§ 33-9-201 — Legislative declaration

Colorado § 33-9-201

• Jurisdiction: Colorado
• Title 33: Parks and
• Art.: Administration of Parks and Wildlife

Text

(1) The general assembly finds that:

(a) The purpose of the outdoor equity grant program is to increase access
and opportunity for underserved youth and their families to experience Colorado's
open spaces, state parks, public lands, and other outdoor areas through programs
with a focus on conservation, the environment, outdoor education, or outdoor
recreation;

(b) Colorado is a state of dynamic growth, change, and progress. It is
internationally renowned for its beauty and vast scope of year-round outdoor
activities, natural landscapes, and mountain adventures.

(c) Paradoxically, despite the plethora of outdoor opportunities, certain
demographics of Colorado youth and their families face real challenges and
obstacles to accessing nature;

(d) A clear lack of equity exists for low-income, inner-city, rural, or racially
and ethnically diverse youth, for youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
or queer or questioning, for Native American or indigenous youth, and for youth with
disabilities to engage in meaningful outdoor experiences and nature-based
education;

(e) Historic and chronic systemic inequities have made access to nature
more challenging for these youth;

(f) Research confirms that time spent outside is essential to health and well-being; it improves physical and mental health, reduces stress, and enhances social
skills; and

(g) More time spent in nature for dispossessed youth can translate to better
academic performance, increased enthusiasm for school and school activities, and a
lessened likelihood for attendance problems.

(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that it is necessary to
establish an outdoor equity grant program to fund programs and meaningful
experiences led by community members and leaders who understand the unique
needs and perspectives of underserved youth and their communities in order to
ensure long-term and sustainable investments for new generations of outdoor
enthusiasts and conservationists.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2021: Entire part added, (HB 21-1318), ch. 272, p. 1572, � 1, effective June 21.