Great Outdoors Colorado - GOCO Strategic Plan

Foreword

This revision to the Strategic Plan that guides the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board’s spending is prompted by the increase in Lottery proceeds GOCO will begin receiving in 1999. Then, GOCO’s share of Lottery proceeds will increase from an average of $20 million annually to $35 million a year adjusted for inflation -- approximately $44 million in Fiscal Year 1999/2000.

This funding increase comes at a time filled with challenges posed by the rapid growth Colorado has experienced in the last decade. Since 1990, the state’s population has increased more than 20 percent. Competition for land is intense and real estate prices continue to increase. These factors are resulting in loss of open spaces, destruction of wildlife habitats, and increased demand for places to recreate.

At the same time, Coloradans concern about the state’s outdoor resources remains a strong focus as the GOCO Board learned from the more than 1500 people who participated in the strategic planning process. Citizens value our state’s natural amenities and share a commitment to preserving them for generations to come.

GOCO’s funding will continue to be an important tool in addressing the outdoor resource challenges Colorado faces. Much has been achieved since GOCO awarded its first grants in 1994; however, there is still much more to do. Demand for GOCO grants, which has outpaced dollars available by three to one since 1994, will continue to be significant. The need to work together in partnership to achieve GOCO’s mission will continue.

Through its strategic planning process, the Board learned grantees and citizens want to see current GOCO programs continued. At the same time, they support dedicating new revenues to targeted initiatives outlined in this plan. Based on the input it received, the protection and stewardship of land and water for open space, wildlife, parks and outdoor recreation will continue to be the highest priority for the GOCO Board.

This plan will guide GOCO’s granting until July of 2009 when the Lottery is scheduled to sunset, though the Board will regularly review the long term goals it sets. Every year, the Board will determine the amount and types of grants it will give, and, as has become the tradition of GOCO, it will continue to seek input from Coloradans. The Board will also remain innovative and flexible so that it can address new challenges that arise in the coming years and take advantage of special opportunities. Finally, the Board will establish benchmarks to measure its success at achieving the long-term goals of this plan.

Great Outdoors Colorado continues to present a unique opportunity: an opportunity to preserve Colorado’s natural heritage; an opportunity to enhance our quality of life and; an opportunity to keep our state as special tomorrow as it is today. The GOCO Board looks forward to working together to optimize that opportunity.