Partnering with Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Our Partners Program is built on Colorado's Outdoor Principles.  Colorado’s Outdoor Principles are a set of seven guidelines for advancing outdoor recreation and conservation. 

1.  Public Lands
   Outdoor recreation and conservation require that a diversity of lands and waters be publicly owned, available for public access, and cared for properly. The uniquely American public-land heritage is a privilege and a birthright, and the availability of open space and outdoor recreation opportunities in Colorado is a major part of what has made this one of the most desirable states in which to live. We should seek to increase the quality of these public lands and waterways, and do so under the guidance of these seven principles
2. Private Lands
   Within Colorado’s diversity of land and waters, private land provides a balance of conservation and access for outdoor recreation and conservation of landscapes. Private lands in Colorado are vital for the conservation of the natural resources and western heritage that has long defined the state. Private landowners increase the viability of our lands, waters and natural assets by keeping habitat connected and in a natural state. Private landowners and vested parties should be involved in collaborative dialogues whenever possible and turned to for solutions and deeper partnerships.  
3. Working Together
   Both recreation and conservation are needed to sustain Colorado’s quality of life. Both are beneficial to local economic well-being,  for personal health, and for sustaining Colorado’s natural resources. This mutual need exists because outdoor recreation helps people understand the importance of maintaining healthy, intact ecosystems. In turn, that understanding builds support for natural resource protection and stewardship, and conservation protects the land, water and wild places upon which outdoor recreation depends. ​
4. Minimize Impact
   All recreation has an impact. Coloradans have an obligation to minimize these impacts across the places they recreate and the larger landscape through ethical outdoor behavior.An interpreter at Barr Lake State Park shows a child animal furs, feathers, and turtle shells. Ethical outdoor behavior demonstrates respect for land, water, and wildlife. This outdoor ethic is critical and must be developed in all users and taught to future generations.
5. Management and Education
   Proactive management solutions, combined with public education, is necessary to care for land, water, and wildlife, and to provide the protections needed to maintain quality recreation opportunities. Active public engagement in crafting solutions is necessary to ensure land management decisions reflect a consensus and can be effectively implemented. A broad, landscape approach is necessary in order to meet both conservation and recreation needs. Collaborative decision-making is needed to decide which activities are best suited for various landscapes.
6. Science-based Decisions
   Physical, biological and social science must inform the management of outdoor recreation. Management decisions should be grounded in the best available scientific information to ensure the protection of natural areas and the sustainability of resources. That information is also necessary to maintain and enhance the quality of outdoor recreation experiences.  
7. Stable Funding
   Long-term, stable and diverse funding sources are essential to protect the environment and support outdoor recreation. Land management agencies need adequate funding from federal, state, and local government sources, supplemented by new and non-traditional funding from private and nonprofit sources.​