Thank you, for showing interest in the activities of the Green River Greenbelt Task Force (GBTF). Starting this month, we will issue a monthly newsletter informing you of the activities and its partners. The newsletter format will improve over time with help from volunteers. Stay tuned.
In addition to this newsletter, the GBTF will put together a separate volunteer mailing list. This group will receive more numerous emails during the month informing individuals of volunteer opportunities. If you want to add your name to this additional list, respond to this email or contact one of the people listed at the end of this document.
Meetings
The Greenbelt Task Force meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm. We meet in the council chambers in The Green River City Hall. You are encouraged and welcome to attend.
Master Plan Update
Survey response
The master plan survey was a huge success. 768 people responded. The Green River Chamber of Commerce, The City of Green River, local media, Sweetwater School District #2 and several major employers sent out the survey. Most organizations would be happy with 200-300 survey responses. We believe the strength of the response shows the public’s interest in enhancing the greenbelt corridor.
Over 95% of the respondents use the greenbelt regularly and have for a long time. They believed that the greenbelt added recreational and health benefits to city residents. They further believed that it made the city more attractive and added to their quality of life. The public added recommendations for greenbelt improvements and suggested ways to secure funding.
Visit full response of the master plan survey to access the entire results.
Next steps
The City of Green River’s Master Plan Steering Committee with the help of the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Program and the Greenbelt Task Force are recruiting members to form working groups to develop the master plan based on survey results. Currently, groups are being formed to:
Improve Existing trail Access
New Trails/Trail Extension/Connections
Corridor Habitat
River Access and recreation
Economic Development
Opportunities for corridor development made possible after the wastewater treatment plant is built
Greenbelt Progress
Killdeer Wetlands Repair
The City of Green River and the GBTF wrote two grants to fund the repair of the diversion dam. Repairs will lower the water level behind the dam and widen the mouth of the outlet making the dam more functional and safer.
Rock Mountain Power has agreed to close the breach at the dam caused by the high water in 2017. Permissions and permits have been cleared. This work will be done in October 2021.
IF both grants are approved, repairs can begin in the early Spring 2022
Planting Trees
The GBTF has planted trees in the greenbelt corridor for 30 years without success. A new Irrigation system is being developed to bring reliable irrigation to the area.
9/11 Event
A Public Service Project was held to commemorate 9/11. Activities included trash pick up, tree cages built and placed to prevent tree damage caused by beavers, construction of a handicap ramp at Stratton-Meyers Park (on going). We wish to thank the organizers of this event
Dog Park
For three years the GRHS National Honor Society has been fundraising to build a dog park. They have raised $39,000 and partnered with professional community partners to complete the park. The GBTF, will aid their efforts during construction using our nonprofit status. Construction is planned for the Spring of 2022.
Future GBTF Actions
A new Master Plan
A gift catalog
A general membership campaign to show support of the community and to raise funds for future matching grants.
Additional members to the Board of Directors
A Greenbelt Note
Between 75 and 80% of the major projects found on the Greenbelt Trail System were paid for by grants and donations. The City of Green River and the Greenbelt Task Force contributed with matching funds and in-kind donations