>From: "Shanti Toll" <shantitoll@...> >Reply-To: shanti@... >To: RedRockCanyon@... >Subject: Section 16 Request for Support >Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 11:14:30 -0600 > >Greetings Red Rock Canyon Advocates, > >Aimee Cox from the Colorado Springs Park and Recreation Department has asked the Red Rock Canyon Foundation to forward the below request.  The City needs citizens to write letters of support for a grant they are writing to purchase Section 16.  Time is short so please send you support promptly. > >This is important. > >I hope you are having a great outdoor summer! > > Shanti Toll > >July 15, 2004 > >Prepare a Letter of Support for the Acquisition of Manitou Section 16 > >In 2003, with overwhelming public support and a $1 million grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the City of Colorado Springs purchased Red Rock Canyon Open Space.  Now, GOCO has invited the City to apply for funding to acquire Manitou Section 16 in partnership with El Paso County. > >Manitou Section 16 shares many of the unique geological features and natural values found in Red Rock Canyon and along with Red Rock Canyon, creates a significant wildlife corridor and open space buffer between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. > >Manitou Section 16 could be sold to a private party if it is not purchased within the next year.  El Paso County leased the property from the State Land Board for 32 years.  The lease expired this month.  The State Land Board granted the City a one-year lease with the caveat that the City begin acquiring the property before the lease expires in 2005.  The County continues to manage the property. > >The public demands that Manitou Section 16 remain a public recreation area, but neither the City nor the County has sufficient funding to acquire the property.  TOPS funds are currently obligated to the purchase of Red Rock Canyon and El Paso County Parks has experienced deep budget cuts. GOCO, however, has set aside $60 million for large scale land acquisitions across the state.  TOPS and El Paso County can provide matching funds.  With these matching funds, Colorado Springs has a window of opportunity to secure GOCO funding and purchase Manitou Section 16.  We need your support. > >Letters of support from concerned citizens and groups are an important component of a successful grant application.  If you would like to contribute a letter, please include in the letter your name and address or organization name and address, your interest in Manitou Section 16 and any contributions you or your organization have made to the project or will offer to the project. > >A few points to consider when writing your letter: >· Manitou Section 16 along with Red Rock Canyon forms a significant buffer between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. >· Manitou Section 16 is part of a broad network of parks, open space and national forest.  Preservation of Manitou Section 16 protects wildlife corridors, recreation amenities and the foothills viewshed. >· The property's natural values and proximity to the Bear Creek Nature Center make it an excellent outdoor laboratory. >· Manitou Section 16 has been managed as a recreation area for 32 years.  There is an established and well-used system of trails and a formal trailhead.   Purchasing the property will allow recreational use to continue without interruption. > >Address Letter of Support To: > >Janis Whisman >Senior Program Manager >Great Outdoors Colorado >1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 >Denver, CO 80202 > >Send To: > >Aimee Cox >Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services >1401 Recreation Way >Colorado Springs, CO 80905 >PH:  719-385-6532 >FAX:  719-385-6599 > >DO NOT SEND LETTERS TO GOCO.  The letters must be included with the grant packet. >Letters must be received by AUGUST 2, 2004 to be included in the packet. >