Copper Mountain and the National Forest Foundation (NFF) are pleased to announce the first recipients of the Ski Area Contribution Program (SCP) grants. SCP grants are intended for nonprofit groups to implement projects in direct benefit of the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest. The grants awarded through Copper’s SCP are focused mainly on the areas of Recreation and Community-Based Forestry within the Dillon Ranger District. Since the program’s inception in November 2006, Copper and the NFF have raised and granted more that $35,000; the program continues year-round at the resort.
“The Ski Area Contribution Program allows Copper to generate funds for our National Forest lands while educating guests on the importance of stewardship,” said Copper Mountain Environmental Manager Jen Schenk. “Copper is pleased to work with local nonprofit groups on these action-oriented programs within the Dillon Ranger District.”
The Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) has been awarded a grant to complete eight service projects which include trail maintenance, natural resource rehabilitation and noxious weed removal. FDRD will also partner with Volunteers for Colorado (VOC) on improvements to Mahan Lakes Trail. In addition, the SCP funds will assist the FDRD in hiring a volunteer coordinator for these service projects.
“Friends of the Dillon Ranger District is thrilled to grow our relationship with these two key partners. Copper and the NFF now support our Service Project Season Program – a program projected to produce more than 3,700 volunteer hours in 2007,” said Guff Van Vooren, Executive Director of FDRD. “This is a very big step for our organization as we continue to grow capacity of our programs and related infrastructure to support this growth. We would like to thank Copper, the Guests of Copper, and the NFF for their generous support of our efforts.”
The John J. Hill Memorial Fund has been awarded a grant to hire a trail crew leader to supervise trail improvement projects. The Hill Memorial Fund has partnered with the Dillon Ranger District for the past 18 years by providing at-risk youth the opportunity to complete conservation projects in the White River National Forest. The SCP grant will provide funding for these students to complete trail maintenance on trails including the Meadow Creek Trail and the Mt. Royal Trail and install 15 firepits at the Green Mountain Reservoir campgrounds. Firepit funding will be provided from the Forest Service camping fee revenue collected in this area.
Trout Unlimited has been awarded a grant to fund projects for improved access to the Blue River at Hammer Bridge. The project will include the addition of a boat ramp, creation of a trail to the river and revegetation of impacted areas.
Funds have been raised though Copper’s voluntary lodging guest contribution program which encourages guests to make donations of $1 per room night. For every dollar contributed by Copper lodging guests, the NFF invests $.50, which allows $1.50 to be invested in on-the-ground conservation projects. All funds raised are used to complete local forest conservation projects in the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest. The NFF encourages organizations to position their proposed projects into at least one of our areas of programmatic emphasis. These areas are Recreation, Wildlife Habitat Improvement, Community-Based Forestry and Watershed Health and Restoration.
For more information on Copper Mountain’s Environmental Initiatives or to read Copper’s 2006 Environmental Report, please visit /aboutus/environment/index.htm.
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About Copper
Copper Mountain is easily accessible and only 75 miles from Denver with 2,450 acres of world-class terrain and a pedestrian village that feels less complicated. Copper’s guests enjoy steps away lodging, après entertainment, naturally divided terrain, exciting events and a playful, knowledgeable staff. Begin your Copper experience with the online videos and photo galleries at coppercolorado.com.
About National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation is a nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, dedicated to engaging Americans in the conservation and stewardship of our National Forests and Grasslands. To learn more about the National Forest Foundation, please visit www.natlforests.org; for information on recreation and volunteer opportunities on our National Forests and joining Friends of the Forest®, visit www.becomeafriend.org.
