Invasive Tree Removal along the Arkansas River Trail: Mile High Youth Corps will continue its efforts with City of Pueblo Parks and Recreation staff to address invasive tree infestation along the Arkansas River Trail, a 9.8-mile multi-use trail that connects multiple communities in Pueblo County. The trail has become overgrown with invasive vegetation, impeding trail usage and access to recreation areas, and also posing a safety risk. Once these invasive species are removed, native vegetation such as cottonwood, willow, and other plants and grasses will have access to more water, sunlight and soil nutrients.
- Russian Olive Removal and Habitat Improvements on the Lower Colorado River: Western Colorado Conservation Corps will service three critical riparian areas along the Colorado River in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. By treating invasive phreatophyte plants and weed species in this area, the corps will be contributing significantly to the ability to protect each site’s unique recreational, ecological and historical qualities.
- 416 Fire Local Restoration Project: Southwest Conservation Corps – Four Corners will partner will Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) to treat weed infestations resulting from the 416 Fire of 2018 on private lands bordering the San Juan National Forest. Following a series of MSI “listening sessions,” a strike team will collaborate with volunteers and homeowners to seed and revegetate the treated areas.
Thank you, CWCB, for generously funding these worthwhile service projects that will benefit Colorado’s communities and landscapes – and create rewarding service opportunities for youth and young people!
