CWPL is a niche organization with a broad perspective. Collectively our organization has over 100 years’ experience with public lands management. Differentiated by our technical expertise, we know the processes and we mobilize people.

How We Got Started.

In 2009, members of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board were tasked with evaluating a proposed land exchange in Pitkin County that was initiated by private individuals. The proposal was a land exchange between the private parties (proponent) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Step one was to find out “What was a land exchange (LEX) all about?” While researching land exchange proposals, another proposal was identified in Gunnison County. It was identical to the first, and the two were being brokered by the same consulting firm.

With our new knowledge, we connected with local communities, reached out, and raised awareness about the two land exchange proposals, their connections and their potential to NOT be in the public interest.

We learned that land exchanges are controversial, often dividing communities, and that the evaluation process often discounts public values. As a result of our work and communities’ engagement, these efforts quieted the Bear Ranch, Gunnison County proposal, and encouraged improvements and more public process for the Sutey Ranch, Pitkin County proposal.

Such advocacy requires a great amount of time, effort, education, and money; in 2014, we founded Colorado Wild Public Lands (CWPL) to help communities address public lands issues. CWPL helps organize local resources to evaluate, monitor, comment on, and influence, potential changes to public lands and assets.

Our Values.

These values reflect what we stand for, and what our members and stakeholders can expect from us. They are our enduring beliefs and ideals that direct our organization’s behavior and decision-making.

We define Public Lands as those held in trust for the citizens of the United States and for enjoyment by all. These include lands held by federal, state and local government e.g. Forest Service or County.

Our public lands are what make Colorado our cherished home; as such, they are indivisible from our daily lives.

Access We believe in freedom to access and enjoy our natural, unfettered landscapes

Wisdom Our wisdom comes from honoring the value of large, natural, holistic public landscapes.

Integrity We stand in the integrity of our word and our work.

Respect We strive to earn respect by listening to different opinions and thoroughly researching the issues.

Commitment We are committed to the hard work required to be vigilant on natural public land issues.

Our Principles.

Public lands should remain public, unless a trade provides overwhelming public benefit.

Access to public lands is critical. Without access, these become essentially private lands.

Land management challenges must be met by public management, not through privatization. Such stewardship is a sacred trust that must be open and accessible.

The power of people is transformative. CWPL is committed to being a proactive citizen voice. We foster public lands awareness and education.

We work and persevere to protect the public’s interests in their land.