Launching Colorado's Outdoors Strategy: A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability and Recreation

Introducing Colorado's Outdoors Strategy

On April 23, 2025, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, alongside key partners from various conservation and outdoor recreation departments, unveiled the Colorado's Outdoors Strategy. This comprehensive statewide initiative is set to shape the future of Colorado's outdoor spaces, with a focus on sustainability, community resilience, and ecological preservation.

The strategy was presented during the Partners in the Outdoors Conference held in Colorado Springs, marking a significant step towards ensuring that Colorado's natural landscapes remain vibrant and accessible for future generations. Integral players in the development of this strategy include Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, among others.

A Forward-Thinking Approach

Entailing coordination, financial support, and strategic action, Colorado's Outdoors Strategy is acknowledged as a pioneering framework in the U.S. for integrating conservation and climate resilience efforts with outdoor recreation. Governor Polis emphasized the necessity of this initiative, stating, "The health of our wildlife, biodiversity, people, communities, agriculture, and economies depends on thriving natural environments and amazing outdoor recreation experiences that our state offers."

He highlighted the urgent pressures faced by Colorado's natural areas: population growth, climate change, and environmental stressors like wildfires and droughts. The strategy aims to provide communities with the tools and structure necessary to effectively prepare for these imminent challenges.

According to statistics, an impressive 96% of Colorado residents engage in outdoor activities at least once a year, with an influx of 90 million visitors exploring the state's recreational landscapes in 2022. As the state's population is projected to rise from 5.5 million to 8.5 million by 2050, a balanced approach to conservation and recreation is more critical than ever.

Key Goals of Colorado's Outdoors Strategy

The strategy outlines three pivotal goals:
1. Climate-Resilient Conservation and Restoration: This goal emphasizes the need for conservation and restoration of public lands and water systems, ensuring that wildlife thrives and habitats are interconnected and robust.
2. Exceptional and Sustainable Outdoor Recreation: Ensuring that diverse, high-quality outdoor experiences are accessible and equitable while enhancing stewardship efforts to mitigate impacts on communities and landscapes.
3. Coordinated Planning and Funding: This involves interdisciplinary planning processes, underpinned by strong funding avenues, that embrace diverse stakeholders and drive significant action for the outdoors.

Jeff Davis, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, shared his vision, stating, "The Strategy supports all who love the outdoors in working together to achieve climate-resilient conservation and exceptional outdoor recreation. Everyone can use the Strategy's vision and goals as 'North Stars' to champion Colorado's outdoors."

Implementation and Collaboration

The strategy will be executed through detailed objectives and actionable partners' initiatives. A dedicated Resource Hub will be available to facilitate data sharing, mapping tools, and collaborative resources aimed at bolstering conservation and recreation planning.

This hub includes interactive dashboards that provide state and county-level information and resource libraries for best practices in conservation and recreation across various jurisdictions. A specific focus is placed on inclusivity, incorporating a guidance framework for Tribal Collaboration and an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resource Guide.

Key partners across the spectrum—state, federal, and local governments, Tribal Nations, and private stakeholders—have collectively contributed to the strategy's formulation. The overarching belief is that unified action can produce lasting benefits for Colorado's beloved landscapes, fostering vibrant communities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

GOCO's Executive Director, Jackie Miller, remarked on the strategy as a testament to collaboration, saying, "United by a shared vision and leveraging the best available research and resources, we are equipped to protect Colorado's landscapes for the future."

Moving forward, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will spearhead the strategy's stewardship, working in tandem with various partners to promote collaborative leadership and deliver results that resonate across Colorado.

For more information on Colorado's Outdoors Strategy or to explore the Resource Hub, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife.