Conservationists have released a plan to protect key lands and waters in Colorado that people and nature need to survive and thrive in a changing climate. “Conserving Colorado: A 10-year Roadmap for the Future of Private Land Conservation” calls for doubling the number of acres protected over the next 10 years, from 3.3 million to 6.6 million acres. Comments from Linda Lidov, interim executive director, Keep It Colorado.
America the Beautiful, or 30 by 30, is not a land grab. Nobody is taking away farmers’ and ranchers’ private property rights. Conservation and conservation easements are voluntary. And conservation easements, which are legal agreements to protect land in perpetuity, create more — not fewer — options for landowners.
After a competitive nomination process, a selection panel has named five Conservation Heroes, and will honor them for their outstanding contributions to conservation in Colorado! The panel enjoyed reviewing the nominations and hearing about the passion, energy and expertise of many across Colorado who are making a significant difference to advance the pace and scale of conservation.
Keep It Colorado selected 11 photographers for their photos and narratives illustrating their connection to land, water and wildlife in Colorado. Their work will be celebrated at a “Colorado the Beautiful: A Tapestry of Photos” gallery exhibit in September. Submissions highlight the diversity and beauty of landscapes across the state and celebrate the unique relationships people have with Colorado’s places and spaces.
On June 7, Colorado Governor Polis signed Condemned Conservation Easement Property Compensation (HB22-208) into law. The new law codifies valuation for conserved lands when they must be condemned, and ensures that the fair-market value of the property includes the value of the conservation easement.
As summer rolls in across Colorado, the threats of wildfire, diminishing snowpack and prolonged drought weigh heavy on the minds of many residents who cherish the state's iconic landscapes and wildlife. Conservationists are encouraging people to get in touch with their local land trusts to be part of the climate solution.
What do good partnerships look like in the conservation space? A recent panel discussion featured four land trusts and four local public agencies, who shared what it takes to build successful partnerships. The dialogue centered on strategies, experiences and lessons learned - and celebrated the conservation projects that have been the fruit of these partnership efforts.
Every year, Keep It Colorado convenes members and partners for our annual Spring Summit. This year we gathered in-person at Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Partners in the Outdoors Conference, and our theme was “The Ideal State of Conservation” where conversations centered on climate resiliency and justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).
Keep It Colorado has expanded its team with the addition of Hannah George, who joined the coalition as programs and events coordinator in April. Bringing extensive experience working with local farms and land trusts, Hannah will provide key oversight and administrative support for grant programs, special projects and member events.
Six land trusts shared what their work looks like on the ground, and the many benefits people and wildlife receive from conservation efforts. People from all reaches of the state joined us for our Virtual Conservation Showcase. They discovered that conservation means many different things, and that the work of land trusts varies widely!
More frequent and exponentially larger wildfires and prolonged drought already are impacting Colorado's agricultural lands and regional economies. To ensure communities can survive and thrive in a changing climate, a broad range of stakeholders are working to create the state's first-ever private lands conservation plan. Read the full story on Public News Service.
Do you ever feel like someone is doing so much to protect the places you love in Colorado that you’re inspired to call them your hero? Now’s your chance to thank and honor that special someone. Nominate a person or organization that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to conserving land and water in Colorado.
Keep It Colorado will spend 2022 focusing on policy priorities that will build more support for conservation, and specifically private lands conservation. Keep It Colorado will remain active at the Colorado State Capitol and in Washington D.C., continuing to promote existing conservation tools and look for new opportunities to increase investments in conservation. Read about our 2022 policy priorities at the state and federal levels.
In partnership with
