SAM Magazine - Copper Mountain, CO., March 23, 2007 - Three local conservation groups have been chosen by Copper Mountain and the National Forest Foundation (NFF) as the first ever recipients of the Ski Area Contribution Program (SCP) grants. The program raises funds through a partnership with Copper's lodging guests and matching donations from the National Forest Foundation. Since the fall of 2006, Copper has raised more than $35,000 with the program, which encourages guests to make donations of $1 per room night. For every dollar contributed by Copper lodging guests, the NFF invests $.50, which allows $1.50 to be invested in on-the-ground conservation projects. SCP grants are intended for nonprofit groups to implement projects in direct benefit of the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest. The grants awarded through Copper's SCP are focused mainly on the areas of Recreation and Community-Based Forestry within the Dillon Ranger District.

"The Ski Area Contribution Program allows Copper to generate funds for our National Forest lands while educating guests on the importance of stewardship," says Copper Mountain Environmental Manager Jen Schenk. "Copper is pleased to work with local nonprofit groups on these action-oriented programs within the Dillon Ranger District."

Recipients of this year's grants are:

The Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD).

The FDRD has been awarded a grant to complete eight service projects, which include trail maintenance, natural resource rehabilitation and noxious weed removal. FDRD will also partner with Volunteers for Colorado (VOC) on improvements to Mahan Lakes Trail. In addition, the SCP funds will assist the FDRD in hiring a volunteer coordinator for these service projects.

The John J. Hill Memorial Fund.

The John J. Hill Memorial Fund has been awarded a grant to hire a trail crew leader to supervise trail improvement projects. The Hill Memorial Fund has partnered with the Dillon Ranger District for the past 18 years by providing at-risk youth the opportunity to complete conservation projects in the White River National Forest. The SCP grant will provide funding for these students to complete trail maintenance on trails including the Meadow Creek Trail and the Mt. Royal Trail and install 15 firepits at the Green Mountain Reservoir campgrounds. Firepit funding will be provided from the Forest Service camping fee revenue collected in this area.

Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited has been awarded a grant to fund projects for improved access to the Blue River at Hammer Bridge. The project will include the addition of a boat ramp, creation of a trail to the river and revegetation of impacted areas.

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