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The purpose of the grant program is to encourage diverse local stakeholders to work together to develop and implement forest restoration projects that protect critical water supplies and address related forest health challenges such as wildfire risk reduction, community protection, ecological restoration and woody biomass utilization. "Colorado's forests and watersheds are among our state's most important resources and we should do all we can to protect them," said Colorado Sen. Joan Fitz-Gerald, a sponsor of HB-1130. "The number of grant applications received this year is an indication of the value that Coloradans place on our natural resources, and I'm proud that the 2007 Colorado General Assembly passed legislation to establish this program." "I was proud to introduce the legislation that set aside funding for projects to reduce the fire threats from dense stands of trees - especially those that have been killed by the ravaging bark beetle," said Colorado Rep. Dan Gibbs. "I realize that the funding for these projects is just a drop-in-the-bucket in relation to the vast needs to reduce the fire threat from the bark beetle epidemic. However, it does show how the state can come to the table and leverage funding in partnership with local and federal funding to help address this issue. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the state legislature to continue this program - and expand it if possible." Landowners and others with the legal authority to contract for work on properties where projects were being proposed were eligible to apply for grants. Projects also must be associated with a completed Community Wildfire Protection Plan approved by the Colorado State Forest Service. Additional consideration was given to project proposals that involve organizations accredited by the Colorado Youth Corps Association. Nine of the 12 selected projects will involve Colorado Youth Corps organizations. "Involving our youth in projects that benefit Colorado's natural resources not only provides young people an opportunity to gain on-the-job skills, learn self-discipline and develop leadership skills, it fosters a deep appreciation for stewardship of the land," said Jennifer Freeman, executive director of the Colorado Youth Corps Association. "As future leaders, it is important that our youth understand the value of caring for and protecting our natural resources, and we look forward to participating in projects funded by the Colorado Community Forest Restoration grant program." The state share of total project cost will not exceed 60 percent per project, and grant recipients are required to match up to 40 percent of the total project cost through cash, stumpage, in-kind contributions or federal funds. "We're excited about the opportunities these grants represent, and we thank the Colorado General Assembly for establishing the program and the Colorado Water Conservation Board for providing funding," said Harris Sherman, executive director of the Colorado Depaliment of Natural Resources. "This first go-round of grants has been impressive. I look forward to building on this success and moving rapidly to start critical on-the-ground work." ###