BLM-CO Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Shared Conservation Project, Royal Gorge Field Office

The project area for this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area or AHRA, which encompasses public lands within the BLMâ¿¿s Royal Gorge Field Office. The Colorado Office of the Bureau of Land Management, Royal Gorge Field Office (RGFO), manages 687,000 acres of public lands, along with 3.3 million acres of mineral estate, from the continental divide to the west to the eastern boundary of the state. The public lands and resources administered by the RGFO are among Colorado's greatest assets, benefitting local communities and our nation. Public lands managed by the RGFO offer a variety of Colorado's recreation opportunities in close proximity to Front Range metropolitan cities, including rock climbing in Shelf Road Recreation Area and picnicking and visiting a swimming hole in Guffey Gorge Day-Use Area. BLM Royal Gorge Field Office is seeking a partner/cooperator to enhance visitors' experiences and provide quality recreation opportunities along the Arkansas River. This includes developing and managing an outreach, education, and stewardship program that addresses the following: 1) promotes responsible use of the river corridor; 2) educates youth about the river environment; 3) makes contacts with public land visitors along the corridor; 4) assists with effectively managing visitor use; 5) and is responsible for providing infrastructure improvements that enhance visitor access along the Arkansas River. As a result of this funded project, the public will have more access to recreational opportunities available on public lands, including fishing, wildlife watching, whitewater rafting, hiking, and other activities. The objectives of this project align with the U.S. Department of Interior's Strategic Plan 2018-2022 to increase access to recreational opportunities, enhance visitor experience, and improve infrastructure and facilities available on public lands.