The mission of the Larimer County Open Lands Program is to preserve and provide significant open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat, parks and trails for present and future generations. These open lands provide opportunities for leisure, human renewal and protection of our natural and cultural diversity.
Small Grants Program Purpose and Goals
The Small Grants Program provides financing to small projects that enhance open lands, trails and natural areas. These projects can include improving or providing wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and wetlands on public or private land within Larimer County. The program is funded by the quarter-cent open space sales tax approved by Larimer County citizens in 1995. The funds are earmarked to "preserve and provide significant open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat, parks and trails".$10,000 will be allocated annually for grants of up to $2,000 each. Projects may be funded for only a portion of the amount requested. Projects will be considered if they meet one or more of the following criteria based on the Larimer County Open Lands Program Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. The criteria are:
- Provide or enhance natural areas, including wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and wetlands;
- Provide linkages with existing open lands;
- Provide opportunities for environmental education, outdoor recreation or nature interpretation.
Open Lands staff reviews all applications and recommends projects to the Open Lands Advisory Board for final consideration. The Board of County Commissioners awards grants to the successful applicants.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to individuals, neighborhood groups, homeowner's associations, irrigation companies, school groups, non-profit and other appropriate local organizations.
Selection Criteria?
- Open Lands Program funds are for plan implementation;
- Projects must have a direct tie to the goals and the mission of the Open Lands Program "to preserve and provide significant open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat, parks and trails..."
- All affected land owners must agree with the project prior to the grant application;
- Projects that match county money with in-kind services or private dollars are ranked higher;
- Projects with a strong community focus affecting many people or coordinating with other groups rank higher;
- If the project is part of a larger context geographically and ties in with another parcel undergoing similar management, or if it is adjacent to existing protected land or natural areas, it ranks higher;
- If, over time, the project links with another project similar in management, such as a second phase to an ongoing project, it ranks higher;
- Projects emphasizing wildlife habitat are important, however, projects which emphasize sensitive wildlife species' habitat may rank higher than for other wildlife;
- Projects emphasizing planting or habitat improvement must use native plants that are appropriate for the environment (such as those that are drought resistant, tolerant to alkaline soils and cold temperatures);
- Projects that improve or modify existing structures have a lesser priority.
Examples of Projects
Past projects include the following but we encourage other creative ideas as well:
- Homeowner's associations and schools have created xeriscape demonstration gardens;
- Homeowners have restored a wetland and wildlife habitat;
- Schools have developed and improved outdoor education areas;
- Homeowner's association created a common natural area.
To Apply For Grant
- Application Timeline
- Applications are due Monday December 23, 2002
- Review of applications will be completed in February, 2003
- Awards will be granted in March, 2003
- Requirements
- Read all information
- Call to arrange a site visit - Kerri Traynor, 970-679-4577
- Print and complete the application form, and budget worksheet (sample budget), and Financial Terms disclaimer.
Mail to:
Larimer County Parks and Open Lands
Kerri Traynor
1800 S. County Rd 31
Loveland, CO 80537
After a Grant is Awarded
- Contract: A contract between Larimer County and the grant recipient must be signed.
- Money Disbursement: The grant recipient will receive the money after the contract and other written documentation is signed and finalized.
- Documentation: Record all project expenditures; including in-kind and cash - save and submit all receipts - final financial report is due after the project is completed.
- Site Visit: Larimer County Open Lands Staff will visit project site upon completion.
- Before, during and after the project photos are also required at project completion.
Past Small Grant Applicants
"My 100 neighbors and I strongly support the leadership efforts of the Larimer County Open Lands Program to preserve open spaces in Larimer County. The Small Grants program provides important incentives to enlist private landowners as partners in preserving and managing open spaces at a minimal cost to the taxpayers." Bob Streeter, Trapper's Point Home Owners Association
"This type of project is perfect for giving the kids something to do on a Saturday morning that is both meaningful and lasting." Master Naturalist
Kathleen MacRill,
Trees, Water and People"By the end of the summer, our students had grown like the seeds they planted." Joann Wride, Loveland Youth Gardeners
"Having completed the shelter to this point has greatly enhanced our ability to provide a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping and retreat opportunity for other organizations and individuals who wish to enjoy the scenic beauty and peaceful privacy that Blue Moon Mountain Ranch can now offer them." Linda Best, Blue Moon Mountain Ranch
