Q&A with Carlos Fernández, State Director, The Nature Conservancy
K: Tell us a bit about your land trust and how it’s working for Colorado’s future.
C: The Nature Conservancy has been working to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends in Colorado since 1966. We have protected more than 1.3 million acres of land in Colorado and over 1200 river miles. From being a founding member of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), to a key partner in the creation of Great Sand Dunes National Park (through the acquisition of the 100,000 Baca Ranch), to the most recent partnership with GOCO, Trust for Public Land, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the City of Trinidad to create Fisher's Peak State Park, we’re proud of our legacy and hopeful for Colorado’s future. All of our work is focused on a science-based, collaborative approach to create lasting conservation outcomes for future generations.
K: What is one thing you wish every Coloradan understood about the work of land trusts?
C: The state of Colorado’s territory is composed of 60 percent private lands and 40 percent public lands. Without the important work that land trusts perform in our state in partnership with state agencies, GOCO and other key partners, the majority of our state would remain unprotected and would certainly not look like it does today. Through the work of land trusts, critical natural resources and the plants and animals that rely on them have been protected, along with livelihoods and communities throughout the state. The important work of land trusts benefits everyone throughout Colorado.
K: What inspired you to join the board of Keep It Colorado?
C: I am inspired by Keep it Colorado’s mission to unite, elevate and empower Colorado’s conservation community to protect the lands and waters that define our state. Transformational conservation at scale must happen with a level of urgency, and is necessary to make a difference - and that will require organizations like Keep it Colorado. I’m honored to be able to serve on the Keep it Colorado board and make a small contribution to the future of our state.
K: What does conservation mean to you?
C: It means to have people, lands, waters and wildlife thrive together. It means to find the balance between resources and needs. It means to leave the planet in better shape for my daughter and the future generations to come.
K: What is your favorite thing to do outdoors in Colorado?
C: Fly fishing, mountain biking and skiing are my three favorites things to do in the outdoors, but I enjoy every single activity I can do outside!
K: What is your favorite…
River, lake or stream in Colorado: Yampa River
Mountain peak: Wilson Peak
Prairie or grassland: Southeast Colorado Grasslands
Ranch or farmland: Carpenter Ranch
Colorado-grown food: Beef and peaches
Form of wildlife: Bighorn sheep
Thank you for your service to Colorado and your leadership on our board, Carlos!
