Greeley Natural Areas awarded $150,000 grant; Poudre Ponds not expected to refill until 2026–27 runoff

Natural Areas staff told the Greeley Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on Jan. 9 that the department received a $150,000 capacity grant in December from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Great Outdoors Fund to support conservation and outdoor‑recreation projects.

Staff said the grant will fund partnership convenings and planning to develop a shared vision, mission and organizational structure for regional conservation work. Staff noted that participation in regional partnerships could open access to additional funding proposals under discussion at the state level, including a sales tax proposal related to wildfire mitigation that has been reported in local press.

On the Poudre Ponds site, staff reported that mining activity in the reservoir is roughly two‑thirds complete. The minutes state that water‑and‑sewer operations control the water and that river flows will not be sufficient to refill the ponds; staff said the ponds are unlikely to be refilled until spring runoff in winter 2026–2027.

Staff also described planned site improvements including kiosk signage, shade shelters, benches, port‑o‑let enclosures and a boat ramp.

Next steps: Natural Areas staff will use the capacity grant to convene partners and advance conservation projects; water restoration timing will depend on completion of mining and natural runoff conditions.