From June through August, Keep It Colorado staff had the tremendous opportunity to travel around the state to convene with our members face-to-face. These regional meetings were packed with conversation, learning and sharing, as well as some social time and spectacular tours of conserved properties. We capped off this year’s regional meeting season with a virtual gathering for those who were unable to travel.

Our primary goal was to hear from members about their key organizational and conservation priorities as well as the challenges they face. We also brainstormed emerging issues and hot topics of interest, including recreation access easements, term land protection agreements, fire mitigation, water conservation and soil health. We engaged members in conversations around justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and shared what Keep It Colorado’s current initiatives are around this important subject. And we shared updates about key legislation that passed this year, our alternative valuation pilot project, Keep It Colorado’s Statewide Private Lands Conservation Plan, and the Arkansas Basin Conservation Alliance.

In all, 86 individuals attended, representing 30 of our member organizations from across the state. We had the distinct pleasure of welcoming GOCO’s new regional officers to these meetings as well – thanks for your ongoing support, GOCO!

Many thanks to all who attended these meetings – they are a unique chance to come together and manifest what this coalition is all about.