The Montelores Coalition focuses on balancing sustainable outdoor recreation, conservation of natural resources, and economic development opportunities in and around dolores and montezuma counties, as well as the greater southwest colorado region
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: Strike Teams
Strike Teams are the Montelores Coalition’s first on-the-ground implementation effort and represent an important step from planning into action. This pilot initiative brings together partners, landowners, and community members to complete targeted conservation and recreation projects. Our initial pilot projects will focus on:
- Removal of derelict fencing that poses risks to wildlife and limits landscape connectivity
- Targeted noxious weed treatment in priority areas
- Recreation site maintenance to improve recreation experiences and address damage
We are currently accepting project proposals from partners and community members. Projects will be evaluated based on alignment with plan priorities, community impact, feasibility, and readiness.
👉 View the Request for Proposals
👉 Review the Strike Team Proposal Ranking Matrix
👉 Submit your proposal here.
Proposals are due by May 4, 2026.
Our Guiding Framework
Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Plan + Action Planning Matrix
The Montelores Coalition’s Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Plan serves as our regional roadmap, outlining shared priorities for healthy landscapes, meaningful outdoor experiences, and resilient communities across Montezuma and Dolores Counties.
The Action Planning Matrix works alongside the Plan to guide implementation. It translates strategies into clear actions, identifies partner roles and funding pathways, and helps prioritize projects across the region.
Together, these documents are living tools with the Outdoor Recreation and Conservation plan being revised every 5 years and the Action Planning Matrix being revised every year as projects move forward, new partnerships form, and community needs shift. Every initiative featured on this page stems directly from this framework.
upcoming & proposed projects
Walk A Mile in Our Shoes
A storytelling event and podcast series that uplifts diverse outdoor experiences and perspectives from across the Montelores region. By sharing personal stories, lessons, and lived realities, this project helps build understanding, empathy, and a deeper connection to the lands we all rely on.
Wildlife & Resource Mapping Tool
A data-driven platform designed to help partners identify areas with high ecological value, habitat sensitivity, and resource needs. This tool supports informed decision-making by bringing together local knowledge, scientific data, and on-the-ground observations to guide responsible planning and future projects.
Ranching Art Contest
A creative way to bring the community into conversations about ranching’s role on our shared landscapes. Through art and storytelling, this contest highlights the importance of working lands, celebrates local agricultural heritage, and encourages understanding of how we can reduce conflicts and support coexistence.
learn more about our projects, goals and actions within our community
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