STATE OF THE ROCKIES

August 4 – 8 the Rockies team traveled through New Mexico learning about wildlife management on a few unique ranches and preserves. Outside of Raton, NM, researchers spent two days touring the Vermejo Park Ranch. Though game and predator wildlife populations at Vermejo Park are healthy, through the Turner Endangered Species Fund they are working to re-introduce the black-footed ferret and Rio Grande cutthroat trout, among other species. Next, researchers visited the Fort Union Ranch, where the Fort Union National Monument and Santa Fe Trail are also located. Here, researchers learned the struggles of turning a profit on a working ranch, and the importance of preserving open space and history. After a brief stop at the Wind River Ranch, the Rockies team ended their trip with an overnight stay at the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a  unique land management experiment by the federal government. In 2002, after being purchased by the government from private owners, management of the Preserve was transferred to the Valles Caldera Trust, who valiantly pursue the missions of multiple use, sustainability, and financial independence.

From July 7 through July 18, State of the Rockies student researchers traveled throughout Montana and Wyoming to assess both wildlife management and its intersection with energy development. Student researchers backpacked in the Shoshone National Forest, toured natural gas rigs in Pinedale, WY, floated a section of the Snake River, and conferred with regional wildlife and energy experts. Student researchers will embark on a second field trip to New Mexico on August 4, after completing two more weeks of research for the 2009 State of the Rockies Report Card.

This June, the Colorado College State of the Rockies Project will begin its sixth year of research. With an outstanding new group of student researchers, we are excited to continue our tradition of researching key Rocky Mountain issues and engaging the public in our findings.

In addition to rigorous office-based analysis, student researchers will be investigating their topics in the field by taking a group research trip to the northern Rockies. Not only is this an opportunity to observe firsthand the real-world implications of their research, but it is also a chance to learn from experts region-wide. The topics to be addressed this summer are Wildlife: Historic Range and Current Condition, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Conflicts with Intense Energy Development, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and The “Megapolitan” Rockies.

Please check www.stateoftherockies.com for updates on our progress.

The 2008 State of the Rockies Report Card has been cited by nearly 300 media sources this year alone. Please visit our In the News section to view press coverage of the 2008 State of the Rockies Report Card.

Woody Beardsley, CEO of Hybrid Energy Group (HEG), spoke to conference attendees about a segment of the clean energy sector that invites small capital investment. HEG implements a flexible investment strategy that focuses on small wind, solar and biodiesel companies that may not be attractive to institutional investors, investment banks and large private equity funds, who tend to be more comfortable with the risks and returns of large-scale renewable energy investments.

Former United States secretary of the interior Gale Norton addressed a crowd of students and Colorado Springs citizens at Colorado College for the 2008 State of the Rockies conference. Norton spoke on topics including land use and endangered species, and answered questions from audience members after concluding her speech.  Please visit the Colorado Springs Gazette for a media reaction to Norton’s address.

For the 2008 State of the Rockies Conference, State of the Rockies student researchers each hosted a workshop designed to elaborate on their findings in a community context. Bringing together experts, students, and concerned citizens, these workshops were designed to foster meaningful dialogue and encouraged community action. We were pleased to have had high community and student attendance, and to have experienced the diverse perspectives of truly interested people.

Three workshops were hosted Monday, April 7:

Affordable Housing in Colorado Springs: Existing Options and Future Opportunities – hosted by Wiley Rogers

Renewable Energy: Resedential Solutions to a National Issue – hosted by Elizabeth Kolbe

Managing Recreation in Colorado’s Wilderness and Wildlands – hosted by Brandon Goldstein

Two workshops were hosted on Tuesday April 8:

Immigration in Colorado Springs: Connecting Collorado College to local Immigrant Communities – hosted by Simon Cataldo

Restoration Opportunities in the Fountain Creek Watershed – hosted by Lucy Emerson-Bell

The 2008 Annual State of the Rockies Conference began Sunday, April 6 on Armstrong Quad at Colorado College. Students and other community members gathered at to celebrate the Rockies by enjoying locally produced food, local music, films about the Rocky Mountain Region, and student photos of the Rockies. The event was highlighted by filmmaker and CC alumnus Travis Rummel’s personal introduction of his acclaimed film “The Hatch.” Winners of the photo contest were Will Chambers, Tom Dugan, Zion Klos, Charlie Kenyon, and Ryan Schumacher.

The fifth annual State of the Rockies Conference will be held April 6-8 on the Colorado College campus and will mark the launch of the 2008 State of the Rockies Report Card.

Student Researcher Simon Cataldo and Program Coordinator Chris Jackson visited Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs to discuss the State of the Rockies research process and our current research topics.  In the ensuing discussion, Mitchell students provided the Rockies Team with some insight into the issues and potential research topics that are important to high school students.  The event was the idea of Social Studies teacher Todd Nelson, who recieved both his bachelors degree and masters degree from Colorado College.