Money available for fishing, boating use improvements

    Local governments and community organizations have an opportunity to obtain some of the $1.7 million in Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division grant money for public shooting range site, fishing facilities and boating use area improvements.
    The funds represent a combination of state money and federal excise taxes on the sale of boating, hunting and fishing equipment. Rick Cables, director of CPW, urges communities to apply for funds because “outdoor recreation is a powerful driver for local economies and jointly building these projects is a win-win for everyone.” A 2008 CPW research study found that hunting and fishing recreation contribute $1.8 billion annually to Colorado’s economy.
    Nine hundred thousand dollars are available for local fishing facility improvements, such as fishing docks. Three hundred thousand is set aside for boating ammenities including boat ramps, docks, access roads and aquatic nuisance species (zebra mussel infections) cleaning facilities. A half-million dollars will go to shooting range uses for such improvements as berms, backstops, fencing and signage or parking.
    Fishing grant applications are due March 1; boating requests are due March 2; and shooting range applications Feb. 1. Additional information is on the parks and wildlife division website or by calling 303-297-1192.
     Those with creative art talent can compete for a $3,500 first prize in the CPW’s 2012 waterfowl stamp art contest. The state waterfowl stamp program started in 1990 and has involved Colorado artist in the annual competition.
    Artists who enter the competition must submit a 13-inch high by 18-inch wide, full-color original art work with a $50 fee. A full application packet is available HERE.
    Two other outdoor applications of interest are the Colorado spring turkey licenses (due Feb. 9; the season opener is April 14) and the city of Westminster Standley Lake 2012 boating permits. Call 303-425-1097. Applications are due Feb. 5. The first day of boating is May 1.

Contact the author at Ron-Hellbusch@comcast.net.