The Montelores Coalition is founded upon principles for collaborative engagement in and around Montezuma and Dolores counties, and with the Ute Mountain tribe
Our Members:
- Recognize that outdoor recreation related economic development is an important asset to the southwest corner of the state, as well as to the locals and visitors who spend their time in the outdoors. Likewise, this asset needs to be balanced with conservation efforts of our natural and cultural resources to ensure the integrity of this land remains intact for future generations to come.
- Recognize the diverse needs, viewpoints, and creative solutions of all stakeholders and community members who live, enjoy, and earn their income through our public lands. We are here to collaborate, share diverse points of view, and inform land managers the direction of the future of our lands.
- Recognize that any new outdoor recreational opportunities need to mitigate user conflicts and reduce or eliminate long-term environmental impacts. We are here to develop sustainable opportunities by encouraging outdoor recreation opportunities that mitigate conflict, environmental impact, and wildlife habitat degradation.
- Commit to understanding factors related to potential human and environmental impacts with the intent to improve the current situation.
- Commit to understanding the interests of all who use public lands, respecting that interests can be divergent, and working toward solutions that value these various interests, including those related to environmental, social, and economic viability, and recognize that full agreement on all issues is not necessary to pursue specific opportunities for collaboration on certain issues.
- Commit to utilizing sound science and evidence in discussions to develop an outcomes-based approach and promote implementation of shared solutions.
Foster the collaborative relationship within the region.
The people who live, work, and play in southwest Colorado know that we live in a special place. We have unique wild and historic landscapes, incredible biodiversity, and unmatched recreational opportunities
Our corner of the state is rich with cultural heritage, and we understand that accessibility to these assets are worth protecting
our values correspond with our mission
Collaboration
Communication, Cooperation, and Community drive our collaborative approach to building and growing a regional vision and strategic plan for outdoor recreation and conservation.
Stewardship
Responsibility and care of our private and public lands in a manner that protects our natural resources, wildlife and quality of life, now and for future generations.
Accessibility
Ensuring that all residents and visitors of every age, ability, race, gender, ethnicity, or creed have equitable access to opportunities in outdoor recreation, hunting, and angling, conservation, cultural heritage, and historic preservation across the region.
Respect
Treating our community members, visitors, lands, wildlife, and natural resources with consideration and care, and planning for a sustainable future.
Community
Fostering a sense of belonging, collaboration, support, and cooperation toward a common vision and goals.
Transparency
Building mutual trust through honest and transparent communications between the Coalition, the community and our user groups, as well as through the open sharing of helpful information and resources.
our executive committee
The Executive Committee is the primary administrator, and decision-making body of the Montelores Coalition and is made up of the agencies, local governments, and community leaders that enact plans and policies related to recreation in Montezuma and Dolores counties, and surrounding tribal lands. The Montelores Executive Committee meets every other Tuesday at the Tres Rios Field Office and on ZOOM.
Cara Gildar
Executive Director
Thomas Rice
Chairperson – Recreation Staff Officer, San Juan National
Forest, Dolores Ranger District
Joseph Manning
Vice Chair – Assistant Field Manager, Resources, BLM Tres Rios Field Office
Paul Morey
Chief of Natural Resources, Mesa Verde National Park
Beth Cascaddan
Economic Development Director, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
Jamin Grigg
Senior Wildlife Biologist, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
James Dietrich
Natural Resources Planning and Public Lands Coordinator, Montezuma County
Eric Stiasny
Board of County Commission Chair, Dolores County
Jason Armstrong
Community and Economic Development Coordinator, Town of Mancos
Kalin Grigg
Trustee, Town of Dolores
Lanea Donahoo
Owner, Podunk’s Ranch
Brian Bartlett
CEO, Mesa Verde Country
Michelle Furi
Coalition Communications Coordinator
Helen West
Community & Economic Development Specialist, City of Cortez
If you represent an organized group, agency, or nonprofit in the region and would like to get involved, become a Stakeholder Today!
Learn more about our Charter
This Charter outlines the purpose, scope and foundational principles of the Montelores Coalition along with its ground rules, governance structure, and media protocols.