Southwest Colorado is stunning. We are surrounded by some of America’s most spectacular public lands and watersheds: from the majestic peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the gold medal trout fisheries of the Animas River, and the archaeological treasures of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
Unfortunately, our public lands are increasingly at risk. The climate is changing. Persistent drought and beetle infestations threaten local forests. More and more visitors are heading to the backcountry, straining natural resources at a time when federal land management agencies face constant budget cuts. Meanwhile, politicians in Washington, D.C., are questioning the very idea of public lands.
In the face of these threats, what can you do to advance the conservation of Southwest Colorado’s irreplaceable public lands? Volunteer for the San Juan Mountains Association. In this age of turmoil, SJMA is doubling down on our commitment to local public lands. We believe that by working together, local residents of all political persuasions can help steward our forests, public lands and watersheds.
Each year, SJMA volunteers work thousands of hours to directly improve the public lands that we all love by documenting archaeological sites, performing trail maintenance, providing visitor information, leading educational hikes and conducting wilderness stewardship outreach in the backcountry. In the face of seemingly endless federal budget cuts, these volunteers provide crucial services to the public and our public lands.
As the nonprofit partner of the San Juan National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management, Tres Rios Field Office, SJMA matches interested volunteers with high-impact conservation projects.
This year, SJMA volunteers will help monitor wilderness throughout the San Juan National Forest, educate trail users in the increasingly popular Ice Lakes Basin and assist the Forest Service on work projects to commemorate Colorado Public Lands Day on May 19.
We welcome volunteers of all types to join us as we explore, learn and conserve the spectacular public lands of Southwest Colorado. Let’s work hand-in-hand to improve the land. For more information, visit www.sjma.org.
Brent Schoradt is executive director of the San Juan Mountains Association. SJMA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to public lands stewardship and conservation education in Southwest Colorado.