COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA) received a
$2.5 million Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative Grant. Award of the grant reflects
expanded investment from
Great Outdoors Colorado and
Colorado Parks and Wildlife to advance local
recreation and conservation priorities with state support through the regional partnership program.
This is the first step in a much bigger vision for outdoor exceptionalism, a catalyst for celebration and millions
more in future investment in our natural, iconic, economic and quality of life assets.
The $2.5M grant implements the first phase of outdoor priorities of the four-year, three-county public planning
process which resulted in a final vision plan released in August. This comprehensive project exceeds $6.1M with
matching funds and includes these components:
- New and existing Ring the Peak Trail segments
- Camping expansion and management
- Wildlife habitat restoration
- Recreation management
- Year-round Ambassador Program
- Partnership capacity support
Summaries of all project components can be found here:
Project Component Summaries (Google Doc)
“This grant marks a major milestone for expanding recreation access and opportunities and strengthening resource
stewardship across the Pikes Peak region,” said Becky Leinweber, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Outdoor
Recreation Alliance. “For years, partners in the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative have worked to align priorities and
build a shared vision for this landscape. Today’s coordinated investment moves that vision from planning to real,
on-the-ground action—positioning the Pikes Peak region as a model for exceptional recreation experiences,
responsible natural resource conservation, and collaborative leadership. Strengthening our recreation
infrastructure not only protects the places we cherish—it fuels a thriving outdoor economy that benefits our entire
region both today and well into the future. PPORA is honored to lead this forward and grateful to local community
partners for investing in our leadership and expanding our capacity for this important moment.”
The Governor’s recent press release:
Governor Polis, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado Award $99.9 Million
GOCO’s press release:
Great Outdoors Colorado December 2025 Awards
For More Information
Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA)
www.ppora.org
The PPORA mission is to strengthen the outdoor recreation industry for the Pikes Peak region through leadership and
collaboration. PPORA’s work is rooted in five pillars: To GROW, INSPIRE, STRENGTHEN, STEWARD, ADVOCATE.
For resources to enjoy the outdoors in the Pikes Peak region, visit
www.pikespeakoutdoors.org.
Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative (OPPI):
https://ppora.org/oppi
OPPI involved a diverse task force of land managers, stakeholders and conservation and recreation partners leading
the effort across El Paso, Teller, and Fremont counties. The goal was to produce a comprehensive and balanced
Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Plan for the Pikes Peak region. The initiative is one of 21 Colorado Outdoor
Regional Partnerships Initiative coalitions formed across the state.
Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative:
https://copartnership.org/regional-partnerships
Funded jointly through Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado, the initiative was created to
ensure that Colorado remains a world-class outdoor destination while preserving our land, water, wildlife, and
quality of life. Grant funding is designed to support new and existing coalitions that meet criteria under a
state-level vision and advance development of local and regional planning elements to inform Colorado’s Outdoors
Strategy.
These grants build the operational strength (capacity) of new and existing groups and fund specific projects
(implementation) that create regional visions and actions.