The Chaffee Common Ground Citizens Advisory Committee released its sixth annual report, summarizing total investments and the program’s sixth funding cycle.

In 2024, $1,616,745 in grants were awarded, including $747,526 for forest health and wildfire resilience, $333,000 to sustain rural landscapes, and $536,219 for recreation management that protects watersheds and landscapes in Chaffee County. Matching cash and in-kind funds totaled $5,703,011.

Since the program began, $9.4 million has been awarded to dozens of local groups and partnerships. Matching investments for these grants will bring $35 million in value to the community by 2027.

This annual report is the sixth installment of a commitment to accountability made during the 2018 ballot measure campaign that funded Common Ground through a 0.25% county sales tax. 

Major investments this year include support for forest treatments as planned and executed by the Forest Health Council, which is now comprised of 50 leaders who work together to implement the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The top goal is to treat 30,000 priority acres by 2030 to improve wildfire resiliency. Grants also support staff and equipment for firefighters and foresters.

Common Ground continues to directly support agricultural sustainability by funding land conservation opportunities, irrigation ditch maintenance projects, virtual fencing to manage cattle movement, and additional programs that help keep ranches in operation. 

Investments in recreation management focus on protecting watersheds and landscapes from the impacts of dispersed camping, hiking and other outdoor visitation. For details about all investments, view the report.