In a state celebrated for its breathtaking mountains, verdant valleys and endless opportunities for adventure, it is disheartening to recognize that equitable access to the great outdoors remains elusive for many Coloradans. 

At the Colorado Mountain Club, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusive outdoor experiences that ensure everyone — regardless of background — can forge a meaningful connection with nature. That is why we wholeheartedly champion the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program, or OEGP, which embodies our shared commitment to bridge this critical gap.

Established in 2021, the OEGP addresses the barriers that have historically prevented marginalized and underserved youth from experiencing the splendor of Colorado’s natural landscapes. For example, The Latinx population in the United States, estimated to compose 28% of the country’s population by 2050, has a long history of public land use. Yet while research on Latinx outdoor recreation in urban green spaces has increased over the past 20 years, research on Latinx outdoor recreation on federal and state public lands has waned. 

Fortunately, organizations like The Colorado Mountain Club have benefited from the $50,000 grant received through the OEGP, enabling us to welcome individuals who might otherwise lack the resources to participate in our programs.

The OEGP has proven to be transformative. Since 2021, it has allocated an impressive $8.5 million to enhance outdoor experiences for 65,000 youth across 51 counties. This includes youth of color, low-income youth, those with disabilities and other marginalized groups. From the Four Corners to the Eastern Plains, this OEGP is opening doors for young Coloradans, allowing them to reap the abundant benefits nature has to offer.

However, the demand for these grants far outstrips the available funding. While the program is primarily financed through Colorado Lottery spillover dollars, its current cap of $3 million falls drastically short of the more than $21 million requested in the most recent grant cycle. This disparity means numerous promising initiatives remain unfunded, leaving many young Coloradans without access to transformative outdoor experiences.

We urge Colorado lawmakers to embrace the vision of a fully funded OEGP that provides youth with educational, recreational, cultural, workforce and conservation opportunities in our cherished outdoors by supporting House Bill 1215. In the years the overall lottery revenue exceeds the projected cap, the bill would add an additional 30% of those additional funds to the OEGP fund. By increasing investment in this already successful program, we can ensure that more youth and families enjoy the recreational opportunities that make Colorado such a remarkable place to call home.

The case for more funding goes beyond simply experiencing the outdoors; it is an investment in Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy. Introducing youth and families to the joys of outdoor activities cultivates a culture of belonging for communities historically excluded from our shared public lands. When young people engage with the outdoors, they develop healthier habits, enhance cognitive function, and foster stronger community ties. Additionally, by nurturing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, we lay the groundwork for future environmental stewards and advocates.

We also wish to express our gratitude to the bill sponsors who have ensured the OEGP made it into committee: Reps. Rick Taggart and Junie Joseph and Sens. Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer. Your dedication to expanding access to our beautiful landscapes is commendable, and we are grateful for your efforts in championing this program.

The bipartisan support for expanding the OEGP reflects a collective aspiration to make Colorado’s outdoors accessible to all. It acknowledges that fostering inclusion within our stunning landscapes enhances the overall well-being of our communities and economy. 

But we cannot stop here. To achieve true equity, we need sustained, long-term investment in the OEGP — a commitment to ensuring every Coloradan can thrive in the outdoors, enjoying the myriad physical and mental benefits that come with it.

With increased funding, we can envision a future where all Colorado youth, regardless of their backgrounds, can embark on their first hiking experience without the complications of transportation or navigating new terrain alone. We can create programs that offer immersive environmental education, cultivate leadership skills, strengthen communities, and nurture lifelong conservation advocates. For the Colorado Mountain Club, this funding will allow our conservation education initiatives to flourish, integrating these vital lessons into all aspects of our work.

Colorado decision-makers, we call on you to secure additional sustainable funding for the OEGP, making it possible for all Colorado youth and families to experience the immense beauty of our public lands. By expanding outdoor access, we can ensure the vibrancy and resilience of our communities for generations to come. Together, we can unlock a “Colorado for All” — a state where everyone feels a profound sense of belonging and stewardship in the great outdoors.

Gabriel Romero of Golden is the development director of the Colorado Mountain Club.

The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of columnists and editorial writers do not reflect the opinions of the newsroom. Read our ethics policy for more on The Sun’s opinion policy. Learn how to submit a column. Reach the opinion editor at opinion@coloradosun.com.

Follow Colorado Sun Opinion on Facebook.