We are fortunate to live in a state like Colorado that offers stunning landscapes and unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities. There is no other place I would rather call home – for my family or my business. Part of what makes Colorado so beautiful is our collective, unabashed commitment to investing in parks, public lands and water, wildlife and the outdoor recreation culture itself.  Right now, that continued support is needed as the state legislature considers reauthorizing the Colorado Lottery that funds the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) program, which supports our outdoor lifestyle and ensures that as Colorado’s population grows, our special way of life is protected.

Since GOCO was established by voters in 1992, the funds generated through the Colorado Lottery have been directed to benefit GOCO, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Colorado Conservation Trust Fund.  Since the program’s inception, GOCO has contributed more than $1.1 billion in lottery proceeds to more than 5,000 projects to all 64 counties in Colorado -without the support of even a single tax dollar.

These funds have been used by non-profits, land trusts, and local counties to create and improve over 1,600 local parks, transform 44 school playgrounds, restore and construct over 900 miles of trails, protect 1,000 miles of rivers, and conserve over a million acres for wildlife and continued agricultural use.

In my hometown of Steamboat Springs, GOCO has played a critical role in keeping our outdoor recreation heritage alive and thriving.  GOCO has funded training facilities at the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club – which has a long history of producing some of the world’s best athletes and Olympians. GOCO has also invested in land conservation, keeping our local ranching tradition alive, opened stream access to anglers, and developed miles of recreational trails along the Yampa river.

All of this was made possible by proceeds generated through the Colorado Lottery. The Colorado Lottery is a critical link to keeping places like Steamboat Springs, and places across the state, the “Colorado” that we want it to be. What’s most remarkable about GOCO’s efforts however, is their contributions are not unique to Routt County. In fact, every county in the state has been the recipient of funding from GOCO. These investments must continue to keep Colorado, Colorado.

As the president of Smartwool, I know that investing in our great outdoors and protecting the places we recreate is not only the right thing to do, but a smart investment in our recreation industry as well.  As Colorado continues to court and attract those who recreate in the outdoors, it is important that we continue to make wise investments in the protection of our parks, open space, agriculture, trails and playgrounds to ensure that we can accommodate the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and keep our economy moving forward.

So, as the Colorado state legislature considers legislation to extend the authorization of the state’s Lottery Division, we should all speak up and be supportive of just what GOCO has meant to our state – and what it will mean to our future.  Our elected officials should be encouraged to maintain this valued program as our state continues to grow and faces increased pressures on our outdoor resources and needs for outdoor recreation opportunities. It is imperative that we reauthorize the Colorado Lottery, and subsequently GOCO, to continue Colorado’s longstanding and successful tradition of investing in our outdoors. It’s one of Colorado’s best ideas.

Let’s keep Colorado a special place by continuing the investment of Lottery proceeds in our great outdoors. Learn more at KeepitCO.org.