During the November 2023 Election, Grand County voters approved an extension and expansion of the 0.3% countywide sales tax for operation of the Open Lands, Rivers and Trails Fund (OLRT).

That expansion allowed for additional projects and entities to be considered for funding.  For example, the Middle Park Conservation District is now considered an eligible entity that can apply for "Water Quality & River Restoration" projects as well as "Wildfire Mitigation and Prevention" projects. The Grand County Wildfire Council and Grand County Fire Districts were also added as eligible applicants for wildfire projects.

What does that mean for residents/producers?

The expansion of eligible projects means that residents/producers who have potential Water Quality and River Restoration projects in mind can now work with the Middle Park Conservation District to apply for OLRT funds. 

For Wildfire Mitigation projects, MPCD is refering residents to the Grand County Wildfire Council.

How should residents/producers with potential projects apply?

OLRT has two grant cycles a year (see the dates below).  Individuals with projects in  mind should review the application materials and REACH OUT TO MPCD to discuss your project in more detail.  The criteria of what is allowed under the "Water Quality & River Restoration" condition is pretty vague, with much of the discretion left to the OLRT advisory committee to decide.  

 If you have a project that even remotely addresses Water Quality, contact MPCD (970-724-3456, ext 4 or middleparkcd@gmail.com) to discuss a potential application for OLRT funds. Individuals are NOT ALLOWED to apply directly...they must apply through MPCD or another eligible entity.  

Potential projects might include replacements of faulty headgates.

Grant Cycles

Spring 2026 Grant Cycle
February 9, 2026: Grant cycle opens
March 13, 2026: Applications due to OLRT (Due to MPCD by March 6  so we can get it to OLRT by the 13th)
April 28, 2026: OLRTAC makes recommendations to Grand County BOCC

Fall 2026 Grant Cycle
August 3, 2026: Grant cycle opens
September 4, 2026: Applications due (Due to MPCD by August 27th so we can get it to OLRT by the 3rd)
October 20, 2026: OLRTAC makes recommendations to Grand County BOCC