New nature group will chart a future for Colorado’s wildlife

My mother, born in Colorado, and a mountain climber, equestrian, angler and member of the NRA, had us kids out in all kinds of weather all over the West. She knew the great outdoors would teach us all the lessons we would ever need. One of those lessons was to marvel at nature’s beauty while committing to protect the Colorado she knew for future generations.

Years later, early on a frigid February morning, I climbed Pikes Peak. On that clear day, I could see Colorado in a 360-degree panorama.

I remembered that “America the Beautiful” was inspired by the very view I was enjoying. As I descended on skis, I committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that Colorado stayed beautiful for generations to come.

A tapestry of life thrives in Colorado, where jagged granite peaks pierce the sky, and endless plains stretch toward the horizon. Here, regal bighorn sheep navigate dizzying cliffs, and elusive Canada lynx glide through snow-dusted forests. These creatures, woven into our state’s fabric, face a chilling threat: extinction.

Colorado is home to 159 species on the brink of severe decline or permanent loss. Wolverines, Gunnison sage grouse, Colorado River cutthroat trout and numerous other species are at risk. This alarming scenario calls for immediate, decisive action. Colorado must lead the way and address the extinction crisis.

Statewide surveys, such as Colorado College’s annual State of the Rockies, consistently underscore a clear consensus: Coloradans overwhelmingly support protecting wildlife and their habitat, preserving natural areas and safeguarding crucial wildlife migration routes.

Fortunately, a new organization, Colorado Nature League, which I am proud to support, is ready to lead. Our mission is to protect, conserve and restore Colorado’s native wildlife and habitats.

CNL represents a diverse collaboration of conservationists, scientists, nonprofits and sports people, all unified in their goal of safeguarding our natural world. CNL’S innovative approach champions science-driven wildlife management to restore threatened wildlife, prevent further habitat loss and make our ecosystems more resilient to climate change. CNL envisions a Colorado where wildlife and habitats thrive.

At the core of CNL’S strategy is transforming today’s wildlife management into a dynamic and effective tool for recovery. By forging partnerships with experts across various disciplines, CNL will spearhead a movement that transcends historic divisions between hunters and outdoor recreationists, between traditionalists and those who value wildlife for its intrinsic value, aiming for tangible, lasting change.

As a lifelong outdoorsman, (before I ran for public office, I annually spent more nights sleeping under the stars than under a roof as director of Colorado Outward Bound) and champion of Colorado’s natural wonders, I have seen the profound impact of biodiversity loss in my lifetime. This loss of wildlife species affects our alpine water supplies and vast recreation-based economy. It makes our ecosystems more susceptible to degradation and eventual collapse in a warming climate.

CNL’S work goes beyond conservation: it is an investment in Colorado’s future, ensuring the resilience of natural habitats and our economy in the face of increasing development pressures, climate change, and wildfires.

Quoting renowned photographer and my dear friend John Fielder: “The best way to preserve our wildlife and habitats is to share the beauty of nature with others.”

I urge you to join this vital mission to safeguard Colorado’s native wildlife and natural heritage. Discover more at conatureleague.org.