DENVER - The State of Colorado received a $750,000 award this month through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for establishing and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities.

"This award ensures we can continue to broaden and strengthen Colorado's outdoor recreation community," said Bob Broscheid, Colorado Parks and Wildlife director.

The award is disbursed to local governments through an annual grant cycle administered by Colorado State Trails Program, within CPW. Applications are analyzed and scored based upon priorities outlined in Colorado's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).

The Town of Lyons, hit hard by last years flood, was recently selected by CPW to receive LWCF funds. Lyons Park & Recreation Director, David Cosgrove, is anxious to get the project started.

"Everything up to this point has been emergency and temporary measures," said Cosgrove. "These funds are critical in our flood recovery efforts, now we can move forward on permanent structures that will bring folks back."

Since the programs inception, CPW has awarded almost 1,000 projects on LWCF's behalf, totaling approximately $58 million throughout Colorado. Each projects improves the quality of life for the 90 percent of Coloradans who participate in outdoor recreation to bike and hike endless trails, and fish local lakes.

The LWCF was established by Congress in 1964 to ensure access to outdoor recreation resources for present and future generation, and to provide money to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands for the benefit of all Americans.

For more news about Colorado Parks and Wildlife go to: http://cpw.state.co.us

For more information about Colorado Parks and Wildlife go to: http://cpw.state.co.us.

Contact: Matt Robbins 303-291-7482