The governor of Colorado made a big announcement this week for hikers and nature lovers in the state. John Hickenlooper said the state will connect and build 16 hiking and biking trails in all parts of Colorado. The new plan will make it easier for people to access open space and parks, says member station KUNC.
The idea is part of Governor Hickenlooper’s Colorado the Beautiful initiative, which he unveiled last year. The governor said he thinks it's especially important to make sure more children are connecting with nature. He hopes the new hike-and-bike trails will help get more Coloradans outdoors more often.
Great Outdoors Colorado will fund the project through lottery sales. The organization has earmarked the first $10 million in their budget for these 16 trails projects. Other funds will come from the Department of Transportation, Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Local Affairs. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is developing an interactive trail map to make it easier for people to access the trails.