The Montelores Coalition aims to focus 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
Our Guiding Plan
The Action Planning Matrix is the living guide on how the Montelores Coalition puts the Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Plan into action. It takes each goal and strategy a step further by outlining specific actions, identifying partner roles, suggesting funding sources, and noting locations and priority levels. Because conditions on the landscape and in our communities change over time, the matrix is designed to be adaptive and updated regularly as projects progress and new opportunities emerge. Together, these actions form the foundation for the initiatives and projects we pursue across Montezuma and Dolores Counties.
You can explore the full plan and Action Planning Matrix here.
Below are some examples of proposed projects.
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.
Strike Teams
Hands-on field crews dedicated to addressing pressing needs on the landscape, including removing derelict fencing, maintaining trails, and treating noxious weeds. These teams provide quick, targeted support that improves habitat health, enhances recreation areas, and reduces conflicts across shared spaces.
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.
Montelores Coalition Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Plan
The Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Plan is our first step in building a shared vision for how Montezuma and Dolores Counties can support healthy landscapes, meaningful outdoor experiences, and resilient communities. This plan outlines regional priorities, identifies challenges, and provides strategies that guide future projects, partnerships, and investments.
Treating the plan as an initiative reflects the ongoing work it represents. It is not a static document. It is a living framework that continues to evolve through community input, partner collaboration, and new information about the needs of our lands and people. The plan sets the foundation for the projects and efforts featured across this page, helping ensure that each initiative moves our region toward shared goals.
You can explore the full Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Plan here.
learn more about our projects, goals and actions within our community
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