We were thrilled to bring back Conservation Days on May 4th and 5th after a two-year hiatus, but Delta County’s third grade teachers were even more thrilled! The Delta County Independent covered the event and published a great article in their May 11 edition, also available at this link: https://bit.ly/3ys0LJV

This event could not happen without all of the Conservation Heros who stepped up to provide engaging and educational activities for the kids. They are the true heart and soul of this event. A huge Thank You to all the selfless volunteers and representatives from the North Fork Historical Society, US Forest Service, Delta Conservation District, Solar Energy International, West Elk Search and Rescue, USFWS Hotchkiss Fish Hatchery and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. WSCC, together with our partners from The Nature Connection and Delta County Schools, are forever grateful for your efforts to nurture future generations of conservationists.

CORE Act Sees Movement in Senate

After decades of collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including ranchers, sportsmen, small business owners, veterans, local elected officials, outdoor recreation organizations, and water and energy groups, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee - the committee that oversees public lands legislation - took up the CORE Act in an official “mark-up,” a critical step toward advancing the bill in the Senate. Along with Congressman Neguse, Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper have been champions of the bill. Today’s mark-up is the result of their dedicated work and reflects the clear desires of local communities to have these lands protected in perpetuity. Please join our friends at Wilderness Workshop in thanking Senator Bennet and Senator Hickenlooper on their efforts to get this bill to the finish line. 

https://wilderness-workshop.salsalabs.org/ww-coreactsenatemarkup2022/index.html?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=353c066f-9883-4f39-a26b-d5c210856551

Gunnison Public Lands Initiative

For the past several years, a coalition of organizations have been working in Gunnison County to protect public lands, enhance a strong and sustainable economy, and support historic uses of public lands. Called the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative (GPLI), this coalition is building a community proposal that builds upon the common ground between all of the members and provides a carefully vetted, deliberative vision for the future of public lands in Gunnison County. WSCC has been a long-time supporter of this coalition and work. To find out more about GPLI, follow the link below.

https://www.gunnisonpubliclands.org/

Quick Recap of Happenings at our State Legislature 

Last week, Ben Katz, WSCC’s Public Lands Program Director, and Pete Kolbenschlag, Executive Director of the Colorado Farm and Food Alliance, traveled to the Colorado state capitol to meet with legislators and discuss bills moving their way through the state legislature. With one day left in session, there is much left to do! Stay tuned for a full update next month. 

Our River Park is looking pretty darn good these days. Just a few finishing touches left on the classroom structure, and soon you'll being seeing an artistic osprey's nesting pole crafted by the one and only Ira Houseweart. 
One big reason the park is so lovely is because dedicated volunteers turn out once a month to help keep it that way. Our next workday on May 17 will focus on knocking back weeds, hanging a few signs and getting rid of exposed landscaping cloth along the trail.
Everyone is welcome to participate! Come join the fun!