In April of 2020*, 1% for Open Space granted High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) $12,800 to carry out four different stewardship projects in the Gunnison Valley. This was the first time 1% for Open Space and HCCA partnered together since 1%’s beginning in 1997. This partnership was inspired by a realization by 1% for Open Space to start funding stewardship related projects in the valley. The HCCA project was the third time our organization funded a stewardship project in our 23 years.
The four projects funded through this grant include the Taylor Park Road Closures and Riparian Restoration Project, the Black Sage Pass and Flat Top Mountain Wet Meadows Project, the Signal Peak Trail Closures Project, and the Chance Gulch Wet Meadows Projects. The two wet meadows projects, which have seen much previous success, restore wetland habitat, help prevent future droughts and rebuild habitat for crucial species including the Gunnison Sage Grouse. The trail closure projects help restore wildlife corridors and habitat for the Gunnison Sage Grouse as well as mitigate erosion in riparian ecosystems that have declined due to rogue trails. The projects align with our values of preserving wildlife habitat, improving ecosystem integrity and protecting recreational access.
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Flat Top and Chance Gulch Wet Meadows project were delayed until the summer of 2021, when they were successfully carried out. 1% agreed to push the remainder of our funding to the 2021 delayed carry out of these two projects.
*During the month April of 2020, Colorado was in a statewide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All communications associated with funding this grant were over email or occurred during virtual meetings.
Photo Credit: Brett Henderson