Colorado officials have announced the launch of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, a statewide plan aimed at preserving the state’s natural landscapes while supporting outdoor recreation and climate resilience. The announcement was made by Governor Jared Polis and leaders from several state agencies during the Partners in the Outdoors Conference in Colorado Springs.
The new strategy brings together conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate preparedness efforts under a single framework. It is coordinated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and the Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness & Disaster Recovery.
“Coloradans and our visitors love our great outdoors, and the outdoors are essential to what makes our state special,” said Governor Polis. “The health of our wildlife, biodiversity, people, communities, agriculture, and economies depends on thriving natural environments and amazing outdoor recreation experiences that our state provides. But our wild areas face significant and urgent pressures from growing populations, human disturbance, climate change, wildfires, and drought – and we are at an important crossroads. Our Strategy provides structure and important tools to help communities effectively and successfully plan and implement for the future.”
The strategy includes several resources such as an interactive data dashboard with information on conservation efforts at both state and county levels; a searchable library of federal to local plans related to conservation or recreation; planning guidance; a framework for tribal collaboration; an equity resource guide; as well as mapping tools available through Colorado’s Conservation Data Explorer (CODEX).
With 96% of residents participating in outdoor activities annually—and 90 million visitors coming to Colorado in 2022—the initiative seeks to balance increased demand for recreation with conservation goals. The population is projected to rise from 5.5 million to 8.5 million by 2050.
Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources said: “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy is a bold, collaborative vision for the future of our state’s great outdoors. With leadership from the Department of Natural Resources, Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Outdoor Recreation Office, and the Governor’s office, we’ve developed an innovative framework that will guide how we protect and steward Colorado’s landscapes — making them more climate-resilient, while also ensuring exceptional recreational opportunities are accessible to all. Our outdoors are more than just playgrounds — they are the heart of our Colorado way of life. But they’re under pressure — from population growth, increasing visitation, climate change, wildfires, and drought. To help tackle these challenges, we’ve spent the last few years listening — to communities, to experts, to everyday Coloradans — and crafting a strategy that reflects our shared commitment to protecting what makes this state so special. We’re proud of the work that’s been done, and even more excited about what comes next.”
Conor Hall from the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office emphasized economic impacts: “As Colorado’s significant outdoor industry continues to grow… It empowers communities…to work together in building a future where our landscapes are resilient…” Jonathan Asher with Climate Preparedness noted improved technical capabilities for planning: “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy boosts Colorado’s technical chops…advancing Colorado’s preparedness for a climate impacted future…”
Other partners such as GOCO’s Jackie Miller praised broad collaboration: “Colorado’s outdoor champions are showing their strength…United by a shared vision…” Carlos Fernández from The Nature Conservancy highlighted scientific contributions: “The Nature Conservancy in Colorado is proud to have offered our science…”
Chairman Melvin J. Baker underscored tribal involvement: “The Strategy’s Guidance Framework for Tribal Collaboration offers a much-needed approach…” Patt Dorsey from National Wild Turkey Federation compared joint management needs between wildlife protection and public use.
Agricultural representatives like Tony Hass stated support for balancing productivity with stewardship: “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy is a voluntary collaborative partnership for agriculture…” Regional voices including Janelle Kukuk noted recognition given long-standing traditions connecting recreation with conservation.
Local governments echoed similar sentiments about partnerships driving forward-looking solutions—Jody Shadduck-McNally called it “a pathway” toward collective problem-solving across counties.
Statewide organizations such as Conservation Colorado expressed optimism about addressing habitat loss while promoting equitable access—Luke Shafer remarked on inclusive community investments enabled by this approach.
Academic institutions like CSU pledged ongoing data support via CODEX mapping tools—David Anderson described how these resources would inform major projects like statewide surveys.
Other contributors included groups focused on specific regions or interests—from Pikes Peak initiatives using new data layers (Becky Leinweber) to river advocates highlighting ecosystem protections (Hattie Johnson).
Implementation will be led by CPW alongside GOCO and other partners who will coordinate continued leadership on this multi-agency effort.
More information about resources available through this initiative can be found at cpw.state.co.us/coloradosoutdoorsstrategy.
