Grand County committee takes a field trip to tax-funded Himebaugh Gulch conservation easement
Open Lands, Rivers and Trails Advisory Committee administrator
Grand County’s Open Lands, Rivers and Trails Advisory Committee/Courtesy photo
On Aug. 30 several members of Grand County’s Open Lands, Rivers and Trails Advisory Committee, the Town of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado Headwaters Land Trust and Grand County Commissioner Richard Cimino toured the Himebaugh Gulch conservation easement near Hot Sulphur Springs. Every year, the advisory committee hosts a field trip to tour one of the projects that was funded from the sales tax generated from the Open Lands, Rivers, and Trails (OLRT) fund.
“Himebaugh Gulch is one of my favorite OLRT projects to talk about because it showcases collaboration between multiple Grand County nonprofits and the Town of Hot Sulphur Springs, and the public can easily access and enjoy this beautiful property,” Anna Drexler-Dreis the administrator for Open Lands, Rivers and Trails Advisory Committee said.
This project was made possible due to three awards from the OLRT Fund. In 2019, Colorado Headwaters Land Trust received $550,000 to complete a purchased conservation easement to permanently protect the 270 acres. In 2020, the Town of Hot Sulphur Springs received $245,000 to purchase the property allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the natural settings, trails and provide access to U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife lands.
In 2022, the Town of Hot Sulphur Springs received $55,060 to maintain the non-motorized trail. The trail can be accessed via foot, horseback or bike. There will be a National Public Lands Day volunteer event in September at Himebaugh Gulch to continue to fix some of the eroded sections.
The Fall 2023 grant cycle for the OLRT Fund closes on Sept. 15 and interested organizations can find more information and apply by visiting the commitees page on Grand County’s website.
The advisory committee is also looking to fill three positions that will be vacant starting in January 2024. Open positions include District 1, Hot Sulphur Springs and Grand Lake. To qualify you must be a resident of Grand County, preferably residing in District 1, Hot Sulphur Springs, or Grand Lake. Submit questions, resume, and letter of interest to olrtac@co.grand.co.us by Nov. 3. Members are not compensated for their services.
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