As we transition from summer to fall, we hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather and the incredible colors of the leaves as they change. While we look forward to the recreation opportunities offered in the fall and winter, we continue to work on a variety of projects to ensure that the trail and open space system in the Pikes Peak region is preserved and expanded.  

Please see the information below to learn of some opportunities that could benefit from your participation and interest.  

The Board of County Commissioners will continue discussions on the 2009 budget on Monday, September 29 at 9 a.m. at the County Office Building.  

The Budget Department has provided two potential budgets if the November ballot issue does not pass.   The first proposal includes a spending cut of 10% across the board, which would result in a reduction of $103,000 for Parks.  The second proposal includes the elimination of all tax support for Parks ($623,000).  If the Safer Communities Initiative (Ballot issue 1A) does pass, Parks would incur a 5% reduction or $52,000.  

Please take some time out of your day on Monday to let the Board of County Commissioners know how you feel about the 2009 Budget proposals and their potential impacts on parks. 

Palmer Land Trust will be hosting an art show of art created by local artists of some of the beautiful properties on Palmer Land Trust properties. The art show will be at the Gay and Lesbian Fund of Colorado, located at 315 E. Costilla, on Friday, September 26th from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday, September 27th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  For more information, please visit www.palmerlandtrust.org.

You can also shop online at your favorite retailers and support TOSC. Visit www.goodshop.com, select the retailer, and shop away! A portion of your purchase will be donated to TOSC (just remember to designate us!).   

We will be at a number of community fairs in the next few weeks, including Fort Carson, El Paso Western Pipelines, the Air Force Academy, Peterson and the City Administratio Building. If you will be attending any of these fairs, please stop by to say hello, pick up a map of Red Rock Canyon or Cheyenne Mountain State Park and share your stories from the trails. If your workplace holds a community fair, please make sure TOSC is invited! Call 633-6884 for additional information.   

Our Combined Federal Campaign Number is 96565. Our Community Shares Number is 5100. You can also write us into any United Way Campaign. Thank you!